Politics Today: At key moment, Obama leaves health post unfilled Nov 7, 2009
Medicare and Medicaid, the federal government's health insurance programs for the elderly and poor, play a big role in the health care reform proposals being considered on Capitol Hill. President Obama and Democrats in Congress hope to cut Medicare spending by nearly a half-trillion dollars over the next decade, and reform plans call for a big expansion of Medicaid during the same period ... Is expanding Medicaid a good idea. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 7, 2009
In a series of hearings, they rattled off a list of their objections: More than $100 billion to be sliced from projected Medicare and Medicaid spending ... At a time when the president is trying to engage Democrats in a politically risky effort to restructure Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, Rangel told Paulson, the budget represents a "missed opportunity." ... "Seven out of 10 uninsured children qualify for either Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program but are not yet... (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
Ritter proposes $131.8M in cuts to budget Nov 7, 2009
Additionally, he has suggested cutting in half the normal budget allocated for tourism marketing -- leaving it at about $10 million next year -- and requiring Medicaid providers to take another 1 percent reduction in reimbursement funding ... The proposed budget for next year includes a number of spending increases, including $157 million for a rising Medicaid caseload plus $5 ... The reduction in tourism marketing funding will save the state about $10 million and the Medicaid reimbursement rate... (Denver Business Journal, CO)
'We're pretty much broke' Nov 7, 2009
Fricke recalled a letter from Medicaid in February referring to a revision in an MMC cost report for 1998 ... The net result was zero, but demonstrates we are at the mercy of Medicaid and Medicare, Fricke said ... Sam wrote on Nov 2, 2009 3:11 PM:" This was a very interesting article involving home town politics and the real needs of a community. There are several factors to consider:1. Hospital finances. Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements are higher this year but, the census is low. Last year... (Port Lavaca Wave, TX)
FDA launches its attack on cigarettes Nov 7, 2009
We ALL pay for smoking related illnesses, either in the form of increased insurance premiums, or, as is all too frequent, in the form of Medicaid and Medicare costs and this doesn t begin to address the human suffering this addiction causes in pain, disability and death. Smoking of ANY type cloves, tobacco, marijuana, whatever is harmful. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Top Democrat: House Will Pass Health Bill Nov 6, 2009
Currently, federal appropriations bills include language known as the Hyde Amendment that prohibits the use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, while another provision, known as the Smith Amendment, prohibits federal funding of abortion under the federal employees. health benefits plan. (CBS News -- Politics)
HMSA, Kaiser seek rate increases for 2010 Nov 6, 2009
The proposed increases do not apply to Kaiser's Medicare and QUEST (Medicaid) members ... The proposed increases do not apply to Kaiser's Medicare and QUEST (Medicaid) members. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
House GOP health care reform plan Nov 6, 2009
Allows a government option for people who want it(like Medicaid, Medicare) BUT there better not be as many loopholes (someone coming to the pharmacy in an Escalade paying 50 cents for a prescription) ... However, that Democratic plan doesnt include the costs of the doctor fix, which apply to the Democratic bill because they use Medicare and Medicaid to expand coverage which is why the Democratic plan will not save any money at all. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Gov. Paterson calls for emergency session Nov 6, 2009
8 billion, of Paterson s budget-balancing plan consists of spending cuts in school aid, Medicaid reimbursements to hospitals and state operations; the rest would come from one-time raids of unused state funds and an expansion of investigations into Medicaid fraud. Democrats in the state Senate agree with 56 percent, or $1. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Dems get backing on health care reform Nov 6, 2009
AMA, AARP back House health care bill - CNN.com. Part of complete coverage on Share this on. (CNN)
Details on Health Care Bills in House, Senate Nov 6, 2009
There are also more than $400 billion in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid; a new $20 billion fee on medical device makers; $13 billion from limiting contributions to flexible spending accounts; sizable penalties paid by individuals and employers who don't obtain coverage; and a mix of other corporate taxes and fees. REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS: Individuals must have insurance, enforced through a tax penalty of 2. (ABC News -- Business)
LETTER: Ask lawmakers not to cut senior service funds Nov 6, 2009
The amount of cuts to the long-term care sector, which has been made more vulnerable due to recent cuts by the Administration and states that are struggling to meet their Medicaid budgets, will impact communities nationwide the residents, dedicated staff, and employees families of local nursing homes ... Please contact your U.S. Representative Timothy Johnson and your U.S. Senators Roland Burris and Richard Durbin, to encourage them to vote no towards the cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Small business brace for House health bill Nov 6, 2009
