Rep. Pallone Issues Statement on Proposed Medicaid Program Changes

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., ranking Democratic member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement in response to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Seema Verma's announcement that the agency intends to make drastic changes to the Medicaid program:

"I am disappointed and disturbed by the direction the Trump Administration has signaled they plan to take the Medicaid program. The ultimate test for all health care proposals should be to determine if the proposal strengthens coverage, expands access to providers, improves health outcomes, and increases the quality of care for individuals.

"Administrator Verma's comments supporting work requirements and other harmful reforms flunks that test resoundingly.

"Medicaid is a health insurance program that covers more than 74 million children, individuals with disabilities, seniors and working class Americans; it should not be a target for the Trump Administration to scapegoat and demonize.

"Administrator Verma's plans for Medicaid are grounded in misguided conceptions of the Medicaid program and would send us backward."

This document was posted showing the date: Nov. 7, 2017