Jack Reed: “Today, we are here to offer an amendment that would address a problem that is particularly pernicious, dealing with the…”

“Today, we are here to offer an amendment that would address a problem that is particularly pernicious, dealing with the health of children and exposure to lead paint. There are countless numbers of children across this country who have been physically and emotionally harmed, and cognitive development impaired, because they were unwittingly, in most cases, exposed to lead-based paint. Generally, this type of paint is common in older homes throughout the country. It is a particular problem in the Northeast, in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts; but it is not limited to that part of the country. Anyplace where you have older houses, and the homes are more than 20 or 30 years old--you have this potential problem of exposure to lead-based paint by children, which may impact their physical and intellectual development. The Medicaid authorities have recognized this problem and have promulgated regulations for screening and follow-up treatment services for Medicaid-eligible young children. However, in all too many cases, this screening requirement is ignored by Medicaid contractors.”