Healthcare
In order to accomplish these goals, states – and not the federal government – should be determining what health care system or model works best for their individual state.
At the State Government Leadership Foundation, we support access to affordable, common sense healthcare provided by the current healthcare industry. We are opposed to the over-reaching, government-run health care system that will demolish healthy competition, service quality and patient privacy. Consumers are better off when they control how their money is spent and have a broader choice of health care policies and plans. The SGLF supports healthcare reforms that protect providers from junk lawsuits, encourage innovative state programs, and promote healthier lifestyles.
As one of the largest pieces of federal and state budgets, health care is an issue that the SGLF is deeply invested in. Due to the expansion of Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP and other state and public health care programs, government is in control of a large part of the health sector.
Our current system is flawed and change must come at both the federal and state levels. Individuals and families should be able to both own and control their own health care policies and take them with them from job to job without penalties. They should also be able to purchase these plans at a price they wish to pay and that are in line with their own needs.
In order to accomplish these goals, states – and not the federal government – should be determining what health care system or model works best for their individual state.
Steps to creating a better health care system
1: Place Control and Money in Consumers’ Hands
- Limit regulations
- Provide better information to help patients and doctors make more informed treatment decisions
2: Align Expectations with Reality
- Promote fiscally responsible competition within Medicare – bids against each other
- Allow all plans greater flexibility to develop innovative plans
3: Create Accountability in the Health System
- Provide better access to affordable private insurance
- Reform medical liability system – limit malpractice awards
News & Articles
Ever-fewer California employers offering health insurance
As the federal Affordable Care Act begins to take effect, ever-fewer California employers are offering medical insurance to their workers, according to an annual survey by the California Healthcare Foundation. From 2002 to 2012, the proportion of employers offering such coverage declined from 71 percent to 60 percent. Meanwhile, the costs of health care insurance have risen by just under 170 percent since 2002, more than five times the overall inflation rate. The average premium for single-person coverage was $545 per month in 2012, substantially more than the national average of $468, while family coverage cost an average of $1,386 in California and $1,312 nationally, the foundation said.
The survey also found that larger employers with high proportions of full-time workers were most likely to offer health insurance to workers and that deductibles tended to be much higher among small employers than among large ones. Finally, 21 percent of employers reported that they had increased the share of insurance costs borne by employees during the preceding year, while 17 percent either reduced workers' costs or absorbed increases.
The survey also found that larger employers with high proportions of full-time workers were most likely to offer health insurance to workers and that deductibles tended to be much higher among small employers than among large ones. Finally, 21 percent of employers reported that they had increased the share of insurance costs borne by employees during the preceding year, while 17 percent either reduced workers' costs or absorbed increases.
State leaders deal with consequences of rejecting Medicaid expansion in Obama health overhaul
WASHINGTON — Rejecting the Medicaid expansion in the federal health care law could have unexpected consequences for states where Republican lawmakers remain steadfastly opposed to what they scorn as “Obamacare.” It could mean exposing businesses to Internal Revenue Service penalties and leaving low-income citizens unable to afford coverage even as legal immigrants get financial aid for their premiums. For the poorest people, it could virtually guarantee they remain uninsured and dependent on the emergency room at local hospitals that already face federal cutbacks.
Concern about such consequences helped forge a deal in Arkansas last week. The Republican-controlled Legislature endorsed a plan by Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe to accept additional Medicaid money under the federal law, but use the new dollars to buy private insurance for eligible residents. One of the main arguments for the private option was that it would help businesses avoid tax penalties. The Obama administration hasn’t signed off on the Arkansas deal, and it’s unclear how many other states will use it as a model. But it reflects a pragmatic streak in American politics that’s still the exception in the polarized health care debate.
Concern about such consequences helped forge a deal in Arkansas last week. The Republican-controlled Legislature endorsed a plan by Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe to accept additional Medicaid money under the federal law, but use the new dollars to buy private insurance for eligible residents. One of the main arguments for the private option was that it would help businesses avoid tax penalties. The Obama administration hasn’t signed off on the Arkansas deal, and it’s unclear how many other states will use it as a model. But it reflects a pragmatic streak in American politics that’s still the exception in the polarized health care debate.
