Statement of Governor Warner on Pending Hurricane Katrina Emergency Health Care Relief Package

Statement of Governor Warner on Pending Hurricane Katrina Emergency Health Care Relief Package

Governor Mark R. Warner today issued the following statement of support for the bipartisan health care relief package for victims of Hurricane Katrina. FEMA reports more than 12,000 people displaced by the storm have registered to receive disaster assistance in Virginia. More than a thousand people in Virginia have registered at this time for emergency Medicaid benefits.

The Senate bill proposed by Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Max Baucus, D-Montana, would require the federal government to pay the states' share for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance programs for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The legislation also would simplify enrollment in Medicaid and help those with private insurance pay their health insurance premiums and would provide assistance to health care providers for uncompensated care costs.

"Everyone wants to do their part to help fellow Americans affected by this national tragedy," said Governor Warner. "Existing Medicaid rules are simply not adequate for this unprecedented situation. As the past Chairman of the National Governors Association, I have worked extensively on comprehensive Medicaid reform. I believe strongly that this is vital legislation for victims of the storm, health care providers caring for them, our states, and our nation. I urge Congress to pass this legislation immediately and the President to sign it as soon as possible. We cannot afford any more delays."

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Sep05/0915c.htm