Political Quotes

“there are 42.6 million uninsured Americans. The critical care needs of this population, when met, is often provided by safety net hospitals. These institutions provide such care, often at a financial loss to the most needy among us. Today the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson) and I will introduce the Medicaid Safety Net Hospital Improvement Act of 2001. This bipartisan measure raises the floor for Federal Medicaid allotments to States for hospitals that serve the uninsured from 1 percent to 3 percent, alleviating some of the growing burden of providing uncompensated care to many of our Nation's uninsured. The legislation provides a more level playing field by raising the amount of Federal funds to States that have been undercompensated and does not impact the Federal allotments to other States. As Congress considers policies for improving health care access to America's uninsured, we must not abandon the safety net already in place. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting these critical hospitals and the vulnerable populations who depend on them.”