Even if the public plan initially pays negotiated rates to health care providers, soon there would be tremendous pressure for the new public plan to pay below-market rates, just as we have seen in Medicare and Medicaid, the letter states. This would shift costs to private insurers and employees who are covered by private plans, it said. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
LETTER: Government not good at running a business Nov 6, 2009
A newspaper article told of how many nursing homes are being closed because of delayed payment from Medicaid ... sapient wrote on Nov 4, 2009 5:17 PM:" US Postal ServiceMedicareMedicaidTennessee Valley AuthoritySocial Security SystemAll federal government programs.All broke.All inefficient.And now they also want to run our healthcare. That is scarier than the Ashmore House. ". (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Nov 6, 2009
Attorney Vince Brown said the group is concerned the state may be illegally discouraging needy families from applying not only for welfare, but federal entitlement programs such as food stamps and Medicaid, the national health insurance program for the poor. "We are really trying to balance the budget on the backs of the people who are most vulnerable," Brown said. (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
•Letter: Counselor on hand to help with Medicare decisions Nov 6, 2009
The program is part of a federal network of state health insurance assistance programs sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Counselors are trained volunteers who can answer questions about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, prescription coverage and low-income assistance. (The Daily Journal)
GOP gubernatorial candidates talk about out of control spending Nov 6, 2009
They said the deficit, which could amount to about one-third of discretionary spending, could be eliminated by cutting waste, reducing Medicaid costs and overhauling government pensions. . (The Pantagraph newspaper)
A Third of Americans Die in Hospitals, Study Finds Nov 6, 2009
Medicaid patients made up 2 percent and uninsured patients accounted for 3 percent and $630 million in costs. "Overall, the costs of hospitalizations ending in death were $20 billion, which accounted for 5.2 percent of total in-patient hospital costs in the U.S. in 2007," they wrote. (MEDLINEplus)
The "Costs" of Medical Care: Part IV Nov 6, 2009
Poor people can get insurance through Medicaid. Free loading at emergency rooms-- mandated by government-- makes being uninsured a viable option. (Townhall.com)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 6, 2009
In a series of hearings, they rattled off a list of their objections: More than $100 billion to be sliced from projected Medicare and Medicaid spending ... At a time when the president is trying to engage Democrats in a politically risky effort to restructure Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, Rangel told Paulson, the budget represents a "missed opportunity." ... "Seven out of 10 uninsured children qualify for either Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program but are not yet... (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
University budget is conservative stance Nov 6, 2009
The budget for next year, for instance, does not include the $8 million in supplemental Medicaid funding the hospital received this year, payments that have been targeted for cuts to help pay for the reform bills. Medicare payment adjustment increases have also been looked at. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Federal bill needn’t hurt state Nov 6, 2009
Another striking difference between that committee s bill and the state plan is the power each grants to the exchanges created to oversee insurance offerings for consumers who cannot get coverage from employers, Medicare, or Medicaid. While the Massachusetts Health Insurance Connector Authority can bargain aggressively with insurers on behalf of these consumers, the Senate committee s exchange would be little more than an online yellow pages listing of plans that meet very basic requirements. (Boston Globe)
Troutman Sanders attorney named in federal complaint Nov 6, 2009
According to the 32-page complaint, Omnicare paid Mariner and Sava $50 million in 2004 to get them to sign long-term pharmacy contracts and steer nursing home patients -- including those covered by Medicare and Medicaid -- back to it for pharmacy dispensing services. Attorneys for Schron, Sava and the former Mariner Health Care did not return telephone calls seeking comment, Thursday. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
House Dems struggle with health-care vote Nov 6, 2009
The legislation's next stop is the Rules Committee, which is scheduled to meet this afternoon to establish a framework for a historic debate on the biggest expansion of health coverage since Medicare and Medicaid were created in 1965. Rules Chairwoman Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., said more than 50 amendments had been filed by members of both parties and said debate is expected to consume at least five hours of floor time on Saturday. (AZCentral -- News)
Hawaii hospitals in red for 9th year Nov 6, 2009
The industry has complained for years about Medicare and Medicaid/Quest payments being below the cost of providing care while private insurance payments don't make up for the shortfalls ... That results in uncompensated costs for patients on a "wait list" for nursing homes because of the way Medicare and Medicaid payments are structured. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Nov 6, 2009
