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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Senate Democrats move on crucial health vote Nov 21, 2009
After meeting with Reid almost a month ago, she mentioned the unique challenges Louisiana is facing in terms of Medicaid ... But the section s purpose is indisputable: According to the Congressional Budget Office, it will send an additional $100 million to Louisiana to help it cover costs for Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor. (Boston Globe)
Editorial: Promises of drug industry fall flat Nov 21, 2009
4 million low-income people were transferred from Medicaid the government health program for the poor to Medicare in 2006. Rep. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
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)
Miss. high court: Medicaid erred on pharmacy rule Nov 21, 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)
Health Bill Hoax ... Nov 21, 2009
We suspect Reid's estimate will be as accurate as those for Medicare and Medicaid, which are going broke with their trillions in unfunded liabilities. According to the Heritage Foundation, Medicare alone faces $36 trillion in unfunded obligations. (Investors Business Daily)
U.S. recovers $2.4B in fraud settlements Nov 21, 2009
4B in fraud settlements - Jacksonville Business Journal. for free extra services. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Consumers guide to health reform Nov 21, 2009
Exempt from this requirement would be those with low incomes many of whom would be covered under an expanded Medicaid program as well as Native Americans and individuals claiming a religious exemption ... Under the Senate bill, if you make up to 133 percent of the poverty level, or $29,327 for a family of four, you would be eligible for Medicaid, the state-federal program for the poor and disabled ... Both bills would expand Medicaid. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Scott & White seeks expansion in Leander Nov 21, 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)
Senate Democratic leaders close in on health care vote Nov 21, 2009
Reid included language in his bill, for instance, that would boost aid for Louisiana's Medicaid insurance program for the poor in a bid for Landrieu's support. He also slashed proposed new taxes on the medical-device industry to ease the concerns of Democrats from states that are home to large device makers, such as Indiana Sen. (AZCentral -- News)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Nov 21, 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)
Senate vote next step on health bill road Nov 21, 2009
Medicaid, the government-run health care plan for the poor, would be expanded significantly under both proposals ... The House package is financed through a combination of a tax surcharge on wealthy Americans and new spending constraints in Medicare and Medicaid ... The Senate measure also trims entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. (CNN)
Letters for Friday, November 20, 2009 Nov 21, 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)
Georgia cant afford its share of ObamaCare Nov 21, 2009
These figures represent only the states share of adding as many as 756,000 Georgians to Medicaid, which already serves one million state residents ... The cuts would have been worse if not for federal stimulus money, which will run out long before a new Medicaid mandate hits ... All of this includes only those changes related to expanding Medicaid. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
The deficit problem: Dealing with America's fiscal hole Nov 21, 2009
An ageing population and health-care inflation are inexorably driving up the cost of the country s 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)
Judge the difference for yourself Nov 21, 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)
Senate may take first health care vote Saturday Nov 21, 2009
The Senate bill would bar illegal immigrants from buying insurance through the exchanges, while the House would restrict access only to subsidies and federal programs such as Medicaid, which would be vastly expanded under both bills. Another potential flash point is abortion coverage. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Government Option in Health Already a Miserable Failure Nov 21, 2009
1 billion in improper Medicaid payments, or 9 ... Meanwhile, doctors routinely wait and wait to get paid less and less by Medicaid ... According to Athena Health s PayerView report, North Carolina is the fastest state Medicaid system, paying doctors in 40. (Human Events Online)
Healthcare Big First Vote Saturday Nov 21, 2009
2 trillion on coverage (not $848 billion as advertised) which includes spending for Medicaid/CHIP ($374 billion), CLASS Act Spending ($15 billion), outlays for exchange subsidies ($349 billion), government run plan payments ($131 billion), risk adjustment payments ($118 billion), other Medicare/Medicaid spending ($130 billion), small employer tax credits ($24 billion), and revenue effect of exchange premium credits ($103 billion) ... There are taxes on health care, taxes on medical devices (like... (Human Events Online)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Nov 21, 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)
Doc Faces Ax for Calling Patient Fat Nov 21, 2009
I was not aware that the use of Medicaid led to blindness ... I was not aware that the use of Medicaid led to blindness. (CBS News)
The winners and losers of health care bill Nov 21, 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. "It's important because it just further legitimizes the services that are delivered by a chiropractor, and recognizes they are well received by the patient public," said John Falardeau, lobbyist for the American Chiropractic... (Athens Banner-Herald)
