Frank Pallone

I hope my Republican colleagues understand that they are voting to repeal these advancements for mental health when they support the Ryan budget or vote to repeal the ACA.

The Mental Health Parity can enshrine in law the principle that mental health care is just as important as physical health care.

New Jersey has what is a gem in terms of psychiatric hospital treatment.

I remain conflicted and disappointed that you have decided to move straight to a legislative hearing.

State tort suits uncover unknown drug hazards and provide incentives for drug manufacturers to disclose safety risks promptly.

I mean because we have all heard that--well, I guess the GPhA commissioned a study looking into the economic impact of the FDA rule, and it concluded that finalizing the FDA rule will lead to new liability protection costs for the generic…

I agree with the FDA that state tort law complements FDA oversight and enhances patient safety.

The issue regarding generic drug labeling and its impact on patient safety is an important one and merits a thoughtful discussion.

Mr. Pallone. Mr. Chairman, I would just ask unanimous consent to submit for the record some Democratic comments in a letter to CMS.

What I am trying to get at is whether the reductions that CMS has proposed to the plan...

I think that what Congress has done to encourage these different payment models is exactly the right thing.

I think we should strive to improve the quality provided to all Medicare beneficiaries both in the fee-for-service system and the Medicare Advantage program.

But I know this is a very complex issue and I would like to get to the bottom of it.

I hope that if the chairman intends to move forward on any of these bills, that the Administration, stakeholders, and Democratic staff would have an opportunity to weigh in.

One bill in particular is quite egregious. It attempts to gut the coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act in order to provide billions of dollars to private insurance companies.

When we were told of this development, there were requests from staff on whether any Democratic bills on Medicare could be included today and those requests were ignored.

Unfortunately, I have to begin today's hearing expressing my disappointment in the tactics and process from your side of the aisle.

I believe that Sections 5 and 6 need changes to ensure the proper review of new and existing chemicals.

I think we can and have to do more in the Part D program to help address the prescription drug abuse epidemic.

It is also critical that they take every action within their authority to alleviate fraud, waste, and abuse.

Today the OIG released the report on some of the shortcomings of the oversight of Part C, or Medicare Advantage, and it sounds to me like Medicare Advantage plans have a lot of work to do in order to improve their fight against fraud and…

For nearly 50 years, Medicare has served as the bedrock program for our Nation's seniors and disabled.

But in order to build upon the promise of the program, Congress and the Administration must continue to find ways to strengthen the program.

I have 4 letters in support of the rule and the provisions that foster greater transparency and competition.

We feel it is our responsibility to propose changes to improve the operations.