Orrin Hatch: “I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of the Access to Community Health Care Act of 1994. This is a critical part of…”

“I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of the Access to Community Health Care Act of 1994. This is a critical part of health reform if we are going to make sure that many citizens are not left out and if we are really going to lower costs and improve health. Mr. President, it is no secret that many areas lack adequate basic health services. And if we do not provide access to the basics--to routine and preventive care--we will pay more for hospital care. For three decades the Community and Migrant Health Center Programs have demonstrated an effective model for solving the diverse health care problems of underserved communities. They have brought community-controlled, cost-effective preventive and primary care to the areas that need them most at a current per-person annual cost of well under $300. They have lowered infant mortality up to 40 percent. They have lowered Medicaid costs for their patients by 33 percent. They have reduced hospital admissions and lengths of stay. Clearly, this approach is a bargain and an effective solution we should expand. This legislation would amend the health centers programs to allow funding for networks of community providers. This will promote more efficient and comprehensive services in underserved areas.”