Political Quotes

“around this time last year, we heard the news story of Deamonte Driver. He was a 12-year-old living in Prince George's County, MD, a short driving distance from this building. Deamonte had a toothache. His family was poor and they didn't have health insurance. They could not afford to pay out of pocket for dental care. Although in the past they had Medicaid coverage, it was nearly impossible, as it is in most places--Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas, and most places--to find a dentist who took Medicaid patients. The infection from Deamonte's tooth spread to his brain. His family took him to the hospital, only to find out that his Medicaid coverage had lapsed because the paperwork to confirm eligibility was mailed to a homeless shelter where the family had spent some time. Deamonte died after surgery, after 2 weeks in the hospital and $200,000 in medical bills. Deamonte's death was tragic and needless and that is unconscionable. Families across the country were shocked by this story. This story illustrates what is wrong with our health care system.”