[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 85 (Thursday, June 7, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING KATIE BECKETT

 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the courage of Katie Beckett, whose recent passing bids us pause to 
remember the challenges faced by families with children with long-term 
care needs, and the support we can provide to them.
  Katie and her family will forever be known as heroes who fought for 
fair Medicaid benefits for every child. Before their advocacy work, 
Medicaid did not cover at-home treatment for children with disabilities 
or special health care needs. As a child suffering from viral 
encephalitis, Katie was forced to live in a hospital in order to 
receive treatment under Medicaid. Her mother went to work lobbying on 
behalf of Katie and other children in the same situation. As a result 
of her efforts, President Reagan passed a waiver that would allow 
children on Medicaid the option to receive medical care in their homes.
  To this day, the waiver--which is referred to as the ``Katie Beckett 
Waiver''--enhances the quality of life of thousands of children across 
the Nation, including many in my home State of Rhode Island.
  Caroline Friedman of Portsmouth, RI weighed 2 pounds, 15 ounces when 
she was born. In order to survive, Caroline must receive cardiac 
medicine through a central line in her heart. Because of the Katie 
Beckett Waiver, Caroline receives her life-sustaining treatment outside 
of the hospital. She is now 9 years old, and is living a full life 
attending school, joining Girl Scouts, and even taking karate classes.
  Because of the Katie Beckett Waiver, Jacob Vandal of Little Compton, 
RI, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder, was able to receive home-
based therapy services. Receiving this treatment at home made a huge 
difference to his developmental progress. Now, Jacob is a well-adjusted 
27 year old who works in a supported employment program--something his 
parents say would not have been possible without the at-home care 
afforded to him by the Katie Beckett Waiver.
  Katie Beckett and her family paved the way for Caroline, Jacob, and 
so many others like them to receive their treatment at home with their 
family, where they most wanted to be. I know these individuals and 
their families will be forever grateful for the difference the Beckett 
family has made to their lives. On behalf of all Rhode Islanders, I 
extend my heartfelt condolences to the Beckett family for their 
loss.

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