Debbie Dingell: “I support S. 1533, the ``Health Care Safety Net Amendments of 2002,'' an important piece of legislation. It reauthorizes…”

“I support S. 1533, the ``Health Care Safety Net Amendments of 2002,'' an important piece of legislation. It reauthorizes the National Health Service Corps, the Community Health Centers program, and will establish a limited Community Access Program. S. 1533 is vital to providing health care services to the uninsured and under-insured. Health centers are located in more than 3,400 communities in all 50 states and often are the only available source of care for uninsured and medically under served individuals. The most significant change is an improved Community Access Program, which helps local communities coordinate the use of scarce healthcare dollars. Other changes increase access to community healthcare programs. And the bill now authorizes demonstration projects for chiropractors and pharmacists within the National Health Service Corps, as well as provides a ten percent set-aside for loans and scholarships for disadvantaged individuals. Ensuring access to primary and preventive care, regardless of insurance status or income, is an important component of our efforts here today. I urge adoption of this important legislation.”