Last week, Democrats in the Senate did not get the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture and begin debate on a measure that would delay a 10.6 percent Medicare physicians fee cut for 18 months. (Kaiser Network) As I mentioned before, Democrats in both houses of Congress are trying to delay the cut, which goes into effect on July 1, 2008. The Bush administration seeks to reduce funding to Medicare and Medicaid programs and will veto any bill that proposes to cut funding to Medicare Advantage (MA) … [Read more...] about Senate Democrats Fall Short on Medicare Physicians Payment Bill
Search Results for: house
Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding
Although President Bush has proposed to reduce funding to programs like Medicare and Medicaid, both houses of Congress have other plans. Last week, the House of Representatives voted to approve a $3.1 trillion FY 2009 budget that excludes President Bush's proposed Medicare and Medicaid program cuts. (Kaiser Network) Kaiser reports (via the Washington Post) that Democrats may wait until the new administration to pass spending bills to avoid the current president's veto. Meanwhile, Democrats … [Read more...] about Congress Battles Over Medicare/Medicaid Funding
Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
In the on-going battle to eliminate Medicaid and Medicare program reductions, Democrats in Congress have come to an agreement on a fiscal year 2009 budget resolution. (Kaiser Network) The $3.3 trillion budget resolution rejects President Bush's proposed spending cuts for Medicaid and Medicare. Bush seeks to reduce spending on these programs by $195 billion. While both houses may pass the resolution, it may not survive a presidential veto. From the report: Senate Budget Committee ranking … [Read more...] about Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
Medicare Durable Equipment Hearing on the Hill
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue to debate and discuss Medicare issues. This week, the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. (Kaiser Network) Durable equipment includes prosthetics, orthotics, and other tools, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services is tasked with selecting suppliers based on bids. The program will expand to 70 additional Metropolitan Statistical Areas in 2009. An … [Read more...] about Medicare Durable Equipment Hearing on the Hill
Introducing GINA New Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
President Bush is expected to sign into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) passed last week by Congress. The new law, which has been debated in Congress for 13 years, adds to current federal anti-discrimination laws (including Title VII) prohibitions on employers and insurance companies using genetic tests showing people are at risk of developing cancer, heart disease or other ailments to reject their job applications, promotions or health care coverage, or in setting … [Read more...] about Introducing GINA New Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
GAO Says Medicare Advantage Plans Can Cost More Than Traditional Medicare
According to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can cost more than traditional Medicare for certain services like home health care, nursing homes, and certain hospital stays. (Kaiser Network) Under MA plans, the government pays a subsidy to private insurance companies to offer such plans, whose purpose is to keep premiums very low. In light of the GAO's findings, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that it will collect … [Read more...] about GAO Says Medicare Advantage Plans Can Cost More Than Traditional Medicare
Bush Administration Proposes to Raise Medicare Drug Premium
The Bush administration has proposed to raise Medicare drug benefit premiums for "higher-income" beneficiaries. (Kaiser Network) The proposal includes a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice suits and a requirement for health care providers to implement electronic records. The proposal isn't a move to placate House Democrats (the part about raising premiums for high earners), however; under the 2003 Medicare law, President Bush is required to submit a Medicare savings … [Read more...] about Bush Administration Proposes to Raise Medicare Drug Premium
Bush Administration To Shift More Medicaid Costs to States
The Bush administration plans more Medicaid rule changes. Earlier this week, CQ Weekly reported that the administration plans to shift more Medicaid costs to the states, prompted by Government Accountability Office studies that show states have used "questionable" practices to gain more federal dollars. (Kaiser Network) From the report (emphases added): The first regulation, to be issued March 3, would end payments for ancillary services provided under case-management plans. The … [Read more...] about Bush Administration To Shift More Medicaid Costs to States
Can CMS Prevent States From Expanding Medicaid?
One ongoing issue in Congress will be whether the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has the authority to prevent states from expanding Medicaid coverage. President George W. Bush twice vetoed measures that would have expanded the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). According to the Kaiser Network, the administration has restricted states like Ohio, Louisiana, and Oklahoma from expanding SCHIP unless they demonstrate that they've enrolled at least 95 percent of … [Read more...] about Can CMS Prevent States From Expanding Medicaid?
Senate Votes to Delay Physicians Fee Cut and Extend SCHIP
Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate approved a bill that would delay a 10 percent physicians fee cut for six months. The Senate also voted to extend the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) through March 2009. (Kaiser Network) The bill would increase physicians fees by 0.5 percent for six months. Commenting on this action, the American Medical Association (AMA) said: "It is extremely disappointing that after all the hard work in the House earlier this year to replace two … [Read more...] about Senate Votes to Delay Physicians Fee Cut and Extend SCHIP
