[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12372]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY AFFILIATED PLANS

 Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, a few months ago we completed 
debate on one of the most significant reforms of American health care 
in decades. As a result of that work we will see over 30 million 
Americans who haven't had access to health insurance gain that access. 
The law that we passed helps all Americans, but especially the most 
vulnerable, gain access to quality, affordable health insurance. Today 
I rise to recognize an organization that for 10 years has been 
similarly working to provide care for our Nation's most vulnerable 
citizens.
  The Association for Community Affiliated Plans, ACAP, is a national 
trade organization representing 51 community-based health plans in 25 
States, together covering over 7 million people. Its nonprofit Safety 
Net Health Plan members provide health coverage through public 
insurance programs, primarily Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children's 
Health Insurance Program, CHIP, delivering desperately needed health 
services to low-income and vulnerable Americans who would otherwise be 
uninsured. Coordinating with State and local governments, community 
groups and health care providers, ACAP plans, by delivering the 
services made possible by Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP, serve as a 
safety net for those who fall through the gaps in a system that largely 
relies on employer-provided or privately purchased coverage.
  In 2000, 17 safety net plans, often started by community health 
centers who were serving uninsured and Medicaid patients, came together 
to form ACAP. In the ensuing decade ACAP plans have grown from covering 
1 million people in 2000 to 7 million today. These plans, like 
Children's Mercy Family Health Partners in my home State of Missouri, 
remain deeply rooted in their communities, serving those who need help 
the most. Over 55,000 of my constituents receive their insurance from 
Children's Mercy Family Health Partners as they provide a critical 
safety net that makes a difference in Missouri.
  I commend the Association for Community Affiliated Plans and its 
members for their service to our Nation's underserved populations, as 
well as congratulate them on their 10th anniversary of supporting the 
Nation's nonprofit Safety Net Health Plans.

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