[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         FAMILYCARE ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 2005

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, in our great land of opportunity and 
wealth, there are many Americans who have no access to one of the most 
basic needs: health care. In our Nation today, nearly 45 million 
Americans are uninsured. Today I offer a way to begin addressing this 
problem by introducing the FamilyCare Act of 2005. In conjunction with 
the Medicare Early Access Act and the Small Business Health Insurance 
Promotion Act that my colleagues are also introducing today, the 
enactment of these bills could cut the number of uninsured in half.
  The FamilyCare Act of 2005 is a family-centered bill that aims to 
provide coverage for the 7.5 million working families with incomes 
below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level. This act builds upon 
two programs, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance 
Program, that have successfully covered many low-income persons, 
individuals with disabilities, and children. It would ensure families 
who move from welfare to work do not lose coverage and makes it easier 
for low-income working families to obtain health insurance.
  Improving our Nation's healthcare system continues to be a complex 
challenge that must be a matter of national priority. By taking these 
first steps, it is our hope that in the future all Americans will be 
able to meet their healthcare needs.




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