Public shut out of health debate Nov 24, 2009
As for parochialism, last week's most blatant action may have been Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's insertion into the bill of a $100 million Medicaid bonus for Louisiana, whose senior senator, Mary Landrieu, has been one of the holdouts. One reason for this resurgence of backroom politics is simple: Polls show the public to be fairly evenly divided on health care reform and understandably confused by its details. (Albany Times Union)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 24, 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)
Dealing with America's fiscal hole Nov 24, 2009
An ageing population and health-care inflation are inexorably driving up the cost of the countrys three big entitlements: Social Security (pensions), Medicare and Medicaid (health care for the elderly and the poor, respectively) ... Medicaid could be converted to block grants, compelling states to assume more of the burden of cost control. (The Economist)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Nov 24, 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)
AP: White House at Odds With Bishops Over Abortion Nov 24, 2009
The Hyde amendment restrictions apply to Medicaid, military health care and the federal employee health plan. Many states provide abortion coverage to low-income Medicaid beneficiaries, but they must do so separately with their own funds. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Read 'Journal Editorial Report' transcript Nov 24, 2009
Here's what he said, "These days, where you fall on the crucial issue of Sarah Palin tells the rest of us all we need to know about your character. You are either, A, a scum-sucking terror-lobbying elitist, or, B, a radical tea-bag loving simpleton. (LAUGHTER) Now, Kim, I think that's two sharply drawn, love or hate. I think... STRASSEL: You think? (LAUGHTER) VARNEY: I do think it's too sharply drawn. I think there's no nuance in that. And I think her re-launch puts her in the middle, not just... (Fox News)
Scott & White seeks expansion in Leander Nov 24, 2009
before that, they served patients who were members of the Scott Health Plan, Medicare or Medicaid. Primary care facilities throughout Scott offer services such as internal medicine and pediatrics and range from smaller offices to those of 35,000 square feet. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
Catholic bishops see 'fundamental failure' on abortion in Senate health bill Nov 24, 2009
"In fairness, they should be eligible for the programs for which they paid taxes," Appleby said, adding that illegal immigrants should be able to buy into plans (which they're not allowed to do in the Senate bill) and that they should be eligible for Medicaid. "This is sound public policy which should take priority over partisan politics," he said. (TheHill.com)
This physician didn't rally Nov 24, 2009
The anti-social, belittlement of health care provided by the government, with the consequences for Medicare, Medicaid and the VA care system made it clear to me that I cannot support this action. The sponsors are essentially theocrats and I do not support extremists of any religious persuasion. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Deal will turn a hospital private, with goal of efficiency Nov 24, 2009
Further, and more important, by becoming a private nonprofit entity the center may be positioned to take advantage of California's complex Medicaid rules, which sometimes reimburse private hospitals at higher levels than public ones ... About 53 percent of the center's patients are on Medicaid, 14 percent have Medicare, 31 percent are uninsured, and nearly none have private insurance ... Further, and more important, by becoming a private nonprofit entity the center may be positioned to take... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Patients face bitter choice: Pay up or lose care Nov 24, 2009
During that period, the percentage of doctors revenue that didnt come from private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid jumped from more than 9 percent to more than 13 percent, the CDC said. For docs, a lucrative choiceDoctors who make the switch to concierge practices find its a lucrative choice. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Sound off! 11/13/09 Nov 24, 2009
One final thought, if your like he way the post office is run, if you like what the governor is doing with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the flu shots. you ll love health care. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Read the 'Cost of Freedom' recap Nov 24, 2009
The problem is the government is responsible for half of all health care spending in this country, Medicare and Medicaid, and those costs are zooming towards 15 percent of GDP by the year 2040 ... Jon 0000059E athan Hoenig, CapitalistPig Asset Management: Medicare and Medicaid are full of fraud ... They're paying homeless people for social security numbers and collecting Medicare and Medicaid checks. (Fox News)
