Congressman Jim Davis Fights to Protect Florida Children

Davis proposes two amendments in the Energy and Commerce Committee that will make sure Republicans don’t leave Florida’s kids without vital Medicaid prescription drug coverage.

 

Washington, DC – Tomorrow, Congressman Jim Davis will propose two amendments addressing children’s prescription drug coverage to the Republican Medicaid reform bill.  Under the Republican plan, children in Florida will be forced to pay increased co-pays regardless of their ability to pay.  Congressman Davis’ amendments will make sure that children, especially special needs kids, will get the necessary medical attention they need.

 

“Our most valuable resources are our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews," said Congressman Jim Davis.  "It’s time for the Congress to step up and protect those who can’t afford lobbyists or high priced lawyers.  It’s unconscionable to me that the Republican leadership of this Congress would limit a child’s ability to receive needed medical care even when they know many of these children’s families are unable to afford any co-payments. How does the Republican leadership expect these children to pay the increases – by getting jobs?  With lemonade stands?  Bake sales?  Out of all the billions spent in this federal budget, do we really believe that the best place to find savings is by making children, whose families can’t afford private insurance, pay more for their health care?”

           

While Congressman Davis understands the need to control the cost of prescription drugs in the Medicaid program, he does not believe that the efforts to control these costs should be placed on the backs of our children.  In Fiscal Year 2000, children accounted for only 22.9 percent of the prescription drug expenditures for the Medicaid program.   Clearly, these costs are not driving the overall costs associated with Medicaid prescription drugs.

 

Below is a brief description of the two amendments Congressman Davis will propose.

 

The first Davis amendment will exempt all children from the Medicaid cost-sharing requirements for prescription drugs included in the bill.  His second amendment will exempt children with special needs from the prescription drug cost-sharing provisions.