Bill Proposal: Comprehensive Health Coverage for Functional Medicine and Chronic Condition Care Act

Health
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Bill Proposal: Comprehensive Health Coverage for Functional Medicine and Chronic Condition Care Act

Section 1: Title

This Act shall be known as the Comprehensive Health Coverage for Functional Medicine and Chronic Condition Care Act.

Section 2: Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to:

  • Ensure full health insurance coverage across all healthcare providers for functional medicine practitioners, including the treatment of chronic conditions and the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders.
  • Provide coverage for naturopathic supplements and remedies used in the management of chronic conditions, autoimmune disorders, and other health conditions, at no cost to the patient.
  • Demand transparency regarding the presence of toxins in food, water, the environment, and medications, and require action from the FDA, Big Pharma, and health organizations to address these toxins that contribute to chronic health issues.
  • Create a funding mechanism for this initiative by requiring financial contributions from pharmaceutical companies, FDA oversight, and other health organizations that prioritize profits over patient health and well-being, especially those that fail to address known environmental and health hazards.

Section 3: Definitions

For the purposes of this Act:

  • Functional Medicine: An approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. Functional medicine practitioners consider factors like genetics, environment, and lifestyle, and use treatments tailored to the individual patient.
  • Chronic Conditions: Long-term health conditions that persist over time and require ongoing management, including but not limited to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues, leading to diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and others.
  • Naturopathic Supplements and Remedies: Natural therapies and supplements, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other plant-based treatments, that are used to support the body’s ability to heal itself and manage chronic conditions.
  • Toxins: Chemical substances, pollutants, or agents that can cause harm to human health when present in food, water, medications, or the environment, contributing to chronic illness and autoimmune disorders.
  • Big Pharma: Large pharmaceutical companies whose primary interests are in the production and sale of medications, particularly those that have financial stakes in maintaining the status quo of treatment paradigms.
  • FDA: The Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, supplements, and other consumer health products in the U.S.
  • Health Organizations: Any organization or agency that influences healthcare practices, including insurance companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical groups, and non-governmental organizations that impact public health policy.

Section 4: Full Insurance Coverage for Functional Medicine and Chronic Condition Care

  1. Coverage for Functional Medicine Providers
  • All health insurance companies in the United States, including private insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid, are required to provide full coverage for treatments provided by licensed functional medicine practitioners. This includes:
    • Consultations, diagnostics, and treatments from naturopaths, integrative medicine doctors, and other functional medicine providers.
    • Coverage for nutritional counseling, lifestyle interventions, and personalized treatment plans.
    • All treatments must be in alignment with evidence-based functional medicine protocols.
  1. Chronic Condition Treatment
  • Insurance plans must fully cover the treatment and management of chronic conditions such as:
    • Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, etc.), and metabolic syndromes.
    • Treatments may include but are not limited to lifestyle modification, functional medicine therapies, non-invasive procedures, and complementary therapies.
    • Chronic condition management will focus on prevention, root cause identification, and long-term wellness.
  1. Diagnosis and Treatment of Autoimmune Disorders
  • Health insurance plans will provide full coverage for the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders, including but not limited to:
    • Blood tests, genetic screening, and advanced diagnostic imaging required for accurate identification of autoimmune conditions.
    • Treatments focused on reducing inflammation, immune modulation, and holistic management, including functional medicine approaches and naturopathic remedies.
  1. Coverage for Naturopathic Supplements and Remedies
  • Insurance plans will fully cover naturopathic supplements and remedies prescribed by licensed healthcare providers for:
    • The management of chronic conditions and autoimmune diseases.
    • Remedies such as herbal medicines, vitamin and mineral supplements, adaptogens, and probioticsthat are medically necessary for patient care.
    • This coverage will extend to nutraceuticals and other natural health products when they are deemed necessary by a licensed healthcare provider as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Section 5: Transparency of Toxins in Food, Water, and Medications

  1. Toxin Disclosure Requirements
  • The FDA shall require full disclosure of toxins present in food, water, medications, and the environment. This includes chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, food additives, and pharmaceutical residues.
  • Toxins known to contribute to chronic conditions and autoimmune disorders must be publicly disclosed on product labeling, including foods, pharmaceuticals, and water supplies. This includes:
    • Pesticides in food products, such as glyphosate and other harmful chemicals.
    • Pharmaceuticals and chemicals used in food production that may trigger adverse reactions or worsen chronic conditions.
    • Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic found in medications, water, or food.
  1. FDA Accountability for Toxin Regulation
  • The FDA will be held accountable for failing to address the known presence of harmful toxins in food, water, and medications, particularly those toxins that contribute to chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders.
  • The FDA will be required to update its guidelines and regulations to ensure that the food supply is free of harmful additives, chemicals, and contaminants that are linked to chronic illness.
  1. Environmental and Occupational Toxins
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall collaborate with the FDA to:
    • Conduct regular reviews of environmental toxins and occupational hazards linked to chronic conditions.
    • Mandate the remediation of polluted water sources, hazardous materials in workplaces, and other sources of environmental contamination that contribute to public health issues.

Section 6: Funding Mechanisms for the Act

  1. Funding from Pharmaceutical Companies (Big Pharma)
  • Pharmaceutical companies with sales of over $1 billion annually will be required to contribute a portion of their revenue toward funding the full implementation of this bill. Contributions will be calculated based on a percentage of annual profits, and funds will be allocated to:
    • Support coverage for functional medicine services and natural supplements.
    • Fund research into chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and the harmful effects of environmental toxins.
  1. Funding from the FDA and Health Organizations
  • The FDA and other health organizations that have failed to address transparency regarding toxins in food, water, and medications, or have prioritized profit over public health, will contribute financial resources toward the implementation of this bill, including:
    • Penalties for not addressing the harmful impacts of toxins in consumer products.
    • Contributions to a health fund dedicated to research, education, and patient support for chronic illness management.
  1. Taxes on Toxin-Related Products
  • Toxic products, including harmful chemicals in food and medications, will be taxed at an increased rate. Revenue generated from these taxes will be allocated toward:
    • Research on safe alternatives and detoxification therapies.
    • Healthcare reimbursements for patients needing treatment for toxin-related chronic conditions and autoimmune disorders.
    • Public education on toxin reduction and avoidance.

