Efforts underway in Congress would do away with a key agency designed to generate unbiased research used by consumers, doctors, advocates, and researchers across the country to evaluate and improve quality in the health care system.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) mission is to produce evidence that can be used to improve the quality of health care and make it safer and more accessible, equitable, and affordable. In plain English, AHRQ’s work helps consumers get the most for their money when it comes to their health care.

The agency’s research is used in hospitals, private practices, health departments, and communities. Consumer Reports also uses AHRQ research. For instance, we break down the AHRQ’s high-quality systematic reviews to help you compare treatments based on effectiveness, safety, and our own cost calculations.

The AHRQ is a critical source of unbiased, trusted analysis on comparing the effectiveness of medications, devices, preventive services, and other medical interventions. Its research helps make the health care system less complex and costly for consumers by improving quality in care, shining a spotlight on waste in the system, and enhancing efficiency.

AHRQ has been a source for our reports on whether you should treat chronic pain with opioids and cancer screening tests as well as our Best Buy Drug program.

With more Americans participating in the health care system than ever before, we need to put more funding behind efforts such as the AHRQ’s, not less.

Legislation currently being considered in the House of Representatives would zero out the AHRQ’s budget. And the Senate is proposing to significantly slash this important agency’s funding. Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, is strongly opposed to this effort to defund or drastically reduce the AHRQ. This move would take away a key, independent resource that not only helps consumers trying to navigate the often complex health care system but also helps make the system work better as a whole.

We recently sent a letter to lawmakers urging them to reject this attempt to gut this critical agency. And we’re committed to fighting this every step of the way. Contact your representative today and tell the Congress member that consumers need the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

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