Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell, Ranking Member
Committee on Energy and Commerce

HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE ON THE EXTENSION OF
THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL
AND TRANSITIONAL MEDICAID PROGRAMS

October 6, 2005

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation to reauthorize the Qualified Individual program, or QI. This program helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries who are almost, but not quite, eligible for Medicaid assistance, and are still struggling with living and healthcare costs. It pays the cost of the Medicare Part B premium for seniors with incomes of approximately $11,484 to $12,920 a year. This is a good program that helps thousands of low- income seniors each year.

The initial program was a block grant enacted in 1997 and set to expire in 2002. Congress has re-authorized this program a number of times since then. The uncertainty surrounding funding for this program, however, has had a dampening effect on enrollment. States are hesitant to reach out to eligible individuals, resulting in artificially low enrollment figures. I hope my colleagues across the aisle will join me in fixing this problem in the future -- but for now, I am pleased that we are passing this stopgap measure.

In addition, I support the extension of the transitional Medicaid program, or TMA. This program is critical for families moving from welfare to the workforce and provides health insurance during this time. TMA provides peace of mind for millions of working Americans so that they can maintain health insurance coverage as they begin working again.

I would note that it is my strong preference to make these two programs permanent, rather than having Congress continually reauthorize them, sometimes multiple times in a year. I thank Senators Grassley and Baucus for their work in the Senate, and Chairman Barton for his work with me, and am pleased that the House is taking up this legislation to extend funding for these programs for the immediate future.

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(Contact: Jodi Seth, 202-225-3641)