WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R-MO) announced two victories today (11/18) to help individuals with disabilities become self-sufficient and strengthen and improve Medicare for Missouri seniors.

The Ticket To Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (*H.R. 1180), legislation crafted by Congressman Hulshof to help thousands of people with disabilities to return to work, overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 418 to 2. The measure, once approved by the U.S. Senate, will be sent to the President for signature. The White House recently indicated its intention to approve the measure.

"Today, Congress kept its commitment to give Americans with disabilities the opportunity to lead independent, productive lives. This is a victory for thousands of individuals with disabilities who want nothing more than the dignity and respect that comes with self-reliance," stated Hulshof. "I can think of no better way to end the First Session of the 106th Congress than to pass legislation that will tear down barriers existing within the current federal disability programs. We should reward people with disabilities who try to work and provide for their own needs, not punish them."

Specifically, H.R. 1180 would provide beneficiaries of Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with a voucher-like "ticket" that would allow individuals to obtain from the providers of their choice, vocational rehabilitation and other services necessary to obtain and retain employment. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act extends the period of eligibility for Medicare coverage for working disabled individuals, which is perhaps the largest obstacle faced by those seeking to return to the workforce. The legislation also creates new options for states to allow individuals with disabilities to purchase Medicaid coverage.

In a separate measure, Hulshof announced his strong support for a package of Medicare improvements included in the final budget agreement.

"This bill is not the Medicare overhaul that President Clinton and Congress had hoped to achiever this year," said Hulshof. "It does, however, address the unintended consequences of the 1997 reforms and restores funding to hospitals, nursing homes, and home health providers."

"Over the past several months, I have heard from seniors and dedicated health care providers expressing concerns with Medicare payment levels and the way previous Medicare reforms have been implemented," said Hulshof. "This legislation addresses their concerns, especially those in rural areas, so that they have the tools to provide quality care to Missouri's seniors."

Among other things, the bill provides more resources and greater flexibility for hospitals, particularly rural hospitals, and contains provisions to help ensure that older Americans continue to have access to essential home health care services. The package also contains provisions to address the needs of Missouri's most frail and elderly seniors by providing additional resources for nursing home care and therapy services. Lastly, the Medicare improvement package improves preventive care for women, provides drug coverage for organ transplant patients and continues the effort to provide seniors with new health care coverage options.

"The Medicare improvements included in the budget deal are clearly a step in the right direction. The package will improve the health care treatment America's seniors receive and provide stability for Missouri's health care infrastructure. When Congress returns in January, I plan to continue my push for further improvements to the Medicare program and work to ensure that future generations have access to this vital program," said Hulshof.

* On October 19, 1999, H.R. 1180 was considered by the U.S. House of Representatives under a procedure known as suspension of the rules. Prior to its consideration on the floor of the U.S. House, H.R. 1180 was amended and Hulshof's bill, H.R. 3070, was substituted as the base text of the legislation. Legislation considered under suspension of the rules requires a two-thirds vote for approval. The final version of H.R. 1180 reflects a compromise between Hulshof's legislation, H.R. 3070, and similar legislation approved by the U.S. Senate. H.R. 1180 also extends a variety of expiring tax provisions meant to, among other things, foster research and development, improve education and shield tax credits, such as the $500 per child tax credit, from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). The tax provisions in the final version of H.R. 1180 were not included in the bill as approved by the U.S. House on October 19, 1999.

FEATURES OF THE MEDICARE BALANCED BUDGET REFINEMENT ACT: