[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 INTRODUCTION OF HOME CARE LEGISLATION

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                           HON. MERRILL COOK

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 1998

  Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleague from 
Massachusetts, Congressman McGovern as an original cosponsor of 
legislation to address some serious problems caused by certain 
provisions included in the Balanced Budget Act.
  There were several provisions included in the Act intended to address 
alleged Medicare waste and fraud occurring in the home care industry. 
However, some of these provisions are causing a great deal of hardship 
and heartbreak for seniors in Utah, Massachusetts, and across the 
nation.
  Why is this happening?
  First, the provisions in the Balanced Budget Act put the cart before 
the horse. They have forced home care providers to cut costs at least 
six months before the federal government tells the providers how much 
they have to cut.
  Second, the provisions create a Rube Goldberg system where home care 
providers are rewarded or punished depending on what kind of fiscal 
year they use. I would need a one hour special order to try to explain 
this one.
  The bill that Congressman McGovern and I are introducing will address 
these problems. I urge my colleagues to join as cosponsors of this 
legislation.

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