Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) today released the following statement after re-introducing the Affordable Rabies Treatment for All Act of 2023.

“Although rabies is a fatal disease, it is completely preventable if treated quickly. Last year, after being bit by a rabid fox, I was fortunate to have immediate access to the treatment,” said Representative Bera, who previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County. “Unfortunately, Americans are at risk of paying thousands of dollars in unexpected out-of-pocket costs for the same critical care. Access to necessary and life-saving rabies treatment should never break the bank. I encourage all Americans to remain vigilant around wild animals and to seek medical attention if bitten or scratched.”

Representative Bera first introduced the legislation in 2022 after receiving a regimen of immunoglobulin and rabies shots following a fox bite on the U.S. Capitol grounds.

The CDC estimates around 55,000 Americans receive PEP each year with costs typically ranging from $1,200 to $6,500. However, when adding up the cost of delivery and other unexpected out-of-pocket costs, some patients have reported costs that exceed $25,000. Individuals should not have to bear the burden of unexpected costs for life-saving treatment.

The Affordable Rabies Treatment for All Act of 2023 would require that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) establish a reimbursement program for health care providers when they provide rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and other rabies related services to uninsured individuals. The bill would also allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for local health departments to maintain and stockpile PEP and related items and allow those departments to provide PEP and other rabies related services to patients.

For the full text of the bill, click here.

For more information from the CDC on rabies prevention and treatment, click here.