Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act of 2015

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. This legislation is a long overdue remedy to the flawed Medicare physician payment formula known as the Sustainable Growth Rate, or SGR. I look forward to putting an end to the temporary patches that Congress has repeatedly passed in place of a permanent fix.

Replacing the SGR and bringing predictability to Medicare will encourage more providers to enter and remain in the program, which in turn will improve health care access and affordability for seniors. Additionally, H.R. 2 marks an important shift from fee-for-service payments to a system that rewards quality outcomes.

This bill also includes several important reauthorizations to crucial programs, including the Children's Health Insurance Program, the Qualifying Individual program, and the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. Although I would have supported a longer authorization of CHIP, which would bring more certainty to our states and the children and families they serve through the program, I hope we can work together during the next two years to develop a strong authorization before it expires in two years.

I am also very pleased that this legislation includes an extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Hundreds of jurisdictions across the country--including timber-dependent counties all across Oregon--rely on this essential funding for their schools, government services, and law enforcement.

Lastly, H.R. 2 provides continued authorization for Community Health Centers, which provide important services in underserved communities. Although support for community health centers will prevent millions of patients from losing access to primary care, the funding will unfortunately remain subject to the Hyde Amendment--a harmful provision that undermines women's health. I am deeply troubled with the continuation of this public law.

I am also troubled by the precedent set in this bill where we will begin charging some seniors more for their premiums. Medicare, like Social Security, is an earned benefit paid for over a lifetime.

Despite these serious objections, I will support this bipartisan legislation. Congress must preserve access to primary care for vulnerable individuals and bring long sought stability to Medicare for our seniors. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this comprehensive legislation and permanently fix the SGR.

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