[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 1, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT OF 2005

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, today the House of Representatives 
completed final action on the S. 1932, the Deficit Reduction Act of 
2005, DRA. I am pleased that this important legislation will soon be 
enacted into law.
  It has been 8 years since Congress last passed a reconciliation bill. 
In crafting S. 1932, we worked hard to ensure that none of the changes 
made would adversely affect beneficiary coverage. The Deficit Reduction 
Act will allow States across the country to continue to offer these 
essential services to their beneficiaries.
  The Deficit Reduction Act also includes a number of provisions to 
ensure that the Federal Government pays Medicare providers accurately 
and appropriately. One such provision relates to payment policies under 
the Medicare Advantage program. Specifically, Section 5301 of S. 1932 
phases-out the budget neutrality adjustment for Medicare Advantage 
plans. Section 5301 and the joint statement which accompanied the 
conference report in the Senate requiring adjustments for differences 
in coding patterns is intended to include adjustments for coding that 
is inaccurate or incomplete for the purpose of establishing risk scores 
that are consistent across both fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage 
settings, even if such coding is accurate or complete for other 
purposes. This will ensure that the goal of risk adjustment--to pay 
plans accurately--is met.
  I am also pleased that the Deficit Reduction Act includes the Family 
Opportunity Act. I have been working tirelessly on this legislation 
since 1999 with Senator Kennedy. The measure will allow States to 
create options for families who have children with multiple medical 
needs to buy into Medicaid while continuing to work. Families with 
children with such medical needs should not have to choose between 
providing for their children and their children's health care. This 
provision in the Deficit Reduction Act will help prevent just that.
  I applaud the Congress for passing this important legislation today. 
Beneficiaries and taxpayers across the country deserve to get the 
highest value for every dollar that is spent on Medicare, Medicaid and 
other safety net programs. This legislation will help accomplish that 
objective.

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