March of Dimes Applauds Senate for Passing Smith/Bingaman Amendment

Marina L. Weiss, Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs of the March of Dimes, issued the following statement as the United States Senate passed the Smith/Bingaman amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 budget resolution (S. Con. Res. 18):

“The March of Dimes is very pleased that the Senate has voted to delete a provision calling for more than 14 billion in savings from the Medicaid program.  By a vote of 52 to 48 the Senate approved the amendment offered by Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) that also calls for the creation of a Medicaid Commission designed to work with the governors to develop recommendations with respect to the long term goals, populations served, financing, and quality of care provided through the program. As the Senate enters negotiations with the House of Representatives over the final disposition of this measure, we urge Senate conferees to hold firm to the provisions just approved.

“The March of Dimes supports creation of the Medicaid Commission as an important step in ensuring that states are making efficient use of federal dollars while protecting access to health services for some of the most vulnerable among us – low income pregnant women, infants and children. Today, 1 of every 3 births and as many as 1 in 3 children rely on Medicaid as their source of health insurance. This program is essential to low-income pregnant women and children whose health care needs are significant yet who cannot access comprehensive, affordable coverage in the private market.  The March of Dimes believes that reform of the Medicaid program through structural changes demands an open process and thorough evaluation of the potential impact of recommended changes.”

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy and in 2003 launched a multi-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.