U.S. state of Illinois expects more federal money for health care Nov 21, 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. Until the end of next year, Illinois will receive 62 cents on every dollar it spends providing health care for the poor, up from50 cents on the dollar, state authorities said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Senate bill keeps a place for Mass. Connector Nov 21, 2009
He also helped ensure that the bill would let Massachusetts keep a pot of federal Medicaid money it uses to help pay for its subsidized insurance program for low-income people, Commonwealth Care. He was not successful in getting a huge boost in Medicaid money he sought for Massachusetts and about a dozen other states with the most generous Medicaid programs ... The bill provides billions of dollars a year in extra Medicaid money to states to expand their Medicaid programs, but in the Senate... (Boston Globe)
Sound off! 11/13/09 Nov 21, 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)
What's in the Senate Health Bill for You? Nov 21, 2009
The new Senate healthcare bill will extend Medicaid benefits to Americans near the poverty line and will fine those without insurance ... The bill extends Medicaid benefits to Americans making up to 133 percent of the poverty level ... Expands Medicaid program for low-income people from 100 percent of poverty level to 133 percent of poverty level. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Democrats Press Health Bill's Holdouts Nov 21, 2009
The measure directs the federal government to pay a larger share of Medicaid costs in Louisiana to cover expenses that the state picked up as a result of demographic changes after Hurricane Katrina, according to a Democratic aide who said Ms. Landrieu had been working to get the new funding for months. The first vote - normally a procedural formality to start debate - is going to be far more important on the health care legislation as Democrats have to come up with all 60 votes themselves. (Newsmax)
Republicans Blast 'Bait and Switch' Obamacare Nov 21, 2009
He added that a plan to expand Medicaid, the state-federal program for the poor, was a "bait and switch" with states as the victims ... The bill would expand the Medicaid program, which provides health care for the poor, and leave the states with part of the additional cost beginning after three years. (Newsmax)
AG says Utah agrees to $24M Zyprexa settlement Nov 21, 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)
Political Grapevine Nov 21, 2009
Reid's bill includes a section increasing federal Medicaid subsidies for what it calls certain states recovering from a major disaster. On page 434 of the bill, the language specifies states that, "during the preceding seven fiscal years, the president has declared a major disaster," under a certain law. (Fox News)
Uninsured ER patients twice as likely to die Nov 21, 2009
After those adjustments, they still found the uninsured were 80 percent more likely to die than those with insurance even low-income patients insured by the government's Medicaid program. "I'm really surprised," said Dr. Eric Lavonas of the American College of Emergency Physicians and a doctor at Denver Health Medical Center. (MSNBC -- Health)
D.C. Health Care Finance agency cuts staff Nov 20, 2009
The D.C. Department of Health Care Finance, D.C. s state Medicaid agency, said goodbye to more than a dozen employees this year as part of a realignment strategy. During the realignment, which took place Aug. 31, 79 separation letters were issued and 62 new positions were posted online for which its employees could apply. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Editorial Roundup: Excerpts From Recent Editorials Nov 20, 2009
It would reduce costs of the threat of medical malpractice lawsuits, fight Medicaid and Medicare fraud and provide for screening high-cost procedures, seek generic drugs and other cost reductions to reduce waste. Neither Democrat nor Republican plan is sound nor fully satisfying, of course. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Projections of savings from health IT are baseless, Harvard researchers say Nov 20, 2009
The data came from the authoritative Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Analytics annual survey of hospital computerization; Medicare Cost Reports that virtually all hospitals submit annually to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); and the 2008 Dartmouth Health Atlas, which compiles CMS data on costs and quality of care. Although the researchers found that U.S. hospitals increased their computerization between 2003 and 2007, they found no indication... (EurekAlert!)
Health Care Bill Nov 20, 2009
Most people are happy with their health care, I'm all for cutting the waste, which there is plenty in Medicare and Medicaid, Fix those problems first and you could probably afford to cover everyone ... " Why would you comment on it if you have not read it? RUkiddingMe? posted on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 10:33 amYou bloggers are such intelligent and kind Christian folk! It just warms my heart to listen to all of your positve comments and intelligent disagreements on such important issues.... (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Dispensing prescription drugs in 3-month supplies reduces drug costs by a third Nov 20, 2009
After factoring in third-party payers, including Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies, total savings averaged 18. "These savings may not seem large to some, but they could help trim the cost of health care, which is especially important given the nationwide debate about how to finance health care reform," said G. Caleb Alexander, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center and senior author of the study, which will be published in print November 20,... (EurekAlert!)
