Message from Rob:
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Every family deserves access to quality health care without worrying about whether they can afford it.
Unfortunately, too many Virginians feel like they’re paying more every year while getting less in return. Insurance premiums continue to rise, prescription drug prices remain too high, and patients are often left wondering what their care will cost until the bill arrives.
That isn’t how our health care system should work.
Before serving in Congress, I earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health and spent more than 26 years working for the Virginia Department of Health. That experience taught me that improving health care isn’t just about expanding access—it’s also about making care more affordable, transparent, and patient-centered.
That’s why I’m working on practical reforms that put patients first.
When it comes to lowering drug prices, one area that deserves greater scrutiny is the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs. These middlemen negotiate prescription drug prices between drug manufacturers, insurers, and pharmacies, yet too often patients never see the savings. Greater transparency and accountability can help lower prescription drug costs and ensure more of those savings reach the people who need them.
I’m also working to increase transparency throughout our health care system. Patients deserve to know the costs and coverage up front—not weeks later when an unexpected bill arrives. That’s why I cosponsored the Premium Transparency Act, which would require insurers to disclose how much of every premium dollar goes toward patient care versus administrative costs, overhead, and profits. It would also establish a “Plain-English” standard to require clear terms, not confusing jargon, so families can better compare plans and understand their coverage before they purchase health insurance.
Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy is another important priority to bring down costs. Physicians and patients spend far too much time navigating paperwork, prior authorization requirements, and administrative hurdles that delay treatment and increase costs. I’m working to cut bureaucratic red tape to make it easier for doctors to focus on patients, not paperwork.
At the same time, I support expanding access to telehealth and specialty care, promoting early detection and innovative treatments, and lowering insurance premiums for hardworking families.
I will continue working to lower costs, expand access, increase transparency, and strengthen our health care system so every Virginian has access to affordable, high-quality care close to home.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve Virginia’s First District.
Sincerely,
Rob Wittman
Member of Congress, Virginia’s 1st District