Hirono Comments on Medicare, CHIP Bills

The United States Senate on Tuesday passed the Medicare Access and Children’s Health Improvement Program Reauthorization Act of 2015.

In reaction to the action U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono addressed the passage with the following statement:

“This is compromise legislation, and while it’s not perfect, it has a number of provisions that are good for Hawai’i. Medicare, the Children’s Health Improvement Program, and our community health centers are essential to ensuring that Hawai’i’s kupuna, keiki, and hard working families can get the health care they need. The bill extends the CHIP program, including coverage for COFA children and pregnant women, for two years and provides substantial funding for community health center. It also permanently reforms the flawed system that has caused uncertainty for Medicare patients and doctors for over 10 years.

“Despite these benefits, there is still work to be done. I cosponsor amendments that would have extended the CHIP program and community health center funding for 4 years, eliminated unnecessary caps on physical therapy for our kupuna and strengthened access to women’s health care. While I was disappointed that these amendments were defeated, I will continue to keep fighting to improve health care for Hawai’i’s families and communities.”

The measure passed both the House and the Senate with bipartisan majorities, 329-37 and 92-8, respectively.