For immediate release
August 1, 2007
Statement attributable to:
Edward Langston, MD
Board Chair, American Medical Association
"The American Medical Association applauds the members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted to pass legislation that preserves access to health care for children and seniors. The House rose to the challenge of making sure that two critical health care issues were addressed before the August recess, and while there is more work to be done, now millions of low-income children and seniors can know that the House is committed to ensuring that they continue to have access to health care.
The CHAMP Act will ensure that two of our most vulnerable populations can get in and see the doctor by renewing the federal health care coverage program for poor children and stopping steep Medicare cuts to physicians caring for seniors. A full 60 percent of physicians tell the AMA that next year's harsh 10 percent payment cut will force them to limit the number of new Medicare patients they can treat. By increasing the tobacco tax and eliminating overpayments to insurance companies offering private Medicare plans, Congress has found two appropriate ways to pay for these important national health care priorities.
"As soon as the Senate passes legislation to renew children's health care coverage, America's doctors urge Congress to expedite the conference process. Congress must finalize the legislation before SCHIP expires on September 30. Working together, we are confident that members of Congress, from both chambers and both sides of the aisle, can find common ground so that children and seniors will continue to have access to needed health care services."
###
For more information, please contact:
Katherine M. Hatwell
Senior Public Information Officer
AMA Media Relations
(202) 789-7419
Content provided by: Media Relations