Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) released the following joint statement after the House passed H.R. 3253, the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act of 2019, by a vote of 371-46:
“This bipartisan bill extends several important programs that will strengthen and improve Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans. H.R. 3253 reauthorizes and makes improvements to the Money Follows the Person program to assist people seeking to transition from institutional care to care in their communities, guarantees that spousal impoverishment protections remain in place, and extends the Excellence in Mental Health demonstration program.
“We’re especially grateful to Congresswoman Dingell and Congressman Guthrie for their hard work and commitment to ensuring that these important programs are protected and remain in place to support American families. It is now time for the Senate to act."
Background: The Excellence in Mental Health demonstration program expires at the end of June, and the Money Follows the Person and spousal impoverishment programs expire at the end of September.