Senate Dems suggest they're open to altering health care bill Nov 23, 2009
The two bills are virtually identical on a broad range of changes, including creating health insurance exchanges, expanding Medicaid, subsidizing insurance for low- and some middle-income families, and capping out-of-pocket medical expenses, while preventing insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. CNN's Martina Stewart and Tom Cohen contributed to this report. (CNN -- US)
Budget-buster in the making Nov 23, 2009
Will future Congresses actually impose the assumed $420 billion in cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health programs. They never have. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Senate Democrats at odds over health care bill Nov 23, 2009
" wjl wrote on Nov 5, 2009 2:33 PM:" One would have to wonder why the CEO's are not in jailPfizer, Inc. announced today it has agreed to plead guilty to criminal conduct and to pay more than $2 billion in criminal and civil fines, penalties and damages to settle allegations made in multiple whistleblower lawsuits that the pharmaceutical giant defrauded Medicare, Medicaid and other government-funded health care programs in connection with its market practices for four of its drugs ...... (Montana Standard, MT)
Judge the difference for yourself Nov 23, 2009
So, if one is put on bedrest to keep a baby in "as long as possible" and to "possibly save mother and baby" should the person abort the baby or continue to work (which in all reality could've killed my oldest and other two but I didn't have Medicaid with the last two) to keep the insurance. What is moral in that situation to do. (Cameron Observer, MO)
AP: White House at Odds With Bishops Over Abortion Nov 23, 2009
The Hyde amendment restrictions apply to Medicaid, military health care and the federal employee health plan. Many states provide abortion coverage to low-income Medicaid beneficiaries, but they must do so separately with their own funds. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Let the Amending Begin! Nov 23, 2009
It's analogous to a compromise that 17 states have enacted in allowing the state-federal Medicaid program to cover abortions with specially segregated state funds rather than federal funds. The Health and Human Services Department, which funds Medicaid, is forbidden to pay for abortions under the 1976. (Slate)
Can Health Care Pass With Public Option? Nov 23, 2009
The Senate bill also includes an extension and broadening of Medicaid and co ops. The public option is unacceptable to Joe Liebermann. (CBS News)
Big Hurdles Remain for Health Care Reform Nov 23, 2009
the Medicare/medicaid waiver program in New Mexico Mi Via, the Student peace alliance, the national cargivers association, and I could go on and on ... Medicare and Medicaid are riddled with fraud and abuse and the costs have skyrocketed. (CBS News)
NEGOTIATIONS Nov 23, 2009
scored a provision that would increase Medicaid funding to her state by as much as $300 million in 2011. INTEREST GROUPS. (USA Today)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 23, 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)
Demand for public assistance tied to job losses Nov 23, 2009
The increase has been primarily in the food stamp and Medicaid programs ... Those 415 cases are for SNAP, Medicaid, the Power program, primarily for single parents, and child care. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Dems snare 60 votes to move ahead on health care Nov 23, 2009
A largely overlooked provision in the Senate bill would send $100 million to Louisiana to help it cover costs for Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor. In her speech, Landrieu rejected the notion that she was voting to advance the bill simply because of the money. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
AG says Utah agrees to $24M Zyprexa settlement Nov 23, 2009
Shurtleff said a four-year investigation by his office found that there were 1,769 Medicaid patients over the age of 65 who took Zyprexa but never had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Utah was one of 13 states that filed a separate lawsuit against Lilly and did not take part in a $62 million settlement announced a year ago that involved more than 30 states, Lilly spokeswoman Marni Lemons said. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Senate vote sets stage for debate Nov 23, 2009
Landrieu insisted that her vote wasn't motivated by the inclusion in the bill of a provision to provide an estimated $300 million in aid to her state's Medicaid program, which provides coverage for the poor. Landrieu addressed the controversy in her floor speech. (Albany Times Union)
Obamacare: Big State Tax Hikes Nov 23, 2009
