The House Subcommittee on Health held a hearing dedicated to strengthening Medicaid and prioritizing the care of the nation’s most vulnerable Feb. 1.
Chaired by Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), the hearing entitled “Strengthening Medicaid and Prioritizing the Most Vulnerable” examined drafts of three Medicaid reform bills.
The proposed bills, “Verify Eligibility Coverage Act,” “Close Annuity Loopholes in Medicaid Act,” and “The Prioritizing the Most Vulnerable Over Lottery Winners Act,” focus on ending Medicaid benefits for lottery jackpot winners, closing loopholes that allow married couples to shelter assets to qualify for Medicaid, and helping states forced to provide temporary Medicaid coverage for individuals who are unlawfully present.
The savings from the proposed legislation would be directed at reducing waiting lists to be included in the Medicaid program, like those who suffer from disabilities.
“Medicaid is a critical safety net program that serves some of the most vulnerable patients in our districts. President [Barack] Obama’s health law upended the longstanding federal-state partnership of the Medicaid program by prioritizing able-bodied adults over those most in need,” Burgess said in a news release. “It is critical that Congress refocus taxpayer dollars on the most vulnerable to ensure that they get the care they need. These bills are a great start in our effort to rebuild our health care system, clean up the mess left by the previous administration, and improve the Medicaid program.”
The hearing webcast will be available at http://energycommerce.house.gov/.
