Gwen Moore on the Passage of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act
Washington, DC,
March 26, 2015
Today, the House of Representatives showed what we can do when we come together and compromise. Through bipartisan cooperation, the House passed legislation that will benefit seniors, children, and families all across America.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following passage of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement: “Today, the House of Representatives showed what we can do when we come together and compromise. Through bipartisan cooperation, the House passed legislation that will benefit seniors, children, and families all across America. “For two decades, Congress has been passing temporary fixes to the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) – a flawed funding formula that sets reimbursements to health care providers who see Medicare patients – rather than finding a permanent solution to the problem. This bill repeals the SGR, ends the uncertainty seniors and their health care providers have had to face every year since its implementation, and replaces it with a formula that rewards health care quality and efficiency. “I am also thrilled by the extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) included in the bill, which provides insurance to more than 8 million children. Passing this two-year extension now will allow states to properly budget for Fiscal Year 2016, ensuring that no child, regardless of income, has to fear losing access to health care. While I would have been delighted to see the four-year extension of CHIP that Democrats have fought for, I am pleased that Democrats and Republicans were able to compromise on a strong, bipartisan extension of CHIP, demonstrating Congress’ full backing of the program. “I am further pleased that this legislation increases funding for Community Health Centers (CHCs) by $7.2 billion for two years, reaffirming the support both parties have shown for these valuable institutions. Over 6.5 million low-income women and children receive health care from CHCs. Without funding from Congress, they would lose access to these critical health centers in a matter of a few, short months. “The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act shows what Congress can accomplish when the two parties work together. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up our bipartisan bill with all due haste.” ### |
