[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 162 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SUPPORT FOR THE EXPANSION OF MEDICAID COVERAGE

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the opportunity that my home state of Texas lost when it 
opted out of expanding Medicaid. Denying health care coverage to 
seniors, veterans, and low-income residents is unconscionable.
  Texas has the most uninsured residents among the 24 states that 
refuse to expand Medicaid. At very little cost to the state itself, 1.5 
million uninsured people could have health insurance coverage by now. 
However, Governor Rick Perry's refusal to expand Medicaid to 133 
percent of the federal poverty line ultimately hurts our most 
vulnerable citizens.
  Another adverse effect of choosing not to expand Medicaid falls on 
our neediest hospitals. Because of reductions in payments to safety-net 
hospitals, or disproportionate share hospitals (DSH), low-income 
patients suffer reduced access to care. With these reductions to 
hospitals, refusals to expands Medicaid, and cuts to Medicare 
subsidies, we are exposing our most susceptible patients to incredible 
risk.
  If expanded in Texas, the Affordable Care Act would fully fund each 
state's coverage for the first three years. Over time, the federal 
government would continue to pay for no less than 90 percent of 
coverage for newly eligible individuals. This increase in spending is 
partially offset by the DSH payment reduction. However, in states that 
do not expand Medicaid, low-income residents who seek treatment at 
safety-net hospitals suffer.
  Our veterans, seniors, and low-income residents are forced to miss 
the opportunity to have quality and affordable health insurance simply 
because of political posturing. I urge my colleagues and each state to 
support the expansion of Medicaid.

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