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Washington, DC -- During a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Ron Klein pledged his support in favor of the Children’s Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act, but expressed his concerns regarding cuts the bill makes to some Medicare Plans.
The CHAMP Act reauthorizes the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which is set to expire September 30th of this year. The Children’s Health Insurance Program provides health insurance coverage to over 11 million children nationally.
The CHAMP Act also blocks cuts to physician fees under Medicare, as much as 10% in 2008 and 5% in 2009, and gives doctors an increase of 0.5% for both years. The bill also lays the foundation for a future physician reimbursement system that promotes quality of care and maximizes efficiency.
The following is the text of the Congressman’s remarks:
“I rise in support of this rule for H.R. 3162, the “Children’s Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act of 2007.”
“I have been a strong supporter of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program for many years.
“In Florida we call it Healthy Kids, and it provides much-needed health care to millions of children who would otherwise not receive it. Democrats, Republicans, business and community leaders support this program because it empowers families to provide health insurance for their children.
“The CHAMP Act also addresses another important problem with our health care system by providing a critical payment update for doctors.
“In South Florida, we’re currently facing a severe shortage of qualified physicians in part because of the way physician payments under Medicare are calculated.
“I applaud Chairman Dingell and the other drafters of the CHAMP Act for their immediate action to stave off the unreasonable cuts to physician payments.
“I am concerned, however, with the way the CHAMP Act addresses the overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans. By scaling some payments back to traditional Medicare fee-for-service rates over the course of four years, seniors in my district may be at risk of losing some benefits or experience an increase in fees.
“I believe a more prudent proposal is needed to soften the impact of these changes to Medicare Advantage, and I look forward to working with the House and Senate conferees to ensure that our elderly and vulnerable populations are not hurt by any changes in Medicare.
“I yield my time.”
The CHAMP Act is endorsed by the AARP, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, Families USA, the NAACP, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
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