Passage of health care expansion came down to teamwork
LITTLE ROCK — Teamwork, not only between the state Senate and House but also between the Legislature and the governor’s office, were key in getting the health care expansion plan adopted during the legislative session that is scheduled to recess on Tuesday. Passage of the plan defied expectations of unyielding Republican opposition to any form of health care expansion under the federal Affordable Care Act. It also stood in stark contrast to gridlock in Washington.
Last fall, Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe said he supported expanding Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. The law proposed expanding state Medicaid rolls to include everyone earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level not currently on Medicaid — an estimated 250,000 people in Arkansas. Beebe, a 20-year veteran of the state Senate who gain a reputation for being a legislative leaders and consensus builder, argued that federal health reform was going to happen and millions of taxpayer dollars could be spend on improving care for needy Arkansans or shipped out of state to help others. The federal government would pay the full cost of the expansion for the first three years, after which the state’s share of the cost would increase gradually to 10 percent.
Last fall, Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe said he supported expanding Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. The law proposed expanding state Medicaid rolls to include everyone earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level not currently on Medicaid — an estimated 250,000 people in Arkansas. Beebe, a 20-year veteran of the state Senate who gain a reputation for being a legislative leaders and consensus builder, argued that federal health reform was going to happen and millions of taxpayer dollars could be spend on improving care for needy Arkansans or shipped out of state to help others. The federal government would pay the full cost of the expansion for the first three years, after which the state’s share of the cost would increase gradually to 10 percent.
Michigan bill expands health care providers' right to refuse care
For 35 years, Michigan law has protected health care providers who refuse to perform an abortion on moral or religious grounds. Hospitals and clinics can’t be sued. Doctors and nurses can’t lose their jobs for objecting to terminating a pregnancy. Legislation that could be voted on as early as this week in the Republican-led Legislature would extend the same legal protections for any medical service such as providing contraception or medical marijuana, or taking someone off life support. Employers and health insurers — not just medical providers — also could opt out of paying for services as a matter of conscience.
Supporters say the legislation protects religious freedom and is needed particularly in the wake of the federal health care law mandating employer-provided birth control in their health plans. Opponents counter that the bill is an overreach that wrongly lets health workers and organizations impose their beliefs on patients, putting their treatment at risk. “We feel like it’s the right balance between patient care and the rights of individuals who work in that field to have a clear conscience,” said Sen. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, sponsor of the bill pending on the Senate floor.
Supporters say the legislation protects religious freedom and is needed particularly in the wake of the federal health care law mandating employer-provided birth control in their health plans. Opponents counter that the bill is an overreach that wrongly lets health workers and organizations impose their beliefs on patients, putting their treatment at risk. “We feel like it’s the right balance between patient care and the rights of individuals who work in that field to have a clear conscience,” said Sen. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, sponsor of the bill pending on the Senate floor.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin urged to reconsider Medicaid decision
Former Oklahoma Health Commissioner Dr. Mike Crutcher joins Oklahoma House Democrats calling for Gov. Mary Fallin to expand access to Medicaid, the federal health care program for the poor.
A former state health commissioner joined Oklahoma House Democrats on Monday in calling on GOP Gov. Mary Fallin and Republican legislative leaders to expand access to Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor. “This is a moral and ethical issue,” said Dr. Mike Crutcher, who served as state health commissioner from 2003 until 2009.“It is the morally and ethically right thing to do — to strive to provide health care to as many as Oklahomans as is absolutely possible,” said Crutcher, who is director of medical quality at Variety Care, a nonprofit community health center that provides health care to low-income families. “Other people in the world do it. Other states in the Union do it, and we should be able to do it also.”
Fallin decided last year not to expand Medicaid coverage, saying it would be unaffordable, costing the state of Oklahoma up to $475 million between now and 2020, and would also further Oklahoma's reliance on federal money that may or may not be available because of federal fiscal problems. The federal Affordable Care Act originally required that states, beginning in January, expand Medicaid to cover people younger than 65 with income below 133 percent of the federal poverty level. But in June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a part of the health care law that penalized states for not expanding Medicare, which meant states could decide whether to participate.
