[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H5699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      PREVENT CHANGES IN MEDICAID

  (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the House Republican budget resolution in 
my opinion is heading us toward block granting Medicaid with strict 
caps on funding provided by the Federal Government to the States. These 
proposed caps in Federal spending will reduce services to individuals 
who benefit from Medicaid. As with Medicare, I believe that Medicaid 
should be reformed, but in the context of health care reform.
  One-third of the spending for Medicaid provides benefits to senior 
citizens, especially in obtaining long-term care such as nursing home 
care. Another third of the funding assists those who are disabled or 
blind. As the program is currently structured, by the beginning of the 
next decade, every child and pregnant woman will receive health care 
services, universal coverage in effect for children. My fear is that by 
making the proposed cuts in this program, many of these people will see 
a reduction in their health care services, and may not even continue to 
receive health benefits.
  This is a very negative effect of the House Republican budget, and I 
hope that we can in Congress over the next 6 months prevent these 
changes in the Medicaid Program.

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