Steve Israel: “America's health care crisis affects millions of people, and I rise today on behalf of the 50,000 senior citizens on…”

“America's health care crisis affects millions of people, and I rise today on behalf of the 50,000 senior citizens on Long Island who have been kicked out of their Medicare HMOs. Just 3 years ago, seniors had choices in their medical care. In September of 1999, 12 HMOs offered seniors health plans in my district on Long Island. Now only two remain. In 1998 and 1999, 700,000 seniors across America were left without coverage when their HMOs decided not to renew their contracts. This year, HCFA reports that 65 Medicare HMOs did not renew their contracts, leaving an additional 160,000 senior citizens in America with no Medicare HMO option. This is intolerable. HMOs are choosing not to renew their 1-year contracts because of inadequate and unfair reimbursement rates. They are putting profits ahead of people. Health care should be a right, not a privilege. Ensuring Long Island seniors receive quality care is not a partisan issue; it is common sense. That is why I have been working with my Republican colleague from Long Island on a solution. Our plan, the Seniors' Health Care Bill of Rights, holds HMOs accountable and provides seniors the care they deserve.”