Fallin decided last year not to expand Medicaid coverage, saying it would be unaffordable, costing the state of Oklahoma up to $475 million between now and 2020, and would also further Oklahoma's reliance on federal money that may or may not be available because of federal fiscal problems. The federal Affordable Care Act originally required that states, beginning in January, expand Medicaid to cover people younger than 65 with income below 133 percent of the federal poverty level. But in June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a part of the health care law that penalized states for not expanding Medicare, which meant states could decide whether to participate.
Medicaid expansion in Ohio could be back in play
House Democrats plan to offer an amendment today to reinstate Gov. John Kasich’s Medicaid-expansion proposal, in hopes that they will draw a few Republican votes on the 31-member Finance Committee. Rep. John Patrick Carney, D-Columbus, said he thinks the proposal could get enough votes to pass the committee, which has 11 Democrats and 20 Republicans. He also said a majority of the House and Senate would approve a stand-alone Medicaid bill, whether an outright expansion or some type of waiver that allows for federal money to purchase private insurance — assuming that such a hybrid plan is backed by human-services experts.
“The key is whether the 275,000 additional lives would be covered, and the entire half-million folks who are planning to come onto Medicaid as a result of the woodwork effect, that they are able to get the full complement of benefits whether it’s the traditional approach versus (a hybrid),” Carney said. The “woodwork effect” is expected when the federal Affordable Care Act’s requirement that most people obtain health insurance takes effect, and those who are eligible for Medicaid but not yet signed up will actually enroll. House Republicans last week stripped Kasich’s proposed Medicaid expansion from his two-year budget bill. The plan would have covered people making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, bringing in about$13 billion in federal money over seven years under the federal health-care law.
“The key is whether the 275,000 additional lives would be covered, and the entire half-million folks who are planning to come onto Medicaid as a result of the woodwork effect, that they are able to get the full complement of benefits whether it’s the traditional approach versus (a hybrid),” Carney said. The “woodwork effect” is expected when the federal Affordable Care Act’s requirement that most people obtain health insurance takes effect, and those who are eligible for Medicaid but not yet signed up will actually enroll. House Republicans last week stripped Kasich’s proposed Medicaid expansion from his two-year budget bill. The plan would have covered people making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, bringing in about$13 billion in federal money over seven years under the federal health-care law.
Wyoming health exchange decision could be two years away
Wyoming legislators might take another two years before deciding whether to participate in health insurance exchange, a key Senate Republican said Friday. Legislators have already spent the better part of two years studying exchanges — virtual marketplaces where consumers can shop for insurance. Now that the state has missed the federal deadline to run an program of its own, there’s no reason to rush into a decision, said Sen. Charles Scott, who is chairing a new committee studying exchanges.
Instead, lawmakers should learn from the experience of the federal exchange set to begin operating in Wyoming next year. “Otherwise the probability we’ll screw it up ourselves is pretty high,” Scott said. The federal health reform law known as Obamacare requires states to begin running exchanges in 2014. Federal officials promise to operate exchanges on behalf of states that don’t comply. Scott doesn’t expect a final decision on exchanges before 2015 or even possibly a year after that.
Instead, lawmakers should learn from the experience of the federal exchange set to begin operating in Wyoming next year. “Otherwise the probability we’ll screw it up ourselves is pretty high,” Scott said. The federal health reform law known as Obamacare requires states to begin running exchanges in 2014. Federal officials promise to operate exchanges on behalf of states that don’t comply. Scott doesn’t expect a final decision on exchanges before 2015 or even possibly a year after that.
Montana GOP working on alternative to Medicaid expansion
HELENA – Some legislative Republicans and others are scrambling to come up with an alternative to Medicaid expansion, instead using public funds to help uninsured, low-income Montanans buy private health insurance. Yet with just 14 working days remaining until the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn, those working on the proposals say time is getting short. “Each day that goes by makes it more likely that it won’t succeed, because of procedural problems,” said Sen. Dave Wanzenried, D-Missoula, a sponsor of a Medicaid-expansion bill.
