Indian American Congressman himself was bitten by a rabid fox on Capitol Hill in April
After his own encounter with a rabid fox on Capitol Hill in April, Indian American lawmaker has introduced comprehensive legislation to reduce the costs of rabies post-exposure treatment for uninsured individuals.
The Affordable Rabies Treatment for Uninsured Act would establish a government program to reimburse health care providers for furnishing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to uninsured individuals.
Read: Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera bitten by a fox on Capitol Hill (April 6, 2022)
Bera introduced the legislation on Sep 28 World Rabies Day to reduce costs of Rabies vaccine for uninsured Americans after receiving a regimen of immunoglobulin and rabies shots following a fox bite on the US Capitol grounds in April.
“Despite being a fatal disease, rabies is preventable if treated quickly. After being bit by a rabid fox, I was fortunate to have access to readily available and low-cost vaccines,” he stated.
“But for too many Americans, the costs of treatment would break their banks. My legislation would seek to reduce the high costs of treatment for uninsured Americans, ensuring that no one has to choose between receiving treatment or not because of high costs,” he said
Bera, who previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento said, “I encourage all Americans to remain vigilant around wild animals and to seek medical attention if bitten or scratched. Costs should never be a barrier for individuals seeking life-saving treatment.”
Rabies is a life-threatening disease that can be transmitted to people if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, Bera noted.
Read: Representative bitten by fox introduces bill to lower cost of rabies shot (September 29, 2022)
On average in the United States, 60,000 people are thought to be exposed to rabies yearly, but fewer than three people die from the disease because of post-exposure treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Although rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease, costs for patients can be high, with treatment ranging from $1,200 to $6,500.