In an era of challenging partisanship that resulted in the longest government shutdown in history, ACHP celebrates those congressional leaders who reach across the political divide to push for high-quality, accessible care — no matter where families live. That’s why ACHP was proud to honor Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) this fall as our 2025 Legislative Champions. These two lawmakers exemplify bipartisan leadership and a shared commitment to delivering better care, better value and a better experience for every American.
Why We Give This Award
The Legislative Champions Award recognizes policymakers whose vision and leadership align with ACHP’s mission to improve community health and transform care to ensure high-quality, affordable coverage for all. These champions take bold, effective action to expand coverage, lower costs, increase transparency and promote solutions that put patients first.
“We applaud Senators Baldwin and Cassidy for putting patients over party by championing reforms that deliver high-quality, accessible coverage and care,” said ACHP President and CEO Ceci Connolly. “Both of this year’s awardees have worked tirelessly to improve value and outcomes in our health system, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to the communities they serve.”
Meet the 2025 Awardees
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has long been a fierce advocate for expanding access to affordable, high-quality health coverage. ACHP, alongside its Wisconsin-based members—Security Health Plan, Aspirus Health Plan, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, Network Health and Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire—recognize her steadfast leadership in lowering health care costs and strengthening the Affordable Care Act. From championing the renewal of enhanced premium tax credits to leading the ENROLL Act to improve ACA outreach for underserved populations, Senator Baldwin has helped more families find and afford the coverage they need. She has also been a bipartisan voice in addressing rising prescription drug costs through transparency and accountability reforms that protect consumers.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) is honored for his steadfast leadership in advancing policies that prioritize transparency, accountability and high-quality care. A physician by training, Senator Cassidy brings firsthand understanding of the health care system to his legislative work. ACHP commends his efforts to improve PBM transparency, strengthen Medicare Advantage and promote reforms that ensure patients receive the best care at the best value. His thoughtful, bipartisan approach continues to drive real improvements across the health care landscape.
ACHP thanks Senators Baldwin and Cassidy for their unwavering dedication to improving health care access, affordability and quality for communities nationwide. Their leadership demonstrates that even amid political divides, meaningful progress is possible when policymakers put patients first. The ACHP Legislative Champions Award celebrates that spirit of collaboration—honoring lawmakers from both sides of the aisle who are building a better, fairer and more patient-centered health care system.
