    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [September 21, 1996]
    [Pages 1641-1642]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1641]]

    The President's Radio Address
    September 21, 1996

        Good morning. I want to talk to you about two important
    breakthroughs for the health and security of our families that took
    place in Congress this week, as we work with both parties to agree on a
    budget for next year that reflects our values and keeps us moving toward
    a balanced budget.
        Nothing is more important to our families than access to quality
    health care, and we have made real progress. Last year we stopped the
    Republican majority from repealing the guarantee of quality health care
    for children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
    Last month I signed the Kennedy-Kassebaum bill to guarantee Americans
    will not lose health coverage as they change jobs or just because a
    member of their family gets sick. When it comes to improving health care
    we are finally moving on the right track.
        In my acceptance speech in Chicago and across America I have called
    upon Congress to take the next steps. And yesterday congressional
    leaders answered this call in two very important ways. First, Congress
    agreed to tell insurance companies, newborns and their mothers deserve
    at least 48 hours in the hospital after childbirth.
        In 1970, the average length of stay for an uncomplicated delivery
    was 4 days. By 1992, it was 2 days. Today, a large and growing number of
    insurers refuse to pay for anything more than 24 hours, and some even
    recommend release as early as 8 hours after delivery. That's risky and
    wrong. And it can have severe health consequences for new babies,
    including feeding problems, dehydration, brain damage, and stroke.
        We've all heard heartbreaking stories like the family in New Jersey
    sent home after 24 hours, whose baby died 24 hours after that from an
    infection that would have been detected and treated in a hospital.
    Doctors, not rigid insurance company rules, should decide when a new
    baby goes home.
        This new legislation requires insurance companies to pay for new
    mothers and their babies to stay in the hospital for 48 hours, and 96
    hours if the mother has had a cesarean. From now on, families may still
    rush to the hospital, but they won't be rushed out of it, because
    parents deserve at least 2 days of care and comfort when they can hold
    their child, bond with the child, introduce the child to the world, and
    make sure their child is in the very best health. America has a
    responsibility to protect the health of our families, and that's exactly
    what we're working to do.
        Second, Congress agreed that it's time to ensure that people who
    need treatment for mental illness will get the treatment they need
    without discrimination. From now on, insurance companies will have to
    set the same limits for mental illness that they set for physical
    illness--no more double standards.
        I've been with Tipper Gore for the past 2 days. She's one of our
    most effective advocates for the mentally ill. I know how much this
    means to her and to millions of other Americans who have dealt with this
    challenge in their own families.
        I repeatedly urged Congress to take these steps, and now I urge them
    to finish their work as quickly as possible. When I have the bill to
    guarantee 48 hours in the hospital for new mothers and their babies, and
    to stop insurance discrimination against the mentally ill, I will sign
    it with enthusiasm.
        Of course, we still have more to do. No child should ever be put at
    risk in America because a parent has lost his or her job and the health
    care that goes with it. We must make sure that people continue to have
    health care coverage when they're between jobs and looking for a new
    job. My balanced budget includes these reforms, along with expanded
    coverage under Medicare for mammograms and respite care for families who
    have Alzheimer's victims.
        This week's agreement shows what we can accomplish when we set aside
    rigid agendas, put aside partisanship, and work together. Just a year
    ago Congress was consumed by bitter partisanship as the Republican
    majority sought deep cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, education, and the
    environment that were unnecessary to balance the budget.
        I vetoed their plan, and the American people supported my decision.
    So this year, in clear contrast, we are getting things done to help
    protect our children and our parents. And we're

    [[Page 1642]]

    doing it even as we move toward a balanced budget. That's good for our
    families and good for our Nation.
        When we recognize that we're all in it together, that no one should
    have to go it alone, there are things that we must do as a nation
    together, we are building our bridge to the 21st century.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 4:35 p.m. on September 20 at the
    Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, OR, for broadcast at
    10:06 a.m. on September 21.