The alternatives would be in place of Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock’s proposal to expand Medicaid to extend federally funded coverage to 70,000 low-income Montanans starting next year – a proposal that the Republican-controlled Legislature has resisted. Jim Molloy, a top adviser to the governor, said Thursday the governor’s office has met with some legislators working on alternatives, and that Bullock “is willing to consider any proposals that will provide coverage for uninsured Montanans and do so in a way that begins to reform our health-care delivery system and puts Montana’s tax dollars to work creating good-paying jobs in our state.”
The alternatives would be in place of Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock’s proposal to expand Medicaid to extend federally funded coverage to 70,000 low-income Montanans starting next year – a proposal that the Republican-controlled Legislature has resisted. Jim Molloy, a top adviser to the governor, said Thursday the governor’s office has met with some legislators working on alternatives, and that Bullock “is willing to consider any proposals that will provide coverage for uninsured Montanans and do so in a way that begins to reform our health-care delivery system and puts Montana’s tax dollars to work creating good-paying jobs in our state.”
Arizona Legislature closing in on Medicaid vote
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is bringing her Medicaid expansion charm offensive back to the Capitol as her staff continues to negotiate with legislative leaders who hold the key to bringing the proposal to a vote. Thursday’s press conference and rally features mental health professionals and comes as a growing number of lawmakers are saying they believe the proposal may have the votes to pass.
They include not only minority Democrats but moderate Republicans. Those groups need to join together to overcome opposition from conservative Republicans opposed to Brewer’s embrace of a key provision of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul law. House speaker Andy Tobin disagrees, saying he thinks he’s short of votes in the House. The proposal would add about 300,000 Arizonans to the nearly 1.3 million now enrolled.
They include not only minority Democrats but moderate Republicans. Those groups need to join together to overcome opposition from conservative Republicans opposed to Brewer’s embrace of a key provision of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul law. House speaker Andy Tobin disagrees, saying he thinks he’s short of votes in the House. The proposal would add about 300,000 Arizonans to the nearly 1.3 million now enrolled.
UPDATE House OKs health care expansion proposals
LITTLE ROCK — The House on Thursday approved legislation for using Medicaid funds to subsidize private insurance for thousands of low-income Arkansans. By a vote of 62-37 on House Bill 1143, the House joined the Senate in approving enabling legislation for the so-called private option — proposed as Arkansas’ novel alternative to expanding Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. The House later approved the identical Senate version, Senate Bill 1020, by 63-35. Both bills go to the Senate — the House bill for committee consideration and the Senate bill for concurrence in House amendments.
A more critical vote on health care expansion will come when the House considers HB 1219, an appropriation bill that would clear the way for the state to use federal money for the program. Passage would require a three-fourths majority, or 75 votes in the 100-member House — at least a dozen more votes than either version of the enabling legislation got Thursday. House Speaker Davy Carter, R-Cabot, who favors the private option, said Thursday his preference was for the House to pass the appropriation on Friday, but he said he was considering requests from some House members to delay a vote until Monday so they could visit with constituents over the weekend.
A more critical vote on health care expansion will come when the House considers HB 1219, an appropriation bill that would clear the way for the state to use federal money for the program. Passage would require a three-fourths majority, or 75 votes in the 100-member House — at least a dozen more votes than either version of the enabling legislation got Thursday. House Speaker Davy Carter, R-Cabot, who favors the private option, said Thursday his preference was for the House to pass the appropriation on Friday, but he said he was considering requests from some House members to delay a vote until Monday so they could visit with constituents over the weekend.
Snyder's plans for fixing roads, expanding Medicaid stalled by GOP
But gov remains optimistic as state budget talks resume
Lansing — Gov. Rick Snyder's efforts to expand the state's Medicaid health program and hike road funding have stalled with fellow Republicans, especially endangering the initiative to increase the government-subsidized health insurance rolls. Neither proposal has gained traction among GOP legislators opposed to higher taxes and more government entitlements or fearful of a political backlash from tea party activists, who have opposed some of Snyder's other policy initiatives, such as a new bridge to Canada.
