The Healthcare Leadership Council presented U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) with their ‘Champion in Healthcare Innovation’ award earlier this month. The award is presented annually by the Council to members of Congress who champion legislation that supports patient-centered medical progress.

“It is an honor to receive this award and be recognized as a ‘Champion in Healthcare Innovation’,” Rep. Denham said. “Americans deserve a medical system that is affordable and accessible. This nation has a proud history of pushing the boundaries of innovation and I look forward to continuing the fight for medical advancement so that all Americans may enjoy a better quality of life.”

In July, Denham co-sponsored and voted in favor of H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act, a landmark bipartisan bill that will accelerate the cures process for rare diseases. He has voted repeatedly to protect Medicare for seniors and was honored by the Alliance for Patient Access for his commitment to protect the thousands of patients who rely upon the physician-administered medicines under Medicare Part B. Denham’s bill, the Seniors’ Right to Know Act, would establish guidelines requiring Medicare Advantage (MA) providers to notify program enrollees in a timely manner when they change any portion of their health care plans in order to comply with the Affordable Care Act.

The Healthcare Leadership Council is a coalition of leaders from all disciplines within the field of medicine, with the goal of developing policies and plans to ensure that Americans have access to medical care that is both high-quality and affordable.