Political Quotes

“Home health care is an important part of Medicare in which seniors and the disabled can get basic nursing and therapy care in their home. I rise today to urge the Senate Medicare conferees to stand firm against provisions in the House passed prescription drug and Medicare reform bill, H.R. 1, that would make further cuts in the Medicare home health benefit by reducing the home health inflation update and imposing a new copayment on home health beneficiaries. Home health care is convenient, but much more importantly, patients love it. I have seen this first hand as I have had the privilege of visiting with many of my constituents who rely on this benefit. They love home health care because it is the key to fulfilling what is virtually a universal desire among seniors and those with disabilities--to remain independent and within the comfort of their own homes despite their health problems. Since the passage of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, BBA, no other group of Medicare patients and providers have endured as many difficulties.”