Washington, D.C. – Today, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, John D. Dingell (D-MI15) issued the following statement at the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing titled, “The Consequences of Obamacare:  Impact on Medicaid and State Health Care Reform”:

“Today’s hearing is cloaked in the need to help States manage their Medicaid programs in light of health care reform and budget shortfalls, yet once again injects political posturing into the process of this Committee.

“The new Majority has made no secret of its goals to repeatedly attack the very goal of health care reform – providing affordable care for all Americans.  Yet as they attack the health care reform law, they offer no real solutions to address the problems they perceive in its implementation.

“The Department of Health and Human Services has shown a clear willingness to work with the States as we prepare to expand Medicaid in 2014.  The Secretary has outlined the flexibilities available to Governors to meet their Medicaid obligations, and has made available her senior leadership to meet with the staffs of any Governor that wishes to reexamine their Medicaid programs.

“Medicaid is and will continue to be a major source of health coverage for seniors, people with disabilities, children and pregnant women – our most vulnerable populations.  Expansion of Medicaid eligibility is critical to providing coverage for millions of Americans who may not otherwise receive coverage. 

“Far too often when these individuals lose access to Medicaid, we know that the States are then left with the financial burden.  In 2008 alone, States spent more than $17 billion on uncompensated care.  The health care reform law strives to address this issue by providing States with additional federal resources and tools to make coverage affordable for the State and for its residents through the Health Insurance Exchanges, expanded Medicaid eligibility, grants and federal funding, to start.  The Affordable Care Act also works aggressively to slow the growth of health care costs in Medicaid by restructuring health care delivery systems, reducing Medicaid prescription drug costs, and improving care for dual eligibles.

“Improving Medicaid will result in better care for individuals and savings for the States.  According to a recent study by the Urban Institute, States could save $70 billion or more by reducing uncompensated care costs and expanding access to Medicaid.

“I understand under the current economic climate, increased Medicaid rolls are a concern, but fundamentally doing away with Medicaid by converting the program into to a block-grant program is not the answer.  A block-grant program will not allow States the capacity to prepare or anticipate changes in their patient populations, and furthermore sets up a possible negative result in a loss of coverage and loss of benefits for beneficiaries. 

“I look forward today’s dialogue with the nation’s Governors and my colleagues in the Majority to how we can truly address the unpredictability of costs in Medicaid without jeopardizing the care of millions.”

To view Congressman Dingell’s questioning, go to the video link, Dingell questions Governors about Medicaid costs for States in Affordable Care Act.

Congressman Dingell has for years been a leading advocate for health care reform and funding for the states.  He continues vigorous oversight in the 112th Congress to see that the implementation of and funding for the Affordable Care Act law, of which he is the author, are done in a fully fair manner that benefits all Americans.

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