Rep. Schrier's Bill to Increase Access to Primary Care Will Get House Vote Next Week

ISSAQUAH, Washington, June 25 -- Rep. Kim Schrier, D-Washington, issued the following news release:

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced that the Kids' Access to Primary Care Act, a bipartisan bill introduced in March, will be voted on by the House next week as part of HR 1425, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, that will expand upon the Affordable Care Act.

"More than 800,000 children in Washington State get their health care coverage through Medicaid," said Rep. Schrier. "As a pediatrician, I know that now, more than ever, it's critical that all these families can receive the care they need in a timely fashion. This bill will make it easier for providers to accept new Medicaid patients and ensure patients receive necessary care to live full, healthy lives."

Lower Medicaid payment rates have created barriers to care, including difficulty scheduling appointments and longer waiting periods. Experts agree that higher Medicaid payment rates will increase access to care for Medicaid patients. The Kids' Access to Primary Care Act builds on previous efforts to fix these coverage problems by increasing Medicaid rates to align with Medicare payment rates. It also expands eligibility for the increased payment rates to additional providers, broadening the provider network.