Schwarzenegger told Leavitt and Bush that he opposes proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and a children's health insurance program that could make it harder for California to achieve its plans for universal coverage. California also would be severely affected if Bush's annual push to eliminate a program that reimburses states for the cost of jailing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes is eliminated. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
FTC reviewing CVS Caremark practices Nov 6, 2009
A month ago, the company said it expected to lose coverage of a large number of Medicare Part D drug benefit members who are also eligible for Medicaid. CVS is losing about 500,000 of the dual eligibles, which will cost $1. (Boston Globe)
Hospitals hurting Nov 6, 2009
Medicare payments to doctors will be cut 21 percent across the board Jan. 1 and changes are planned to Medicaid benefits ... The hospitals lost $114 million on Medicare services and $78 million for Medicaid/Quest services last year ... To help cover the Medicaid shortfall, the federal government last year gave the hospitals $13. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 5, 2009
In a series of hearings, they rattled off a list of their objections: More than $100 billion to be sliced from projected Medicare and Medicaid spending ... At a time when the president is trying to engage Democrats in a politically risky effort to restructure Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, Rangel told Paulson, the budget represents a "missed opportunity." ... "Seven out of 10 uninsured children qualify for either Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program but are not yet... (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
'We're pretty much broke' (4) Nov 5, 2009
Fricke recalled a letter from Medicaid in February referring to a revision in an MMC cost report for 1998 ... The net result was zero, but demonstrates we are at the mercy of Medicaid and Medicare, Fricke said ... Sam wrote on Nov 2, 2009 3:11 PM:" This was a very interesting article involving home town politics and the real needs of a community. There are several factors to consider:1. Hospital finances. Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements are higher this year but, the census is low. Last year... (Port Lavaca Wave, TX)
Health care issues: Other presidents have tried Nov 5, 2009
Only Lyndon Johnson achieved transcendent reform, with passage of Medicare and Medicaid protecting the elderly and poor, but universal coverage has been an elusive goal for over a century ... LBJ tapped a strong Democratic majority, a talent for arm-twisting lawmakers and the support of health insurers and hospitals but not the American Medical Association in achieving Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
LETTER: 'Bite the bullet or die from the wounds' Nov 5, 2009
father bob wrote on Nov 2, 2009 2:31 PM:" Larry S. RoliradA HEALTH CARE PLEDGE FOR CONSERVATIVESAs a Conservative who DOES NOT have Health Insurance:I, ___________, as a conservative who DOES NOT have health care insurance, do hereby refuse all health care paid for by the government. I pledge if I become sick, or a member of my family becomes sick, that I will refuse to be treated by any doctor, hospital or emergency personnel if the cost for these services will in any way be subsidized by a... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
House Countdown to Friday on Health Care Nov 5, 2009
All of the mechanisms for health care rationing remain in place, all of the cuts to Medicare, the unfunded mandates are still imposed on the states by the vast expansion of Medicaid, the 111 new government bureaucracies are still created -- the entire parade of horribles is still included in this bill despite public objection. The billions of dollars that could be saved by addressing the issue of tort reform was not included in the bill or the amendment. (Human Events Online)
Study finds stroke risk from anemia drug Aranesp Nov 5, 2009
Also on Friday, the New York Attorney General s office said it and 15 states were suing Amgen, claiming the company gave kickbacks and weekend retreats to medical providers to help boost Aranesp sales, and encouraged them to bill third parties, including Medicaid, even though the drug was available to them at no cost. A statement by the company said the allegations were without merit. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Legislature delves into home health problems, state response Nov 5, 2009
State legislators Tuesday looked into the state's response to a moratorium imposed by Medicare and Medicaid officials last summer after the state's home health program failed to meet federal guidelines ... State legislators Tuesday looked into the state's response to a moratorium imposed by Medicare and Medicaid officials last summer after the state's home health program failed to meet federal guidelines ... Hilgendorf said the agency began doing assessments in-house of Alaskans eligible for... (Juneau Empire)
Don't Be Stupak Nov 5, 2009
Federal subsidies would be made available to make the premiums more affordable to people at low incomes who are ineligible for Medicaid ... These started with the 1976 's ban on the funding of abortions through the Health and Human Services Department (which applies mainly to Medicaid). (Slate)
MARSHFIELD COMMENTARY: State budget cuts pose danger Nov 5, 2009
Allow state agencies such as DDS to keep the federal monies generated each year through the provision of their services under the Medicaid waiver program. Don t forget that the quiet crises created when human services get cut have ripple effects throughout every level of our society. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Insurers act to save anti-smoking program Nov 5, 2009
