Yoho Votes to Give Seniors Peace of Mind

Washington, DC – Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) voted in favor of H.R. 2 – Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act.  The bipartisan bill strengthens Medicare for seniors, reduces the deficit over the long term, extends the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and permanently solves the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). 

This legislation also implements real entitlement reform without raising taxes on the American people and moves Medicare away from a volume-based system towards one that rewards value, improving the quality of care for seniors.

Congressman Yoho gave the following statement after his voted.

“This bill today is a win for America, a win for bipartisanship, and a win for our nation’s seniors. Our seniors will now have the peace of mind to know they will have access to the high quality affordable care they deserve. Also, this bill ensures our doctors and caregivers have the certainty and confidence to practice their profession without worrying about unreliable government reimbursements.  

“Seventeen times - since 2003 - Congress has had to deal with short term fixes to address shortfalls in the reimbursement of doctors under Medicare. The SGR cost grew out of a constant mentality of ‘kicking the can down the road.’ For too long, Congress sacrificed a true solution for political expediency. In the meantime, the fix got more expensive and our nation’s seniors suffered.

“Today we have solved a perennial problem, without raising taxes, and saved taxpayers billions of dollars for the foreseeable future. In addition to making much needed reforms, this bill also extends health care for our nation’s children and helps Medicare fight waste, fraud, and abuse.

“It was a good day to show that Members of Congress can come together and solve the challenges that face America. My hope is that we continue this trend and work collectively to make America strong.”  

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Congressman Ted Yoho serves on the Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Committees. He represents North Florida’s 3rd Congressional District