Both the House and the Senate bills require that states cover a larger percentage of their people under Medicaid -- a joint state and federally funded program ... Since the Feds can simply charge any increase in spending to their already overdrawn bank account, but the states have to balance their budgets, the increased state spending for Medicaid will cause sharp increases in state taxes ... The House bill requires states to give Medicaid to those whose incomes are less than 150 percent of the... (Townhall.com)
Support for curbs on malpractice lawsuits Nov 23, 2009
Limits on jury awards in malpractice cases could reduce the federal deficit by 54 billion over 10 years, says the Congressional Budget Office, because doctors caring for Medicare and Medicaid patients would order up fewer tests to guard against being sued. In this country, there are just too many people who are just out for a quick buck, said Christine Vasquez, 67, a retiree from Clarkston, Mich. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Health care fight swells lobbying Nov 23, 2009
The health bill passed by the House this month requires Medicaid to match up to 75% of translation costs, up from 50 ... What they get: Under both bills, hospitals would see 15 million new people on Medicaid, the nation's health care program for the poor and people with disabilities, as well as 18 million to 19 million more who receive tax credits to help pay for insurance ... The House bill requires additional rebates for people enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. (USA Today -- News)
24 HOURS IN THE ER: Health care challenges highlighted Nov 23, 2009
About 30% of the patients who use the UVA emergency room in a year have private insurance; another 40% are covered by Medicare, the federal program for seniors, or Medicaid, the federal-state program for the poor ... The kids are on Medicaid instead ... Her daughter has Type 1 diabetes, but Medicaid refused to pay for a state-of-the-art insulin pump. (USA Today -- News)
Comparison of Democratic health care bills Nov 23, 2009
Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid ... CHANGES TO MEDICAID: Income eligibility levels likely to be standardized to 133 percent of poverty, which is $29,327 a year for a family of four, for all parents, children and pregnant women ... States could negotiate with insurers to arrange coverage for people with incomes slightly higher than the cutoff for Medicaid. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Scott & White seeks expansion in Leander Nov 23, 2009
before that, they served patients who were members of the Scott Health Plan, Medicare or Medicaid. Primary care facilities throughout Scott offer services such as internal medicine and pediatrics and range from smaller offices to those of 35,000 square feet. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
Anthem: Reform proposals would spur rate hike Nov 23, 2009
"Anthem, which insures 5,000 groups with fewer than 10 employees, said that more than 50 percent of New Hampshire small businesses would see significant premium increases under reform.Wenners said these potential increases or decreases come before the factoring in of increased medical costs. He said the insurance industry was opposed to the House bill because it did not include a strong individual mandate mechanism to provide for the largest possible patient pool.Without a strong mandate to... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Panelists discuss history, challenges of local health care Nov 23, 2009
What about Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare and Medicaid, the federal- and state-funded programs that provide care to many low-income individuals, have received a mixture of criticism and praise since their inception ... Medicaid and Medicare are extraordinarily effective programs. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Sound off! 11/13/09 Nov 22, 2009
One final thought, if your like he way the post office is run, if you like what the governor is doing with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the flu shots. you ll love health care. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Scott & White seeks expansion in Leander Nov 22, 2009
before that, they served patients who were members of the Scott Health Plan, Medicare or Medicaid. Primary care facilities throughout Scott offer services such as internal medicine and pediatrics and range from smaller offices to those of 35,000 square feet. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Nov 22, 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)
Miss. high court: Medicaid erred on pharmacy rule Nov 22, 2009
high court: Medicaid erred on pharmacy rule - Yahoo ... high court: Medicaid erred on pharmacy rule ... Mississippi Medicaid officials should have asked the Legislature for approval before tinkering with a law that would change reimbursements for pharmacists, the state Supreme Court has ruled. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
AG says Utah agrees to $24M Zyprexa settlement Nov 22, 2009
