[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.