Jim McDermott: “The average waiting time to secure a hearing for a disability claim at SSA is roughly 500 days, 16½ months.”

At its core, Medicare is a fulfillment of a commitment to the health security of the American people.

Mr. Blumenauer put through a bill, Mr. Levin and I put a bill in 25 years ago, that everybody in Medicare ought to file an advance directive.

the bottom line, as far as I am concerned, is what happens to patients.

In my opinion, it could be one of the most important hearings we have held during my time as ranking member on the subcommittee.