Herb Kohl: “in an era when Congress is actively debating health care programs that are of enormous consequence to our economy and…”

“in an era when Congress is actively debating health care programs that are of enormous consequence to our economy and our collective future, it is important to acknowledge that today, Medicare and Medicaid play an essential role in ensuring access to health and long-term care services for nearly 100 million Americans. In fact, these programs are embedded in the daily lives of nearly one of every three Americans. Medicaid is the program that currently pays for about half of all long-term care services in our country. Jointly financed and administered by states and the Federal Government, it is a program that all of us--taxpayers and beneficiaries and health care providers alike--have a major stake in seeing continue and succeed. As chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I know that for millions of older and disabled Americans who are confronting the need for long-term care services, anxieties are often high. The costs associated with long-term care can be catastrophic, and many families turn to Medicaid for assistance. In many parts of the country, Medicaid offers only limited choices of where and how to receive services. However, I am pleased and proud that a few States, Wisconsin among them, have developed Medicaid programs that are designed to offer beneficiaries real choices in where they will receive long-term care.…”