Oct 26, 2026
Press
Newsletter: Introducing the Ending Patient Runaround Act
Oct 27, 2026
Newsletter
Putting Patients First
The rising cost of healthcare in the U.S. is often framed as a problem that can only be solved by spending more taxpayer dollars. My Ending Patient Runaround Act cuts through the maze of uncertain coverage that patients deal with to have their medical costs reimbursed. When people need emergency medical care or have a health issue far from home, the last thing they need is to deal with a quagmire of forms to make sure their care is covered. The bill would give every adult U.S. citizen access to an after-tax Universal Savings Account (USA) where tax-free funds can grow, and be used to cover healthcare or other needs. This would simplify your Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) into one straightforward place.
The Ending Patient Runaround Act ends prior authorization abuse by requiring that prior authorization decisions be made in writing through a secure portal within 30 days of a request for a procedure. It prevents coverage being rug-pulled by stopping insurance from cutting covered services or restricting drug coverage tier lists during the coverage term. It ends secret prices by requiring insurance plans to provide the code for each covered service, the reimbursable amount for each service, and the full list of medical care covered by the plan. Competition would be increased by making insurance plans reimburse out-of-network providers just like they would in-network ones. Catastrophic plans, which focus on covering major events like home or care insurance, would be renamed to “Basic Plans” and be made available to everyone, including on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. This would reverse the Obamacare ban on most individuals being able to purchase these plans.
Finally, the bill would strengthen patient rights by requiring insurance providers to offer customer service that is based in the US and proficient in English, reducing frustration with accessing patient support. It would further require providers to compensate overbilled enrollees monetarily with an additional penalty, also penalizing them for delayed compensation. These reforms are long overdue, and patients deserve better from the most advanced healthcare system in the world. I will continue to fight for simpler, more transparent, and more accountable healthcare that puts patients first.
Read my press release on the bill here.
Investiture of President Hardigree
Congratulations to President Christian Hardigree on her investiture as the inaugural President of Texas A&M–Victoria. President Hardigree has a record of building strong ties with both local communities and our military. I look forward to seeing what new heights the University can attain with her experienced leadership.
My office presented her with a certificate and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of this historic milestone and in celebration of her birthday. May God bless her as she steps into this important leadership role, and guide the continued growth and success of Texas A&M–Victoria as it serves students and communities throughout South Texas.
Investing in South Texas
Thank you to the Victoria Chamber of Commerce for their hospitality this past week. The Chamber of Commerce luncheon was a great opportunity to update our local businesses and community leaders on what we’re doing to help businesses grow in South Texas. I shared with our community the significance of the $13.75 million in support we secured for Victoria, including funding for rail infrastructure at the Port that could help bring in as much as $20 billion in economic development. I look forward to seeing how this community will thrive in the years to come.
For decades, American jobs and manufacturing were exported overseas, weakening our domestic energy supply. We’re reversing that now through hard work and common sense legislation, with Texas leading the way. We cannot maintain our technological advantage against China and deter their aggression if we do not have reliable energy on our own terms.
Strong American energy production ensures that the U.S. is positioned to overcome whatever challenges the future will bring. The days of stifling Biden-era overregulation are behind us. Reliable, affordable, independent American energy is what keeps all of our lives running, and is the bedrock of a productive economy. I will make sure the federal government is a partner rather than an obstacle to Texas’ continued growth.
Delivering for TX-27
Applications for the Service Academy are open. One of the privileges of serving in the United States Congress is the opportunity to nominate outstanding young people from the 27th District of Texas to be considered for appointment to our nation’s service academies.
Learn more and apply here.
Behind every vote and press release, our district office is working every day to cut through federal red tape for the people of TX-27. Here are a few recent wins:
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
A constituent needed assistance with her 2025 tax refund. After our office contacted the IRS on her behalf, she was able to receive it for $12,426.18 with $371.18 of interest payments.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
A constituent was in dire need of assistance with her disability appeal. She received a favorable decision granting her a widow’s back payment of $4,326, a disability back payment of $23,912, and SSI ongoing monthly payments of $2,682.00.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
A constituent needed assistance with receiving her retirement annuity. With our assistance, she was thankfully able to receive a back payment of $13,923.65 with ongoing monthly payments of $2,965.46.
If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, our office is here to help. You can submit a contact form with your request or issue here.
In the Media
The Epoch Times: ATF Director Denies Existence of Gun Registry, Warns That Future Admins Could Develop One
Hoodline Chicago: Chicago Police Accessed Flock Camera Network Through a City Agreement
Corpus Christi Caller-Times: Grant may cover majority of costs to replace century-old water lines
God Bless
Rep. Michael Cloud
Member of Congress