Joe Pitts

H.R. 1428, by Dr. Burgess and Rep. Kind, which seeks to provide coverage for immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients.

H.R. 1416 by Congresswoman Ellmers, which would terminate application of sequestration to certain physician-administered part B drugs.

I would suggest that although most of these proposals say well, we will just give the Secretary some discretion, it will all work out.

Nearly 50 million seniors rely on the Medicare program for their health care, and that number may grow to 63 million Americans by 2020 and 81 million by 2030.

I believe that choice helps keep costs down, it seemed to me that it was foolish for us not to do it.

There is nothing in the amendment that will bring an additional ounce of sugar under our shores without explicit approval of the Secretary of Agriculture. At this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent).

At this time I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished vice chair of the Ag Committee, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte).

It should be noted that this Committee has played a key role in facilitating prescription drug monitoring programs.

Today's hearing is the first in a series of hearings this subcommittee will hold on the subject of prescription drug abuse.

We reimburse so poorly in Medicaid that the patients can only do what they have always done, which is go to the emergency room, the highest point of contact. If we expand the program, we are going to expand the problem. I yield back.

I am extremely concerned that their proposal will simply lead to higher premiums and greater financial burdens on low-income elderly or disabled Medicaid beneficiaries.

I would argue that under the current law, a great deal of flexibility exists while simultaneously providing a baseline of protections for beneficiaries.

From New Jersey's perspective, expanding Medicaid just makes sense and that is why Governor Christie chose to expand.

While we expect all States to participate in the Medicaid expansion because it is an advantageous fiscal arrangement, I am troubled and discouraged that there are many who still have not decided to expand.

We need to provide States with the flexibility to pursue these options, not lock them in a one-size-fits-all model dictated by Washington.

Medicaid is in trouble.

Clearly, we are failing those most in need of our help.

Medicaid was designed as a safety net for the most vulnerable Americans, including pregnant women, dependent children, the blind and the disabled.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today.

The chair thanks the gentlelady.

I look forward to working with all parties in the coming weeks and months with the goal of getting SGR reform to the President's desk.

The committee has sought to accomplish SGR reform through an open and transparent process with consideration given to all relevant stakeholders.

We are seeking substantive feedback on ways to complete this draft, and I would encourage all interested parties to submit their comments to the committee by June 10th.

The subcommittee will come to order. The chair will recognize himself for an opening statement.

The commitment to exploring bipartisan reform from Mr. Pallone, Mr. Waxman, leaves me hopeful that bipartisan reform is indeed possible.