[Nfbf-l] {Disarmed} Fw: UCP Washington Wire: Week of Monday, June 20, 2011

Tue Jun 21 18:45:06 UTC 2011

UCP Washington Wire: Week of Monday, June 20, 2011    
----- Original Message ----- 
From: United Cerebral Palsy 
To: carlos.montas at gmail.com 
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 10:02 AM
Subject: UCP Washington Wire: Week of Monday, June 20, 2011

  UCP Washington Wire

  June 21, 2011

  CURRENT NEWS and UPDATES

  Medicare Drug Savings Act of 2011 (H.R. 2190)
  Last week Representatives Waxman, Dingell, Levin, Miller, Stark and Andrews introduced legislation titled the "Medicare Drug Savings Act of 2011." The legislation would save the federal government money by reducing Medicare Part D drug costs for taxpayers. By passing this Act, Congress will eliminate a 2006 deal for brand name drug manufacturers that allows them to charge higher prices for low-income enrollees in Medicare Part D. According to a report, the bill would save over $100 billion without tampering with a previous Republican proposal to take apart Medicare. For more information, click here.

  Benefits Drop as Number of Medicaid Users Increase
  In an article published by the New York Times author Robert Pear explains the costs associated with Medicaid and why benefits are being cuts for millions of Americans. States across the country are bracing for the end of a large amount of federal assistance -- resulting in a decreased amount of money being paid out to doctors and hospitals who see Medicaid patients as well as a decrease in service for Medicaid patients. The article says that health providers try and make up for lost revenue by increasing charges to other patients (most with private insurance). Click here to read more about the states that are trying to cap Medicaid spending or cutting Medicaid payments.

  Biden Holds Three Budget Meetings This Week
  Last week, Vice President Biden held three budget meetings to negotiate the deficit and the possibility of increasing the debt limit. So far, it has been noted that the negotiations have been centered around health spending, such as Medicaid and Medicare. Wednesday's meeting noted progress on developing budget triggers and caps. On Thursday, Medicare spending will be discussed. Biden said that he believes the negotiations will cut the deficit "well beyond" $1 trillion over 10 to 12 years. It has been widely reported that Republicans and Democrats may come to a budget deal by Independence Day. Click here to view reports on the meetings.

  Medicare Patients Might Have to Pay Home Health Co-pay Out-of-Pocket
  The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) last Wednesday, released their March report stating that Congress should direct Secretary Sebelius to add a home health co-pay. Commissioners discussed that the fee would be $150. This steep co-pay would cause 55 percent of Medicare beneficiaries to pay out-of-pocket. Avalere Health analyzed the MedPAC report and said that if this passed, that of the group that had to pay out-of-pocket, almost 60 percent have incomes below $21,780 per year. 87 percent of the patients who would have to pay the co-pay themselves have relatively high medical needs, and three or more chronic conditions. Click here to view the March MedPAC report. Click here to view the full article on MedPAC.

  Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) Introduces Bill to Reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004
  On June 13, House Democratic Whip, Representative Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), introduced H.2152, officially titled "A bill to reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004, to provide assistance to Best Buddies to support the expansion and development of mentoring programs, and for other purposes." The bill has a total of 30 cosponsors. The bill text can be found by clicking here.

  STATE CHECK-UP

  North Carolina Ends State and Federal Funding for Planned Parenthood
  Last week, North Carolina became the third state to end state and federal health funding for nine Planned Parenthood centers. The decision by North Carolina lawmakers came after Indiana and Kansas state lawmakers approved restrictions on public health funding to Planned Parenthood. According to an article, Cindy Mann, federal Medicaid director, said in a June 1 informational bulletin to states that states are not permitted to exclude providers from Medicaid “solely on the basis of the range of medical services they provide.” In both Kansas and North Carolina, the money comes from Title X, a family planning program run by the federal government, but funneled through state agencies. Click here to read a more in-depth article.

  ON THE HORIZON

  Dual-Eligibles Hearing to be Held June 21
  The Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will be holding a dual-eligibles hearing on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 2pm EST. The goal of the hearing is to understand the dual-eligible population to improve their care. Dual-eligibles are people who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. To learn more about the hearing, please click here.

  Baucus Schedules Hearing on Medicare, Medicaid and the Deficit
  On June 23, 2011 at 10am EST, Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mt.) will hold a hearing in Room 215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The hearing, "Health Care Entitlements: The Road Forward," will discuss Medicare, Medicaid, and the deficit. Witnesses have not been announced. Click here for updates on the meeting.

  Thank you, and have a great week!

  For more information on this UCP Washington Wire contact: Connie Garner, CGarner at ucp.org.
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