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Republican (1854-present)

Don Bacon

Growing up and working on a farm in Illinois, Congressman Don Bacon learned first-hand how the value of hard work and commitment contributes to the success of a small business. He moved from the family farm to attend Northern Illinois University, from which he graduated with a Bachelors of Political Science in 1984, the same year he married Angie, the love of his life. They have three sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren. One year later, he began his military career by joining the U.S. Air Force and serving nearly 30 years, ultimately retiring as a Brigadier General.

During his career in the Air Force, Congressman Bacon specialized in electronic warfare, intelligence and reconnaissance. His career highlights include two tours as a Wing Commander, at Ramstein Airbase in Germany and Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska; group command at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona; squadron command in Arizona, and expeditionary squadron command in Iraq.  In total, Rep. Bacon served 16 assignments including four deployments in the Middle East to include Iraq in 2007 to 2008 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Health Care

I am committed to ensuring that Americans have access to quality affordable healthcare. Today, 71 percent of Americans like their healthcare plans, and we should focus on improving it for the 29 percent who don’t and for those without access to healthcare.

To do this, we must work across the aisle and work on legislation that lowers costs and pushes for more cures, pushes for more preventive care, promotes healthy living choices, and gives Americans the right to choose the healthcare plan that is best suited for their individual needs.

Specific Issues & Bills

Affordable Care Act (ACA):

  • Congressman Bacon supports keeping the parts of ACA that worked well:
    • Pre-existing condition protections
    • Staying on your parent’s plan until your 26
  • Congressman Bacon supports changing the one size fits all approach to the ACA.  This failed policy had created policies so expensive many individuals can’t afford them. This includes:
    • Policies allowing for association pools and other options people can choose from
    • Use of a pool structure to use tax dollars to lower high-risk premiums which will lower rates for all
    • Mental health parity for the equal treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders in insurance plans
    • A cap on plans and then Medicare picks up the cost beyond. This will reduce premiums for all.
    • Funding for Community Health Centers such as Charles Drew Health Center and One World Community Health Center
    • A strong Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
    • Funding for the National Institute for Health so we can find cures for diseases

 

Pre-Existing Condition Protection:

Co-Sponsor of H.R. 692 Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act which prohibits application of pre-existing condition exclusions and to guarantee availability of health insurance coverage in the individual and group market, contingent on the enactment of legislation repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Prescription Drug Coverage

  • Co-sponsor H.R. 19 – The Lower Cost, More Cures Act This bill includes over 40 provisions with demonstrated bipartisan support.  Unlike H.R. 3, this bill can actually lower the cost of drugs because it can be signed into law. 
    • Encourages innovation of groundbreaking new cures, promotes more low-cost options for patients, and curbs the gaming of the system by drug companies.
    • For the first time ever, places a cap on seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs and allow seniors to manage their annual out-of-pocket spending.
    • Makes insulin more affordable.
    • Increases transparency and removes uncertainty at the pharmacy counter.
    • Cuts the cost of drug administration, including cancer treatment, for Medicare beneficiaries by as much as half.
    • Stops subsidizing other developed countries health care through stronger trade agreement with real enforcement