Black Women’s Health Imperative Statement on House Hearings Examining Health Insurance Affordability
WASHINGTON (January 23, 2026) — Today, the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) released the following statement applauding the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees’ Jan. 22 hearings on healthcare affordability and accessibility, which featured testimony from the CEOs of the nation’s largest health insurers:
“BWHI commends the House Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce for convening these hearings and for holding health insurance companies accountable for practices that drive costs up and limit access to care. As premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs climb, meaningful congressional oversight is essential — especially given the disproportionate impact these pressures have on marginalized communities.
“For many patients — Black women in particular — health insurance coverage does not guarantee access to timely, affordable care. Even when insured, patients routinely face coverage denials, delayed approvals, and restrictive prior authorization requirements that obstruct medically necessary treatment. These administrative hurdles place added strain on patients already facing elevated health risks and deepen existing health disparities.
“Patients today are paying more for coverage that delivers less. While premiums and out-of-pocket costs continue to rise, these increases are not driven by prescription medicines — which remain a relatively small share of overall healthcare spending. The reality is that insurers spend more on overhead than on medicines, while benefiting from substantial federal funding and reporting strong revenues — even as they hike rates and erode benefits.
“BWHI supports the Committees’ leadership in scrutinizing these insurer practices. Robust oversight is necessary to ensure that insurance coverage functions as a gateway to care, not a barrier, and that efforts to address affordability translate into equitable access for patients.
“As Congress continues this vital work, we urge lawmakers to center the lived experiences of Black women and other historically marginalized communities. Prioritizing transparency, accountability, and patient-centered policies is critical to improving health outcomes and moving our healthcare system closer to true equity.”
About the Black Women’s Health Imperative: The Black Women’s Health Imperative is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of Black women and girls. With a 40-year history of groundbreaking advocacy and research, BWHI remains committed to addressing the unique health challenges faced by Black women and ensuring their voices are heard in healthcare policy and practice.