Safeguarding Our Values at Home and Abroad

As we continue our work to ensure the smooth implementation of the Affordable Care Act, there is much to be done to educate our nation about the health care law and how these benefits will affect Americans and their families.

AARP recently announced new public resources that provide clear information to help Americans better understand what the law means for them and how to access available benefits. One of these resources includes a new online tool called Health Law Answers.

By answering just seven simple questions about where you live, your gender, family size, income and insurance status, a report is generated with benefits that may be available to you and your family and where to find more information. To learn more about specific components of the Affordable Care Act, you can also visit HealthLawFacts.org.

With this landmark law in place, we are holding insurers accountable and putting money back in the pockets of America’s patients. We are reducing costs and strengthening the economic security of families. House Democrats will work diligently over the next few months to ensure that all Americans will benefit from better patient protection, expanded choices, and more affordable health care.

Recent travel alerts and temporary closures of United States Embassies abroad remind us of the importance of protecting yourself when U.S. citizens travel abroad. You might consider taking advantage of resources like the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to register your upcoming trip so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency and subscribe to receive updates on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and other information for a particular country.

If you’re tired of getting stuck at long Customs lines, consider applying for Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. By signing up for Global Entry, you will be able to breeze through customs when returning to the United States. You can also utilize Global Entry when travelling domestically for TSA Pre Check when you purchase your ticket, which allows approved flyers to receive expedited screening benefits. Global Entry costs $100 for a non-refundable application fee and if approved you are covered for five years.

We must continue our work in Congress to ensure that our planes are secure, our passengers are safe, and U.S. aviation remains among the safest ways to travel. To learn more about how my office can assist with your travels, please visit my website.