Alexander: Health Care Bill is a Disaster Waiting to Happen

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, today delivered the following remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the anticipated vote on the Senate-passed H.R. 3590 and reconciliation package:

“Proponents of this health reform package are misleading the American public into believing that you can raise baselines and reduce spending at the same time. You cannot expect to expand coverage to millions of individuals and curb costs.

“The Medicaid program already pays doctors and hospitals at levels well below those of Medicare and private insurance – and most of the time below actual costs. As a result, many doctors do not accept Medicaid patients, and cuts may further discourage participation in the program.

“The most devastating cuts to states’ federal Medicaid match have been deferred because of relief from the stimulus package, but that deferment expires at the end of December.

“The health care bill we are expected to vote on is a disaster waiting to happen, and an expansion of an already broken program.”

U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, represents the 5th Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations Committee.

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