Orrin Hatch: “ObamaCare exacerbated financial pressures on the Medicaid Program at a time when many States were already facing…”

“ObamaCare exacerbated financial pressures on the Medicaid Program at a time when many States were already facing difficult choices. Even before ObamaCare, Medicaid was plagued by quality issues and the law did nothing to address these problems. Instead, under ObamaCare, able-bodied adults not previously eligible, including some prisoners, are now covered by Medicaid which has strained already limited resources at the State level. Republicans are committed to working with States, stakeholders, and the American public to improve the quality of the Medicaid Program, ensuring its long-term sustainability. That is reflected in my amendment. My amendment would create a reserve fund to allow for reforms to Medicaid and ensure the program has the right priorities. I urge my colleagues to vote for my amendment and against the Menendez amendment, which is simply designed to prevent the repeal of ObamaCare and enshrine its flawed approach to Medicaid in a budget point of order. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Jersey.”