[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 2890]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  ON MEDICAID ``CASH AND COUNSELING'' DEMONSTRATION PROJECT: CONSUMER 
                          DIRECTED CARE WORKS

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, Medicaid is a mounting expense and a source 
of frustration to beneficiaries, providers, and taxpayers. Our States 
need long-term solutions, not short-term cash infusions. But there is 
good news. There are regulations in Medicaid, section 1115 waivers. 
These give States more flexibility to design and implement programs 
that work. One success story has the potential to save money and even 
more importantly instill choice into the program.
  Florida, Arkansas, and New Jersey have a demonstration project called 
the Cash and Counseling Program. It permits participants, with minimal 
assistance, to direct their own health care and manage the funds 
allocated for their needs. In Florida, it is entirely voluntary for 
frail elders, the developmentally disabled and physically disabled. The 
eligible are given their own personal cash allowance to spend on 
established health care purchases. This is resulting in choice, 
heightened personal responsibility, and potential cost savings. I 
commend Governor Jeb Bush for his success and only hope that Cash and 
Counseling is expanded across this Nation.

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