Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007

Floor Speech

CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND MEDICARE PROTECTION ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - August 01, 2007)

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Mr. DOGGETT. Surely if Lance Armstrong can overcome mountains in France, we can overcome the mountains of obstructionism and of excuses to provide our children and our seniors the health coverage that they need.

By including significant portions of two Medicare bills that I filed, today's legislation supports grandparents as well as grandchildren. All seniors would get preventive care, and many of the 3.3 million poor seniors not receiving any help today would get the extra help for which they qualify.

Today, those seniors most in need are often least aware that help exists. We must identify and notify those entitled to extra help with prescription drugs and simplify the application process.

We also ensure that drug coverage is not lost by our seniors who saved a small nest egg or receive help and groceries from their children--behavior that we ought to encourage, not punish.

Importantly, we mandate that patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, and mental illness receive access to life-saving medications. Without this protection, vulnerable patients are held hostage by ``cost cutting decisions'' by private insurance companies.

While Lance inspires us to live strong, we can ``vote strong'' and improve the lives of children, seniors, and Americans fighting to get well again. Approve this important legislation.

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