The cuts meant QuitLine would have been able to only serve uninsured people, pregnant women (regardless of insurance coverage) and Medicaid recipients, said Deb Osborne, STEPP s director of cessation initiatives ... She added that roughly a third of QuitLine participants have private health insurance coverage, another third have no insurance, and the remainder are covered by government-sponsored health insurance plans like Medicaid. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Health care in Hawaii Nov 5, 2009
Legislative action must prevent any cuts or changes that reduce the existing benefits of Medicare/Medicaid and must support efforts to increase reimbursements to health care providers ... I am hopeful that our federal leaders will pass a law that gradually expands Medicare and/or Medicaid benefits to more Americans ... kuaina wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:37 PM:" Gary Hooser......Classic example of why no one trusts politicians. Medicare and medicaid are going bankrupt and will need massive infusions... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Trauma Deadlier for Kids without Insurance Nov 5, 2009
Children with public insurance, such as Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program, are about twice as likely to die as those with private insurance, the study found. "We have this idea that everyone is treated equally, yet the mortality rate after trauma among uninsured children is much higher when compared to children with commercial insurance," Dr. Heather Rosen, a research fellow in plastic surgery at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School and the study's lead... (MEDLINEplus)
Sick and uninsured Nov 5, 2009
Sky Lakes only sees 65 to 70 percent reimbursement from patients using Medicaid, a federal health insurance program for low-income households and individuals. When patients can t make all their payments, medical facilities have to write off the costs. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Today's Mailbag Nov 5, 2009
We have it in our Medicare and Medicaid programs ... Just recently, Republicans themselves introduced similar legislation to rid Medicare and Medicaid of waste, fraud and inefficiency - later to gut it in the budget proposal. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Rick Berman: Health care reforms don't have to cost taxpayers trillions in government option Nov 5, 2009
Since Medicaid already provides coverage for many of the poorest Americans, this subsidy would be relatively inexpensive overall ... We can end that unfairness by requiring all parents to provide coverage for their children, either through a group plan or via existing programs like S-CHIP and Medicaid ... Our public Medicare and Medicaid costs are unsustainable; the most recent estimates say Medicare will run out of money in less than a decade. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Ivax to pay $14M to settle kickback claim Nov 5, 2009
5 million has been allocated to cover Medicaid program claims by participating states. As part of the settlement, Omnicare and Ivax have agreed to enter into separate corporate integrity agreements with the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Health Reform Faces Moment Of Untruth Nov 5, 2009
As it recently told Congress, "Slowing the growth rate of outlays for Medicare and Medicaid is the central long-term challenge for federal fiscal policy." ... He recently said: "If we do nothing to slow these skyrocketing costs, we will eventually be spending more on Medicare and Medicaid than every other government program combined. Put simply, our health care problem is our deficit problem. Nothing else even comes close." ... The current bills dump half of the uninsured in Medicaid, create new... (Investors Business Daily)
GOP members offer amendment to force Congress to participate in public option Nov 5, 2009
but i would like to see current and retired senators and representitves enrolled in the "public option" and then they will find out that there will be to few doctors and hospitals willing to take them like medicare and medicaid patientsBY jusayin on 11/04/2009 at 17:01All government employees should be in the same plan as all Americans. Put all union members in there, too. (TheHill.com)
Two Hawaii clinics receive funding for children's health care Nov 5, 2009
Bay Clinic Inc. and the Hawaii Primary Care Association are among 69 organizations receiving $40 million of grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for finding and enrolling children who are eligible for Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program. The department said Bay Clinic, a community health center on the Big Island, and the Hawaii Primary Care Association received $680,000 for the e. (Honolulu Advertiser)
The Top Ten Reasons the Baucus Healthcare Plan is Bad for America Nov 4, 2009
State taxes will surely rise as costs are fobbed off on state governments in the form of more Medicaid spending. Higher health insurance premiums. (Human Events Online)
LETTER: Government not good at running a business Nov 4, 2009
A newspaper article told of how many nursing homes are being closed because of delayed payment from Medicaid. The government has never been able to run a business well. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Hundreds line up for energy aid Nov 4, 2009
Daily Journal Online - Park Hills, MO. A crowd waits in line outside of East Missouri Action Agencys downtown Park Hills office on Monday for assistance with their energy bills. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Mich. looks at worst-case 20 percent budget cuts Nov 4, 2009
