"So, Mr. Chairman, in conclusion if we don't identify and respect the right to know, and we had a Patients Bill of Rights, which is part of the reform process that we are now going through, then we defeat the purpose of what we are doing."
"You mentioned earlier observation status is particularly problematic when Medicare beneficiaries need care in a skilled nursing facility after leaving the hospital."
"I think we can work together, I really do, to find solutions that work for hospitals and for patients."
"I cosponsored along with Joe Courtney and Tom Latham, it is bipartisan, the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act."
"Most patients do not know that they are in observation, and the Medicare program does not require hospitals to tell them."
"Talk about our system of justice about, when you have a buck in your pocket, you stay out of jail; when you don't have a buck, you sure the hell will go to jail."
"I think that we should be interested in these kinds of things. Correct?"
"I am encouraged that we get some bipartisan support."
"The rate of uninsured Americans has declined and is now at the lowest level recorded since 2008."
"My good friend Sam Johnson I worked very closely with this year, said to CMS officials, you guys have done a super job."
"More than 7 million Americans have enrolled in private coverage and 3 million have enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program."