Congressman Cleaver Fights for Changes for Chronically Ill

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, has introduced the Patient Centered Quality Care for Life Act to help those with chronic and serious illness in Missouri’s Fifth District, and around the country, get better, clearer and more comprehensive health care. This legislation focuses on making sure palliative care is available to patients and families facing serious or life threatening illness. It also provides assistance for creating excellence in workforce training for those caring for patients, public education and advocacy, and research.

“It can be a very confusing and emotionally exhausting time for loved ones as they try to care for chronically ill family members,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II. “Unfortunately, right now, those who need to focus on fighting their illness must also battle a deluge of confusing information, duplicative tests and multiple doctors.  Palliative care provides patients with a team of trained professionals to help them address their care and improve their quality of life.”

Palliative care is one of the fastest growing trends in health care. One of the driving forces behind the service is to give patients added support with specialists who can help navigate the medical landscape.   Removing unnecessary stress and coordinating care for both the patient and the patient’s family are top priorities of this legislation.

Congressman Cleaver is co-sponsoring the Patient Centered Quality Care for Life Act with Representative Spencer Bachus (R-AL).

“Research tells us that palliative care works, giving patients a better chance of prolonging life and doing it in a cost-efficient and dignified way,” said Representative Cleaver. “And our heart tells us that taking care of the ill and their families, in the best way possible, is the right thing to do.”

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee. Congressman Cleaver also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus and Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.