Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) released the following statement today in reaction to today’s unveiling of the health care reform reconciliation bill language. Rep. Engel is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health.

"I am currently reading the exact language of the reconciliation bill to be voted on this weekend as part of the health reform package. I will say that at first glance, the Medicaid financing language for "do-gooder" states such as New York is encouraging to me.

"I believe that it was due to the strong stand which I took with House leadership and the White House that led to the seemingly more equitable share of Federal Matching Assistance Percentage Funding (FMAP) funds secure for our state. While the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funding is not as I would have preferred, this revision of the Senate text seems to have staved off the harshest cuts.

“DSH funds help cover the uninsured and make up payment shortfalls for Medicaid patients. Even if significant coverage expansions are achieved through health care reform, there will still be populations that will remain uncovered or underinsured, and hospitals will be asked to bear the burden of their health care and essential community services.

“The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. A higher FMAP will ensure that the share of Medicaid costs that is paid for by the federal government will go up, and each state’s share will go down, freeing up scare dollars for other programs.

"As I previously stated, my vote depends upon New York's treatment. I did not seek favorable treatment; I only wanted to avoid unfavorable treatment. As I review the final bill this evening, I will determine whether it is enough to enable me to vote for comprehensive health reform, which our country desperately needs.

“I would like to thank Senator Charles Schumer, for his leadership in the Senate, in working with me to make sure these changes were made for New York.

"New York deserves a thoughtful, informed vote, and I intend to provide one."