1st District Representative, Andy Harris, voted against the bi-partisan, healthcare bill H.R. 3253 (5 Republicans and 4 Democrat co-sponsors). This bill — the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act of 2019 — would extend a number of provisions within the Medicaid program that serve to make the program more effective.
This bill would extend the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration (MFP), which helps states rebalance their Medicaid long-term care systems by transitioning people with chronic conditions and disabilities into community-based care, through FY 2024. In addition, this bill would clarify that state Medicaid fraud and abuse control units are authorized to investigate abuse and neglect of Medicaid patients in board and care facilities, as well as patients receiving Medicaid-funded care in non-institutional settings.
Additionally, this bill would extend spousal impoverishment protections for seniors who receive long-term care in their homes or community settings through March 31, 2024.
Finally, this bill would; extend the Community Mental Health Services Demonstration Program thru 2021, fund the Medicaid Improvement Fund, and prohibit drug manufacturers from blending drug prices, a practice which lowers rebates to consumers.
The vote was 371 YEA, and 46 NAY. Harris voted NAY.
For more information on H.R. 3253 go here
Christopher Koch
Easton
Alan Boisvert says
Typical conservative(Harris)…..does not care about people. Hope all that voted for this moron are old and happy. Wake up district 1
Vincent De Sanctis says
What argument can Harris advance that would justify voting no? His adherence to the negative views held by the Tea Party class 0f 2010 apparently allows him to take positions that are antithetical to real people. Residents of MD Congressional District 1 should be so proud of someone who doesn’t care. Don’t spend money on social programs seems to be his sole mantra.
Mike Huffstetlet says
Stop writing these nonsensical Letters to the Editor dissing Andy Harris. He is a far better representative than any Democrat could ever dream of being!
Chris Koch says
Mr Huffstetlet, this LTE was not dissing Andy Harris. It only reported on his actual vote. Now that you are better informed as to how your representative is voting, I would hope that you would agree that when only 46 members of congress vote against a bill, as Harris did, then perhaps Harris’ political beliefs are too extreme and perhaps its time to look for better leadership (Republican or Democratic) for the 1st District. Thank you for your comments.
Elizabeth Freedlander says
I would like to understand Harris’s rational to vote “nay.” Perhaps he will tell us in The Spy.