Shurtleff said a four-year investigation by his office found that there were 1,769 Medicaid patients over the age of 65 who took Zyprexa but never had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Utah was one of 13 states that filed a separate lawsuit against Lilly and did not take part in a $62 million settlement announced a year ago that involved more than 30 states, Lilly spokeswoman Marni Lemons said. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
White House at odds with bishops over abortion... Nov 22, 2009
The Hyde amendment restrictions apply to Medicaid, military health care and the federal employee health plan. Many states provide abortion coverage to low-income Medicaid beneficiaries, but they must do so separately with their own funds. (The Drudge Report)
Landrieu Will Vote to Support Health Care Bill Nov 22, 2009
A largely overlooked provision in the Senate bill would send $100 million to Louisiana to help it cover costs for Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor. MORE. (Time.com)
Dear Fellow Guinea Pig Nov 22, 2009
Of course, there is that little known provision in the bill that would hand $100 million to the state of Louisiana to help cover the costs of Medicaid. But Landrieu said that money was not the reason she was supporting the bill. (Townhall.com)
Senate Democrats vote to bring health bill to floor for debate Nov 22, 2009
"The House passed a $1 trillion health bill two weeks ago. The $848 billion Senate version represents the work of two committees and hundreds of hours of hearings and deliberations, against a backdrop of fervent Republican opposition. But even as Democrats heralded their expected victory yesterday, they conceded the vote represents the end of the beginning, not the other way around.Like Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., a holdout until Friday, Lincoln and Landrieu said they will press Reid for further... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Nov 22, 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)
Judge the difference for yourself Nov 22, 2009
So, if one is put on bedrest to keep a baby in "as long as possible" and to "possibly save mother and baby" should the person abort the baby or continue to work (which in all reality could've killed my oldest and other two but I didn't have Medicaid with the last two) to keep the insurance. What is moral in that situation to do. (Cameron Observer, MO)
Bond to vote 'no' for health care Nov 22, 2009
Bond believes Medicare and Medicaid will not be saved through this bill because of the provision in the bill that will take away Federal monies from these programs in two years ... That is about a 25 billion added Medicaid expenditure added on (to the state of Missouri) according to the Congressional Budget Office ... I haven t presented a budget in Jefferson City for several decades, but I can tell you finding that much money for increased Medicaid, given the difficult times we re in, is going... (Cameron Observer, MO)
Democrats Unite to Hold Off Senate GOP Health Care FilibusterSens. Landrieu, Lincoln, Nelson vote to debate, but may not back bill later. Nov 22, 2009
Mary Landrieu of Louisiana also announced her support for the procedural motion today and she defended her role in securing a that provides states that have suffered extreme natural disasters extra help in paying for its share of Medicaid services. Her state, after Hurricane Katrina, is the only one that would currently qualify for the extra help. (ABC News)
Voice of the people | Nov. 17 Nov 22, 2009
Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and Amtrak are good examples of federal government programs that are broken or in the hole ... 3) The small 20 percent corner of Medicaid now open to private competition is slashed, while South Carolina and other strapped states are saddled with a slew of new Medicaid mandates. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
NYT: Sen. Lincoln at heart of debate Nov 22, 2009
Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, who revealed her position shortly before Mrs. Lincoln did, was considered safely in the Democratic fold, particularly after $100 million in added Medicaid money for her state was included in the measure ... Ray Hanley, who was the Medicaid director in Arkansas from 1986 to 2003, said that in a poor state like Arkansas, where nearly 500,000 people are uninsured, many would benefit from the subsidies. (MSNBC -- Politics)
A ‘progressive’ path to reform Nov 22, 2009
The federal government should fund 100 percent of Medicaid costs. Unfunded Medicaid mandates are close to bankrupting several states - including Massachusetts. (Boston Globe)
Health overhaul narrowly advances Nov 22, 2009
Democratic leaders went to extraordinary lengths to gather the votes they needed, even inserting extra Medicaid money to help states affected by Hurricane Katrina, especially Louisiana - home to one of the key moderates, Senator Mary Landrieu. Yesterday, Landrieu defended the addition, which she said was necessary because the rush of insurance and building aid following the hurricane had distorted government calculations of her state s income levels, which are used to set Medicaid grants ... The... (Boston Globe)