$100 Million Payoff to Buy Sen. Landrieu's Vote... Nov 20, 2009
On page 432 of the Reid bill, there is a section increasing federal Medicaid subsidies for certain states recovering from a major disaster. . (The Drudge Report)
Harper aide says Democratic policies hurtful to U.S. families Nov 20, 2009
2 trillion Affordable Health Care for America Act passed by the representatives in House Resolution 3962 would create an unfunded Medicaid mandate of $200 million per year over a 10-year period in Mississippi ... "They stole the money out of Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. They're basically insolvent.". (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
How the Senate's Health Care Bill Is Worse Than the House's Nov 20, 2009
Coverage can be expanded by giving people the option to buy into Medicaid. There is no need to create yet another overlapping program. (Slate)
Rationing's First Step Nov 20, 2009
However, I doubt that such an editorial would have been run to highlight the 'link' between the study and reduced costs to Medicare and Medicaid if the present debate weren't going on. . (Investors Business Daily)
Health care and illegal immigrants in America: why Mexico is the key Nov 20, 2009
Consider this: The Mexican government spends $535 per capita on healthcare, yet American taxpayers fork out more than $1,100 in healthcare for the 12 million-plus illegal aliens in the US most of whom are Mexicans who are uninsured or on Medicaid illegally. Mexico's poor quality of healthcare is a forgotten factor that drives so many Mexicans across the border. (Christian Science Monitor)
Miss. high court: Medicaid erred on pharmacy rule Nov 20, 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)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Nov 20, 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)
Senate awaits test vote on health-care overhaul Nov 20, 2009
He added that a plan to expand Medicaid, the state-federal program for the poor, is a "bait and switch" with states as the victims ... The funding would come from a projected 10-year, $491 billion savings from Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health-care programs, as well as a series of tax increases. (AZCentral -- News)
U.S. recovers $2.4B in fraud settlements Nov 20, 2009
4B in fraud settlements - Atlanta Business Chronicle. for free extra services. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Health care reform could save Kansas $50M Nov 20, 2009
Some provisions, including an expansion of Medicaid eligibility, would result in higher costs for the state. But those costs would be offset by even larger savings that result from other provisions, especially those that would shift certain groups out of Medicaid and the State Children s Health Insurance Program and into a reformed private insurance market. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Sound off! 11/13/09 Nov 20, 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 20, 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)
Senate girds for Saturday vote, long battle on health care Nov 20, 2009
The funding would come from a projected 10-year, $491 billion savings from Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health care programs, as well as a series of tax increases. Among them are a 40 percent excise tax for most insurance policies costing more than $8,500 for singles and $23,000 for families, and a 0. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Senate Health-Care Bill Estimated to Cost $849 B Nov 20, 2009
Other parts of the bill would expand the low-income Medicaid program to those with incomes at up to 133% of the federal poverty level and prohibit private insurance companies from denying individuals coverage based on pre-existing health conditions. Individuals would be required to carry coverage or face a financial penalty. (SmartMoney)
Health Bill Contains Millions to Sway Sen. Landrieu Nov 20, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's health care bill has millions of dollars to help Louisiana finance Medicaid at a time when he is hoping that state's wavering Democratic senator will support overhaul legislation. The bill provides at least $100 million for Louisiana in extra funds for Medicaid, the state-federal health program for the poor ... Landrieu spokesman Aaron Saunders says the senator worked with Reid to get the Medicaid money into the bill, but remains undecided about... (Newsmax)
Fraud Nation Nov 20, 2009
Though private fraud gets the bigger headline (think Bernie Madoff), fraud in federal government programs is now so pervasive that even the Obama press is taking notice. The scope of fraud in all federal programs dwarfs the corruption in the private sector the media loves to sensationalize. (Human Events Online)
Why the Healthcare Bill Will Include Taxpayer-Funded Abortions Nov 20, 2009
The Stupak amendment is essentially an extension of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits most federal tax dollars from funding abortions in Medicaid. The Stupak amendment passed 240-194, with support from 64 House Democrats and all but one Republican. (Human Events Online)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Nov 20, 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)
Senate's Majority Leader Unveils $849B Health Care Bill Nov 20, 2009
Largely similar to a bill narrowly passed by the House on Nov. 7, the legislation would require virtually every American to buy a health insurance plan, would expand Medicaid enrollment by millions and would provide subsidies to help low- and moderate-income families afford premiums. Among the provisions included in the Senate bill. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
The Five Flaws of the Reid Health Bill Nov 20, 2009
As the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has recently , what , millions of Americans will lose their existing employer-based coverage ... Massive Expansion of Medicaid and New Taxpayer-Funded Subsidies ... Both the House and Senate would dramatically expand eligibility for Medicaid and extend generous taxpayer-funded subsidies to the middle class. (Human Events Online)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 20, 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)
