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Rep. McDermott Praises Introduction of Comprehensive Health Care Reform Legislation
House Bill Includes Four Separate Provisions McDermott Authored
October 29, 2009
 Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), a medical doctor and child psychiatrist, praised the introduction of health care reform legislation that includes a public option.
“After more than 100 years and repeated attempts, America finally is very close to realizing a dream of providing every American with health security,” McDermott said. “It is an exciting day for the country and for me personally, because providing every American with affordable health care coverage has been my top priority since the day I entered Congress.”
McDermott, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, one of the three committees of jurisdiction on health care, said the comprehensive legislation unveiled today marks a turning point for America and he called it the biggest social issue since the passage of Medicare in 1965.
He also said this is the beginning of a new day and that over time he intends to offer amendments and other stand alone bills that will make health care coverage even better. “From the beginning of invaluable programs like Medicare and Social Security, adjustments and improvements have made these programs better and better and no American can imagine our country without these social safety net programs that benefit every senior citizen,” McDermott said. “I predict that comprehensive health care legislation will quickly be seen in the same light, as a foundation block for the security of every American.”
The legislation introduced today includes four key provisions authored by Rep. McDermott, including one he has long championed – making it possible for domestic partners to enjoy the same tax benefits with regard to health insurance coverage as married couples.
Here is a summary overview of the McDermott-authored provisions:
Section 571. Certain health related benefits applicable to spouses and dependents extended to eligible beneficiaries.
This section promotes parity in health benefits by expanding the definition of “eligible beneficiary” so that domestic partners can enjoy the same tax benefits with regard to health insurance coverage, as married couples do.
Section 1904. Grants to states for quality home visitation programs for families with young children and families expecting children.
This section will provide voluntary home visitation for families with young children and expecting families to improve the well-being, health, and development of children. This program will provide grants to states to fund such programs.
Section 2217. Study on effectiveness of scholarships and loan repayment.
This section will require the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) to perform a study the purpose of which is to determine whether scholarships or loan repayment programs are more effective in getting medical students to enter primary care specialties, such as internal medicine, family medicine, and general pediatrics. The study would also determine whether scholarships or loan repayment programs are more effective in getting physicians to practice and remain in underserved areas.
Section 1621. Self-referral disclosure protocol.
This section will require the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services to establish a self-referral disclosure protocol so that providers may proactively report actual and potential violations of the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act (the “Stark Law”).
McDermott also said he will continue to fight for legislation he introduced earlier this week (H.R. 3925) that would for the first time provide every American who is enrolled in an employer-sponsored health care plan with the ability to seek recourse if a health care benefit is improperly denied by their health insurance company.
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