Section 7: Monitoring and Accountability

  1. Annual Reports on Implementation
  • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will produce an annual report to Congress on the progress of this Act’s implementation, including:
    • The effectiveness of coverage for functional medicine services.
    • The success of the funding mechanisms from Big Pharma, FDA, and health organizations.
    • Data on reductions in chronic conditions, autoimmune diagnoses, and the use of toxic chemicals in the environment.
  1. Oversight and Auditing
  • Independent bodies will be established to audit the funding contributions from pharmaceutical companies, the FDA, and health organizations, ensuring that these funds are properly allocated toward the goals of improving public health and addressing toxins.

Section 8: Penalties for Non-Compliance

  1. Penalties for Non-Compliance by Big Pharma
  • Pharmaceutical companies that fail to meet their financial contribution obligations will face:
    • Fines of up to 5% of annual profits for failure to comply.
    • Suspension of FDA approval for new drugs until the company fulfills its funding responsibilities.
  1. Penalties for Failure to Address Toxins
  • Health organizations, including the FDA, that fail to adequately address toxins in food, water, and medications will face:
    • Financial penalties and restrictions on operations.
    • Public disclosure of non-compliance and harmful practices.

Section 9: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2026.

Section 10: Severability

If any provision of this Act is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

This proposed bill prioritizes a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing the integration of functional medicine, chronic condition management, and environmental health. It also holds accountable those industries that contribute to health issues through toxins and profit-driven policies, ensuring that public health takes precedence.

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This is not a function of the federal government. Please refer to the 10th amendment and article 4

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While it is true that the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves powers not explicitly granted to the federal government to the states or the people, the argument that the Comprehensive Health Coverage for Functional Medicine and Chronic Condition Care Act is not within the scope of federal authority overlooks several important factors related to federalism, interstate commerce, and the government’s role in public health and safety.

  1. Interstate Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8)

The Interstate Commerce Clause grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states. Healthcare, especially when it involves insurance coverage, pharmaceutical companies, and the safety of food and drugs, directly impacts interstate commerce. This is particularly relevant when dealing with national healthcare standards, the safety of consumer products, and the regulation of industries like pharmaceuticals, which operate across state lines.

  • The regulation of pharmaceuticals and functional medicine practices, as well as the provision of coverage for chronic conditions, involves large-scale industries that cross state borders, thus justifying federal involvement.
  • The provision of healthcare, particularly chronic care and integrative medicine, is a nationwide concern, and uniform standards across states help avoid a fragmented healthcare system.
  1. Public Health and Safety (General Welfare Clause)

The General Welfare Clause in Article I, Section 8, allows Congress to legislate for the general welfare of the nation, including matters related to public health. Ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage and transparency about environmental toxins, especially as they relate to chronic conditions and autoimmune diseases, falls under this mandate.

  • The federal government has a long-standing role in regulating public health and ensuring safety through agencies like the FDA, CDC, and EPA. Historically, federal action has been taken in cases where public health risks cross state boundaries or require a national response (e.g., pandemics, environmental regulations, food and drug safety).
  • Addressing toxins in food, water, and medications is a federal responsibility because pollutants and chemicals don’t respect state boundaries. Ensuring that the American public is protected from environmental and pharmaceutical toxins requires a coordinated federal approach, not a piecemeal state-by-state approach.
  1. The 10th Amendment and Federal Responsibility

The 10th Amendment does not prohibit the federal government from acting in the areas of health and safety. Rather, it limits the scope of federal powers to those specifically enumerated in the Constitution. However, as explained above, regulating health practices, ensuring access to essential medical services, and addressing nationwide health issues like chronic diseases and the environmental causes of those diseases, is within the scope of federal authority as it pertains to promoting public health, safety, and welfare.

  • Healthcare is an issue that spans beyond state jurisdiction, particularly when it involves federal regulation of industries like pharmaceuticals, health insurance, and environmental safety, which are all connected to public health. This makes it a fitting area for federal action.
  • For example, federal laws like the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which mandates insurance coverage, or the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, demonstrate the federal government’s responsibility in regulating aspects of public health that impact the entire nation.
  1. Article IV and the Need for National Standards

Article IV of the Constitution addresses the relationships between states and guarantees citizens of each state the same rights and privileges in other states. However, it does not limit the federal government’s ability to regulate national issues that have significant interstate implications.

  • Chronic conditions and autoimmune diseases do not stop at state lines, and environmental toxins, including pharmaceutical residues and pollutants, affect people across the nation. It is essential that the federal government address these concerns comprehensively, not leave it up to individual states with differing policies and resources.
  • National standards for insurance coverage, healthcare practices, and toxin regulations ensure that all citizens, regardless of their state of residence, have access to the same level of care and protection.

Conclusion

The Comprehensive Health Coverage for Functional Medicine and Chronic Condition Care Act aligns with the constitutional powers granted to the federal government under the Interstate Commerce Clause, the General Welfare Clause, and the responsibility to ensure public health and safety. While the 10th Amendment ensures states’ rights, it does not preclude federal action in areas that affect the general welfare of the nation, such as healthcare and environmental protection. The federal government has a well-established role in regulating industries that affect national health, ensuring that all citizens have access to safe, effective, and affordable healthcare, regardless of where they live.

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