Political Quotes

“first let me say that I would like to commend my colleague, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), for his leadership on the issue of Medicare coverage for venipuncture. Since Christmas, I have received hundreds of letters and numerous phone calls at both my home and office on home care and the health of our elderly. Most of these people calling and writing are scared. They are afraid for themselves and for their loved ones. Why are they afraid? Because the recently passed Balanced Budget Act will change their lives in a way that could be devastating. This change in coverage under Medicare for a service known as venipuncture or, more simply, the drawing of blood, was made without even a score from the Congressional Budget Office. No hearings were held; no specific clinical examples were used. We are being told that this will not have a strong impact on the lives of those who receive this service because they can qualify in some other way for venipuncture services. But what if they cannot? What if even a handful cannot get the services they need anymore? People could die. People could actually die if we are not sure about the impact of this change which became effective last week. In the court system in this country the jury must have evidence that can leave no reasonable doubt of guilt to make a decision. How can we sentence our seniors to this harsh change if we do not have assurance that they will be protected from harm?”