Dr. Ruiz Votes for Heroes Act to Bring Financial Relief

Press Release

Washington, D.C. - Today Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) voted for the Heroes Act, coronavirus relief legislation to provide desperately needed support for families and essential workers, fund testing and contact tracing measures, and bring funds to cities and tribal governments.

"We need an unprecedented response to this unprecedented crisis," said Dr. Ruiz. "That's why I support the Heroes Act, which includes my priorities for free COVID19-related treatment, environmental justice grant funding, and tribal health care funds. The bill also includes funding for firefighters, law enforcement, paramedics, and other essential workers employed by cities. The Heroes Act provides support for families, workers, hospitals, and cities in my district as we work together to mitigate the spread of the virus, save lives, and responsibly reopen our economy.

The Heroes Act also includes three of Dr. Ruiz's legislative priorities:

Care for COVID-19 2.0 -- Which require health plans to cover treatment related to COVID-19, at no cost to the patient. Also creates a special enrollment period through the exchange so that people without insurance can sign up for coverage, like the state of California has done.

Environmental Justice COVID-19 -- to provide $50 million for environmental justice grant programs to monitor pollution and investigate COVID-19's impact on environmental justice communities.

Tribal Health Care Protection Fund -- to provide the Indian Health Service, Tribal Health Programs, and Urban Indian Organizations relief funding to keep them financially viable and able to continue providing care.
Dr. Ruiz led 46 bipartisan Members in a letter to Speaker Pelosi pushing for this fund.

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