Max Baucus: “this amendment does undermine the basis of Medicaid today, which is ``medically necessary services.'' The effect of this…”

“this amendment does undermine the basis of Medicaid today, which is ``medically necessary services.'' The effect of this amendment is to allow States to lower health care coverage for low-income kids. That is the effect of this amendment. Why do States want more flexibility, especially with respect to this program? So basically they can lower benefits. They can save money. There has been a longstanding principle under Medicaid that Medicaid should provide medically necessary services, such as immunizations or checkups, to low-income kids, and that is the basis. We have to keep it. The effect of this amendment is to undermine that. If we stand for anything here, it is making sure low-income kids do not have less health care benefits, at least. They should have more. This amendment would undermine that and allow States to have lower benefits for kids, and for that reason it should be rejected.”