obviously it was a very convenient sample for the insurance company, but a raw deal for consumers.

millions of Americans who required health care services were at the mercy of a small medical data company called Ingenix

there's very little competition in the insurance market.

And when is this system going to be established?

the reality was that the data was all smoke and mirrors

there are no options, essentially, in many of these States.

Thank you so much for holding this very important hearing that is of such tremendous interest, as you can see by this packed room.

They talked to me about the need to have a patient-centered reimbursement system under healthcare rather than a procedure-centered system.

Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous personal and economic toll on both the individual, the family, and our country.

In my own family, we are all too familiar with the pain and hardship associated with Alzheimer's.

Thank you again for taking the time to answer these questions. The Committee looks forward to receiving your answers by May 11, 2008.

Pursuant to clause 2(e)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, public hearing records of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs are also published in electronic form.

I commend the VA for their efforts in improving rural health.

Last year, the Rural Veterans Access to Care Act, legislation sponsored by my good friend and colleague, Jerry Moran, was enacted into law as a pilot program in Public Law 110-387.

I also applaud the advances made in telehealth through the numerous pilot programs that have been implemented today.

The printed hearing record remains the official version.

But, I'd like each of you to discuss how you're coordinating with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for example, and the National Guard.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, let me first thank you, Senator Graham, and Senator Cornyn for your leadership on this extraordinarily troubling issue.