Congressman Rehberg Pushes to Defund Medical Treatment for Libby Asbestos Victims

More bad news about millionaire Congressman's attempt to strip Medicare funding for Montanans

Helena, MT -- Montanan’s millionaire Congressman Rehberg admitted today that "the news is only getting worse for Libby residents” who struggle with asbestos poisoning.  But he only has himself to blame if Libby asbestos victims see their treatment cut.

Libby residents are upset over Rehberg’s new legislation to strip Medicare coverage for victims of asbestos poisoning from the W.R. Grace & Co. vermiculite mine near Libby, as well as thousands of other Montanans.

One Libby resident told the Kalispell Daily Inter Lake, “If Representative Rehberg came to Libby more often, visited the CARD clinic, talked to the victims and saw their extensive medical needs and how debilitating this disease is, he wouldn’t be pushing for defunding it at the expense of the health of the people of Montana."

“It's disgraceful that Congressman Rehberg wants to strip much-needed and deserved health care away from victims in Libby for his own political gain. This is Rehberg-style politics as usual, and the people of Libby deserve better," said Ted Dick, Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party.

More background on how Libby asbestos victims have benefited from Medicare coverage:

HEADLINE: Sen. Baucus lauds Libby provisions in health bill – “The bill funds screening and provides Medicare coverage for Libby asbestos patients even if they’re under age 65. A key provision provides ongoing health care to all victims of public health emergencies, but Libby is the first community in the United States to get a public-health emergency declaration from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. There’s also funding in the new bill for public education of asbestos disease.” [Daily Interlake, 4/1/2010]