House Passes Bipartisan "Doc Fix" Legislation

Statement

Today, Congressman Mark Takai released the following statement on the House's passage of H.R. 2, Bipartisan Permanent Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Fix and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Package:

"With today's permanent SGR fix, we remove the uncertainty that has plagued our kupuna and their doctors, and seniors across the nation will now have access to the healthcare security they deserve. A highlight of this bill is that it will help to increase the quality of care for low-income seniors by providing funding to help them pay their premiums. As with any compromise there are aspects that I have reservations in regards to, and I am hopeful that the Senate will improve on this legislation. However, the broken SGR formula has caused tremendous problems for over 10 years, and I am thankful that the House was able to come together and pass this legislation," Takai said.

"In addition to the SGR fix this bill would also reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Just as healthcare security is important for our elders, it is equally important for our keiki, and reauthorization of CHIP will ensure that the children of our most vulnerable families have continued access to quality care. Another key feature of this legislation is the continued funding of Community Health Centers, guaranteeing access to healthcare centers for millions of Americans moving forward," Takai added.

The House passed H.R. 2 with a vote of 392 -- 27. The Senate is expected to debate H.R. 2 in the coming weeks.

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