Frank Pallone: “last night the President outlined his agenda for Americans. Democrats and Republicans should strive to work together and…”

“last night the President outlined his agenda for Americans. Democrats and Republicans should strive to work together and implement his ideas on issues such as enacting a true consumer Bill of Rights to guarantee choice, access and quality health care in HMOs and enabling the near elderly to buy into the Medicare program. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership is already putting special interests ahead of the American public by supporting million-dollar ad campaigns to fight these new health care initiatives. Numerous constituents have contacted me with their concerns about managed care. Congress needs to pass a ground floor of quality assurance standards for managed care organizations, and Democrats will also fight to enact the President's Medicare buy-in proposal that would grant access to the Medicare program for those aged 62 to 65 and those over 55 who are laid off or displaced. This initiative will not cost the Medicare program or raise the deficit. Instead, it will provide access to the best health care program in the world for these near elderly. I just want to say, we should support these initiatives on a bipartisan basis.”