7 million residents on Medicaid, the government-funded health program for the poor and disabled; and a $40 million reduction for mental health services ... The Democratic governor again called for GOP lawmakers to relent in their decision to eliminate a college scholarship program and to cut payments for health care providers who treat Medicaid patients and local police and fire protection. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
'House Call' on Pelosi Thursday Nov 4, 2009
The more than one trillion dollars in coverage expansions does not even include additional federal spending including the legislation, including the extension of Medicaid stimulus funding to the states, a new re-insurance program for retirees, a $34 billion trust fund for public health. That totals $224. (Human Events Online)
The "Costs" of Medical Care: Part II Nov 4, 2009
In the United States, the government has already reduced payments for patients on Medicare and Medicaid, with the result that some doctors no longer accept new patients with Medicare or Medicaid. That has not reduced the cost of medical care. (Townhall.com)
Ex-Illinois Attorney General Ryan launches bid for governor Nov 4, 2009
To close the gap, Ryan said he would cut spending and revamp the state's Medicaid system by moving more people into cheaper managed care programs. He also said he would change how retired state employees get their health insurance. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
How Cost Of Drug Development Is Lost On Public And Politicians Nov 4, 2009
The high prices of pharmaceutical drugs have been a contentious issue, though they are a relatively small part of total spending on medical care in the United States about 10%, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The costs behind these prices are not only high, but unusual, in the predominance of research costs over the cost of actually manufacturing the medications themselves. (Investors Business Daily)
Lawmakers question Medicaid plan Nov 4, 2009
- Lawmakers digging into the details of a $308 million deficit in the state's Medicaid program questioned Tuesday why swine flu has cost the state so much money and why cost-cutting moves were put in place more slowly than expected ... Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine said most of the swine flu cases seen so far involve children, who typically tend to have coverage through private insurance or the Medicaid program ... 5 billion Medicaid program that cares for the poor, elderly and... (Nola.com -- Sports)
Where all that money went Nov 4, 2009
7 billion went to assist county Medicaid programs and $2. 9 billion went for education spending. (Albany Times Union)
Spreading swine flu to avoid going broke Nov 4, 2009
I supervised workers who received Medicaid and had one even had a dependent who got SS disability ... I supervised a person who was on Medicaid. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
State budget takes a bite out of ICCMH funding Nov 4, 2009
Those services will now only be offered to patients on Medicaid because of the budget cuts. There are not many more administrative costs that we can make, Lathers said. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
A Growing Sense of Unease Nov 4, 2009
Do you believe setting up a public health insurance plan won't entrench what is already becoming a two-tier system of medical care in this country -- one for those patients with private insurance and the other for the growing millions with Medicaid-style policies. Do you believe that expanding Medicaid, cutting Medicare, and generally extending health coverage to some 36 million of the now uninsured, will make insurance more affordable. (Townhall.com)
Medicare ups hospital rates for inflation Nov 4, 2009
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said Monday that most hospitals will receive an inflation update of 2. 1 percent in their payment rates in 2010 for services to Medicare beneficiaries in outpatient departments. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Michael Gerson: Health reform toll will fall too heavily on young people Nov 4, 2009
Two-thirds of Medicaid spending goes to nursing homes. In 1965, there were four workers paying for the benefits of each retiree. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Nov 4, 2009
Attorney Vince Brown said the group is concerned the state may be illegally discouraging needy families from applying not only for welfare, but federal entitlement programs such as food stamps and Medicaid, the national health insurance program for the poor. "We are really trying to balance the budget on the backs of the people who are most vulnerable," Brown said. (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
Nancy Pelosi Nov 4, 2009
The first is one that would expand Medicaid eligibility to those earning up to 150 percent of the poverty level. The second is a tax on the wealthy -- individuals earning more than $500,000 and couples earning more than $1 million. (Salon)
Children’s Hospital, 3 health plans push cost-control effort Nov 4, 2009
In exchange, the three health plans - Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Tufts Health Plan - along with the state s Medicaid program, will contribute a portion of their savings, about $10 million in total, to a fund that will enable Children s Hospital to accelerate pilot programs aimed at providing better care at lower costs ... The hospital also will be forming a 10-member advisory committee for the pilot programs, consisting of representatives of each of the health... (Boston Globe)
