Rep. Steve Cohen has released a statement on his vote on health care as well as a video statement.
Here is an excerpt:
“The bills that we passed today will forever change the landscape of America’s health care deliverysystem for the better. The House has passed legislation that will extend health insurance to millions of Americans who don’t have it now, and will cover more than 95 percent of our country’s citizens with affordable, quality health plans. I am proud to have lent my support and input for this legislation.
“The passage of these bills will help The MED through a provision in the reconciliation package, for which I fought vehemently, that increases the state’s diminutive Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment. In January, I had the opportunity to speak to President Obama in a public forum about Tennessee’s unusual DSH payment situation. The President was receptive to my suggestions on behalf of Tennessee’s hospitals, especially The MED, and he promised to look into the issue. Under this provision, The MED will receive more federally directed funding than it does now, as it renders more uncompensated care than any other hospital in the state of Tennessee. Accordingly, Shelby County tax payers will reap the benefits of this provision, as they are the ones who foot the bill for the care that The MED provides to those patients who are unable to pay.
“This legislation also invests heavily in our Community Health Centers. The $11 billion investment in these important neighborhood resources will go a long way in ensuring that every American, not just those who can afford it, can receive quality care. It incentivizes prospective doctors to go into the field of primary care and encourages them to practice where we need them most—in urban areas.
“Tonight, we ensured that some of the most shameful practices utilized by health insurance companies will be forbidden
[...] from yesterday’s vote from Congressman Steve Cohen. blog comments powered by Disqus var disqus_url = [...]