Why I voted No on H.R. 3495

Statement

I voted "No" on H.R. 3495, the Women's Public Health and Safety Act.

This bill undermines the long-standing "free choice" law that guarantees the rights of Medicaid beneficiaries to see any qualified, participating physician for their health care. Specifically, the bill would allow states to blacklist certain physicians or facilities on the basis of whether or not they participate in abortions. Medicaid does not cover abortions or any abortion-related services. In fact, the "Hyde Amendment," which I strongly support, already prohibits federal funding for abortion.

This legislation would allow a state to disqualify entire hospitals or medical practices that provide routine, specialty, and emergency care to low-income New Yorkers from participating in Medicaid. I cannot support a law that would leave the 6.5 million New Yorkers who receive Medicaid benefits without access to health care of any kind.

I oppose this legislation because it tells low-income and disabled New Yorkers that they can no longer see the doctor of their choosing. If you like your doctor, you should be able to keep them.

This bill was approved by a vote of 236-193.

Source