PA Senate Republican News


 

 


 

 

 
   

For Immediate Release

6/21/05

 

CONTACT:
Senate Republican Communications
(717) 787-6725

 
   

Orie Resolution Urges Congress to Give States

More Flexibility With Medicaid Programs

 

HARRISBURG -- Sen. Jane C. Orie (R-40) has introduced a Senate resolution petitioning the U.S. Congress to adopt measures providing states with more flexibility in administering Medicaid programs.

 

Orie said the resolution was prompted by recommendations of the National Governors Association.

 

The Association urged Congress to allow states the freedom to use innovative methods to modernize Medicaid, with the goal of managing costs, curbing fraud and abuse, and protecting recipients.

 

Orie said her resolution also urges Congress to reconsider the proposed $10 billion in cuts to federal funding for state Medicaid programs.  It also calls for providing tax breaks and credits for the purchase of long-term care insurance, and removing the statutory impediment to forming long-term care partnerships.

 

“Medicaid is the country’s largest health care program, providing services to 53 million low-income and disabled individuals,” Orie said.  “But increasing caseloads and costs have forced dramatic increases to state and federal spending.  The resolution aims to address this unsustainable growth through innovative reforms which would modernize state Medicaid programs.”

 

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