Discuss heathcare reform with Senator Lamar Alexander

Lamar Alexander
US Senator, Tennessee (R)
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From Senator Alexander:Is Medicaid Expansion the Right Path?

Posted on October 28, 2009

As a former Governor and now U.S. Senator, I would greatly value your perspective as a practicing physician on several key issues related to comprehensive health care reform. 

Today, I would like to ask you some questions about the proposed expansion of Medicaid, but in the coming weeks would also appreciate your input on other issues such as malpractice reform, health information technology, and insurance reform. 

All of the bills currently being considered by Congress would increase Medicaid eligibility as a solution to address the uninsured.  The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that these proposals would add as many as 14 million Americans to the 60 million already in the Medicaid program.  I have seen surveys that indicate that because of the very poor Medicaid provider reimbursement rates, as many as 40 percent of physicians limit the number of Medicaid patients they will see.  It seems to me that by adding another 14 million people to the program, the access problems experienced by Medicaid beneficiaries likely will worsen. 

Please share with me your thoughts in the poll to the right and in the comments below.  It is important that my colleagues understand the impact of proposed legislation on you and your patients.

Thank you for your time,

Lamar Alexander

Chairman, Senate Republican Conference

U.S. Senator, Tennessee

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