[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 39 (Thursday, March 11, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S2610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE NURSING HOME RESIDENTIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1999

 Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, one week ago today, the Finance 
Committee unanimously voted to support legislation to protect from 
eviction nursing home residents who rely on Medicaid. Our bill, S. 494, 
the Nursing Home Residential Security Act of 1999, is supported by both 
the nursing home industry and senior citizens' advocates.
  Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 540, companion 
legislation to our bill, by a vote of 392 to 12. I call on my 
colleagues now to join me in voting in support of this important 
legislation. Let us send it to the President and make it the first 
piece of health care legislation to become law this year.
  Our legislation prohibits nursing homes that withdraw from 
participation in the Medicaid program from evicting the Medicaid 
residents who are already in the facility. Essentially, we provide for 
a phase-down rather than an immediate termination of participation in 
Medicaid.
  Sixty-eight percent of all nursing home residents eventually end up 
on Medicaid. Our bill protects these vulnerable senior citizens and 
individuals with disabilities from finding themselves evicted. The bill 
goes a long way toward assuring residents and their families that they 
will continue to receive quality nursing home care without fear of 
inappropriate eviction.
  S. 494/H.R. 540 is a modest but important proposal that will promote 
the peace of mind of millions of Americans. I ask my colleagues for 
their support.

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