[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             MEDICAID OSTEOPATHIC CERTIFICATION ACT OF 1996

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 30, 1996

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to express my 
strong support for H.R. 1791, the Medicaid Osteopathic Certification 
Act of 1996. This critical bill, which Congress passed this week, will 
ensure that our Nation's osteopathic physicians will continue to be 
able to provide high-quality health care services to millions of our 
Nation's most vulnerable people.
  As you know, osteopathic physicians were recognized in the original 
Medicaid statute as being fully qualified to participate in this 
important program. However, due to an oversight in the 1990 Budget 
Reconciliation Act, osteopaths were excluded from further participation 
in Medicaid. While we have been able to temporarily postpone the 
enactment of this flawed section of the 1990 legislation, the only way 
to permanently rectify this oversight was by passing H.R. 1791.
  For several years, I have fought for the reinstatement of osteopaths 
into the Medicaid Program. These dedicated men and women have been 
faithful stewards of our commitment to provide access to quality health 
care to our Nation's most vulnerable.
  Osteopathic physicians are part of the success story of our health 
care system. Of the 40,000 D.O.s in our Nation today, more than half of 
them practice in primary care fields. Nowhere do osteopaths represent a 
bigger or more vital part of the health care community than in my State 
of Michigan. In fact, while osteopathic physicians compromise only 
about six percent of all doctors nationwide, 25 percent of the 
physicians who live and work in Michigan are D.O.s. The effect of 
excluding 25 percent of Michigan's doctors from the Medicaid Program 
would have a terrible impact on the poorest and most vulnerable people 
in our State.
  In the 10th Congressional District, some 350 osteopathic physicians 
care for the poor, pregnant women, and children. A significant portion 
of that care is provided through two osteopathic hospitals in Macomb 
County, Bi-County Community Hospital in Warren, and Mt. Clemens General 
Hospital
  Mr. Speaker, passage of this common-sense bill is long overdue. Our 
health care system needs improvement in many areas. But osteopaths are 
part of what is right with our system. We must do all that we can to 
see that they can continue to provide high-quality care to those who 
need it. I am pleased to join my colleagues in approving this important 
bill.

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