Reid Health Bill Has Hidden Perks for Chiropractors Nov 22, 2009
Though the precise financial impact is unclear, the language would help steer more patients to a profession whose participation in many federal programs is limited, including Medicare, Medicaid and the medical systems for veterans, the military and civil servants ... Reid's bill also allows Medicaid coverage for babies delivered in the roughly 300 birth centers that operate outside hospitals around the country, mostly for low-income women or those in remote areas. (Newsmax)
COMMENTARY: Health care reform rebuttal Nov 22, 2009
CBO cost projections for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid were so far off the actual cost to be criminal if it weren't the government doing the "fuzzy math." Second, the CBO cannot be held totally responsible for these horrendous miscalculations ... Think Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, all bankrupt. (Benson San Pedro Valley News Sun, AZ)
U.S. Senate votes on health care reform bill Nov 22, 2009
The money comes from a temporary increase in how much the federal government will give to states for Medicaid as part of the Obama administration's stimulus package. WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate unveiled on Wednesday night a health care reform bill that was estimated to cost nearly 850 billion U.S. dollars. (Xinhuanet, China)
Healthcare bill passes first U.S. Senate test Nov 22, 2009
In her Senate floor speech, Landrieu defended her successful effort to win more funds in the bill for Medicaid, the government health program for the poor, for her home state of Louisiana. "I am proud to have fought for it," she said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Viewpoints: Most Americans believe health bill will raise deficit Nov 22, 2009
Will future Congresses actually impose the assumed $420 billion in cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health programs. They never have. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Letters for Friday, November 20, 2009 Nov 22, 2009
kuaina wrote on Nov 20, 2009 7:33 PM:" Liberal morons, ( you know who you are.) Just because Ms. Weir mistakenly calls Harry Reid " the senator from Utah", that means what she wrote is somehow totally incorrect. What part of America going broke do you not understand? Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are all headed for insolvency. States and cities will be the next in line for bailouts and Obama continues to spend like a drunken sailor. The deficit is growing by leaps and bounds and you... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Comparison of Democratic Health Care Bills Nov 22, 2009
Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. Excise tax on insurance companies, keyed to premiums paid on health care plans costing more than $8,500 annually for individuals and $23,000 for families. (ABC News -- Wire)
Landrieu Say's She'll Vote Yet on Healthcare Nov 22, 2009
A largely overlooked provision in the Senate bill would send $100 million to Louisiana to help it cover costs for Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor. Special: Get Sarah Palins New Book Incredible FREE Offer. (Newsmax)
Broder: Budget-buster... Nov 22, 2009
Will future Congresses actually impose the assumed $420 billion in cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health programs. They never have. (The Drudge Report)
THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE: $300 MILLION FOR MY VOTE! Nov 22, 2009
After Landrieu threw in her support (she asserted that the extra Medicaid funds were "not the reason" for her vote), the lone holdout in the 60-member Democratic caucus was Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. (The Drudge Report)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 22, 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)
Historic health care bill nears key Senate vote Nov 22, 2009
She also touted the 100 million included in the legislation to help her state cover its costs under Medicaid, the state-federal health care program for the poor. I m proud to have fought for it. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Initial Senate vote looms on health legislation Nov 21, 2009
" wjl wrote on Nov 5, 2009 2:33 PM:" One would have to wonder why the CEO's are not in jailPfizer, Inc. announced today it has agreed to plead guilty to criminal conduct and to pay more than $2 billion in criminal and civil fines, penalties and damages to settle allegations made in multiple whistleblower lawsuits that the pharmaceutical giant defrauded Medicare, Medicaid and other government-funded health care programs in connection with its market practices for four of its drugs ...... (Montana Standard, MT)
