Thomas Daschle: “I have also heard from public health officials who are concerned that public health funds may need to be diverted to…”

“I have also heard from public health officials who are concerned that public health funds may need to be diverted to address the needs of those who should have been covered by Medicaid--as they were in the past. Some states are able to cover the gap month through other Medicaid categories, such as the "medically needy" category and a category for those who meet all the SSI criteria but are not receiving benefits. There are several states, however, that still face the gap month problem. It is difficult for many of these states to address this problem, because, while covering only the gap month may be affordable, adding a whole new Medicaid category is seen as too expensive. There is a simpler, and less expensive way to address the problem: restore the pre-1996 Medicaid eligibility. We must restore health care benefits to those with disabilities who need them and should be eligible for them. The gap month is not a difficult problem to fix. A solution only requires our attention and our commitment to protecting the health care safety net. My bill does that by ensuring Medicaid helps cover those facing unexpected disability.”