DENNIS A. CARDOZA: “Mr. Speaker, the motion we are debating tonight instructs the Medicare conference committee to reject the controversial…”

“Mr. Speaker, the motion we are debating tonight instructs the Medicare conference committee to reject the controversial plan of premium support and reallocate the money saved to increase payments to disproportionate share hospitals. As a representative of an area with multiple DHS hospitals, I feel it is vitally important to provide them with the maximum Federal funding possible. However, let me first discuss the issue of premium support, and why I am concerned that this plan could potentially dismantle Medicare. Under premium support, in the year 2010, private insurance companies and traditional fee-for-service would compete against each other to provide services to beneficiaries. Monthly premiums would be set according to an average and beneficiaries would then be given something similar to a voucher for which they could purchase coverage. However, premium support will create a system where seniors' benefits can vary widely from county to county, State to State, and their choice in doctors can be restricted, vital services may not be covered, and their monthly premium can radically fluctuate. That is if the private plans even participate at all.”