NE Washington News

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) addressed the Health Subcommittee hearing titled “Legislative Proposals to Increase Medicaid Access and Improve Program Integrity” on April 30, 2024.

Chair Rodgers began by sharing a personal story, stating, "Many in this Committee are familiar with my son Cole and his story." She highlighted her dedication to advocating for people with disabilities and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss solutions to support access to long-term care for individuals with disabilities. Chair Rodgers emphasized the importance of Medicaid in providing essential care, noting, “The Medicaid program was designed as an important safety net for those who truly need assistance and otherwise might not get the vital care that they deserve.”

Acknowledging the challenges within the Medicaid system, Chair Rodgers pointed out, “Unfortunately, Medicaid doesn’t always live up to this mission.” She highlighted the existence of waitlists for crucial home and community-based services, essential for enabling individuals with disabilities to live independently. Chair Rodgers stressed the need for solutions to address these issues, including bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing waitlists and ensuring uniform tracking and reporting of statistics across states.

During the hearing, Chair Rodgers mentioned the discussion of several key legislative proposals concerning Medicaid. She emphasized the collaborative effort with the Ranking Member and his team on bipartisan bills while acknowledging that not all proposals are without flaws. Chair Rodgers expressed concerns regarding certain legislation and emphasized the importance of bipartisan dialogue to refine and implement effective solutions.

Furthermore, Chair Rodgers raised concerns about the impact of recent Medicaid rules introduced by the Biden administration. She voiced apprehension about the potential consequences of staffing requirements and policies that could restrict access to care for individuals with disabilities. Chair Rodgers underscored the need to repeal these rules through legislative action to ensure that Medicaid operates efficiently and effectively.

In conclusion, Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers expressed optimism about the hearing and the ongoing collaborative efforts to enhance Medicaid access and program integrity. She affirmed her commitment to working together towards advancing solutions that prioritize the needs of individuals requiring Medicaid assistance.