Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) Regarding the Children's Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act

 

Washington, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek issued the following statement regarding the Children's Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act:

"A bill that improves Medicare for 44 million seniors and people with disabilities, and provides $50 billion in new funding for children's health coverage is a bill that all Floridians can rally around. Our Medicare beneficiaries, seniors receiving Part D assistance, African Americans and other minority groups, and uninsured children will all benefit thanks to this legislation. Democrats have slammed shut the Medicare privatization door, while expanding benefits to the neediest people in our communities.

"In Florida, more than 890,000 Medicare beneficiaries with incomes under 150% of the poverty level will be helped by improvements in the Medicare Savings Program and Low Income Subsidy Program. More than 385,000 of our poorest Medicare beneficiaries will be protected with limits on out of pocket costs for prescription drugs. Over 186,000 seniors receiving Part D assistance will benefit from simplified applications and automatic renewal of eligibility. Coverage of 303,000 children currently enrolled in Florida's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will be secured, and a new option will help cover an additional 394,000 children who are aging out of Medicaid and CHIP. Low income women in Florida with an annual income under approximately $25,000 will be guaranteed low-cost services without having to rely on a waiver.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17^th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also serves on the House Committee on Armed Services.

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