[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 106 (Monday, June 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AMENDMENT INSTRUCTING THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION TO PRIORITIZE 
      RESOURCES FOR STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HEALTH AND 
  TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS AND ADDRESSING TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS IN 
                              HEALTH CARE

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                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2019

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, my amendment instructs the 
Secretary to submit to Congress an analysis on what resources are 
needed to strengthen partnerships between health and transportation 
providers.
  According to the American Hospital Association, 3.6 million Americans 
miss or delay medical appointments because they lack a ride. And 
another report tells us that missed healthcare appointments cost the 
U.S. health system $150 billion each year.
  Many private healthcare organizations currently partner with 
ridesharing services. From the recent expansion of supplemental 
benefits under the Medicare Advantage program to the Medicaid non-
emergency medical transportation benefit, the Federal Government also 
invests in programs aimed at addressing transportation barriers to 
care.
  As we continue our focus on reducing health care costs, we must make 
sure medical transportation programs are reliable, cost-efficient and 
available to all Americans. I encourage adoption of my amendment.

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