[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MEDICAID CERTIFICATION ACT OF 1995

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1791, a bill which 
provides the proper respect due osteopathic physicians, who provide a 
great service to millions of Americans.
  With most of the doctors of osteopathic medicine being involved in 
primary care practices, it is high time that we reinstated osteopathic 
physicians as an eligible group of physicians to receive Medicaid 
reimbursement. There are thousands of osteopathic physicians in 
Michigan, more than in any other State, and a significant number in my 
own district. When one multiplies this group by the number of patients 
they serve, it is very easy to see that this error in OBRA '90 is of 
great consequence to many of our constituents.
  I have been a great supporter of osteopathic medicine for some time. 
In the last Congress I sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 173 
calling for the certain inclusion of osteopathic medicine as a key form 
of care in any health care proposal. It is only right that we take care 
to make sure osteopathic physicians are included in our current health 
care arsenal while we continue to work on improvements in our health 
care system.
  One of the great frustrations the public has with the Government is 
when it seems to take forever for anyone to admit a mistake has been 
made, and even longer to correct it. This legislation is for the 
benefit of the health-care seeking public. It restores previously 
provided treatment that we erroneously terminated, and is long overdue. 
It deserves the support of all of our colleagues. I urge the adoption 
of H.R. 1791.

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