"When they first started this program back in 1965, they projected out 25 years and said that by 1990 Medicare would cost $12 billion. In fact, it ended up costing $109 billion, basically nine times the original estimate."
"Telemedicine offers great promise in closing the gap in services in remote areas and lowering healthcare costs."
"One major concern that I have has been outreach to educate vets on reservations as to what benefits they are entitled."
"In the Senate appropriations bill for fiscal year 2012, we have included $800,000 as requested to support the establishment of your office."
"I look forward to continuing this dialogue as the VA and IHS move forward, creating a meaningful partnership."
"It is important that the VA communicate with the tribes, and I appreciate the creation of the OTGR."
"We need a lot of straightening out."
"I believe it is important for both the VA and IHS to appear together routinely to update everyone on how a more collaborative partnership will enhance services for Native American vets."
"When do you believe these will be worked out?"
"Is it true that the Native American saying that 'you better get sick through June or it is all over with' still holds true?"
"I mean, I think it's extremely important. Again, I just want to underline how incredibly important this is to, just, economic development."