The Medicaid and road tax efforts are the biggest issues facing the Republican-controlled Legislature as lawmakers returned here Tuesday after a two-week break, hoping to hammer out a 2014 fiscal year budget plan by June. A House Republican budget plan does not include Snyder's Medicaid expansion or request for $1.2 billion in new money for highways, bridges and local roads. On Thursday, a Senate subcommittee also is expected to approve a Department of Community Health budget without the $1.3 billion the federal government is offering initially to add 320,000 low-income residents to Medicaid.
The Medicaid and road tax efforts are the biggest issues facing the Republican-controlled Legislature as lawmakers returned here Tuesday after a two-week break, hoping to hammer out a 2014 fiscal year budget plan by June. A House Republican budget plan does not include Snyder's Medicaid expansion or request for $1.2 billion in new money for highways, bridges and local roads. On Thursday, a Senate subcommittee also is expected to approve a Department of Community Health budget without the $1.3 billion the federal government is offering initially to add 320,000 low-income residents to Medicaid.
House Republicans strip Medicaid expansion out of state budget proposal
Lansing — Gov. Rick Snyder's efforts to expand the state's Medicaid health program and hike road funding have stalled with fellow Republicans, especially endangering the initiative to increase the government-subsidized health insurance rolls. Neither proposal has gained traction among GOP legislators opposed to higher taxes and more government entitlements or fearful of a political backlash from tea party activists, who have opposed some of Snyder's other policy initiatives, such as a new bridge to Canada.
The Medicaid and road tax efforts are the biggest issues facing the Republican-controlled Legislature as lawmakers returned here Tuesday after a two-week break, hoping to hammer out a 2014 fiscal year budget plan by June. A House Republican budget plan does not include Snyder's Medicaid expansion or request for $1.2 billion in new money for highways, bridges and local roads. On Thursday, a Senate subcommittee also is expected to approve a Department of Community Health budget without the $1.3 billion the federal government is offering initially to add 320,000 low-income residents to Medicaid.
Medicaid expansion sent to governor
BISMARCK – An estimated 20,500 North Dakotans will receive health insurance once Gov. Jack Dalrymple signs a bill passed Tuesday. Senate lawmakers voted 33-14 to pass House Bill 1362, which expands Medicaid coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, often called Obamacare, passed by Congress in 2010. The act provides insurance for individuals 19 to 65 who are not disabled, don’t have insurance and have an income less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Those living under 138 percent of the federal poverty level in North Dakota include an individual earning $1,285 a month, according to the Department of Human Services. If signed into law, the expansion will become effective Jan. 1 and end July 31, 2017, when federal match payments drop from 100 percent to 95 percent.
Missouri Gov. Nixon seeks Medicaid answers from feds
JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Jay Nixon led a three-front charge Tuesday to expand Missouri’s Medicaid program, meeting privately with reluctant state senators, rallying publicly with hundreds of disability advocates and chatting with the nation’s top health care official about whether particular Medicaid proposals could win federal approval.
Nixon, a Democrat, has made Medicaid expansion under the terms of President Barack Obama’s health care law his top legislative priority this year, despite resistance from a Republican-led legislature over expanding eligibility to as many lower-income adults as envisioned by the federal law. Seeking potential areas of compromise, Nixon said he spoke by phone Tuesday with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about how much flexibility Missouri might have and still receive full federal funding under the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act.
Nixon, a Democrat, has made Medicaid expansion under the terms of President Barack Obama’s health care law his top legislative priority this year, despite resistance from a Republican-led legislature over expanding eligibility to as many lower-income adults as envisioned by the federal law. Seeking potential areas of compromise, Nixon said he spoke by phone Tuesday with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about how much flexibility Missouri might have and still receive full federal funding under the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act.
Indiana Senate revives Medicaid bill in state budget
The Indiana Senate has included an expansion of Medicaid through the Healthy Indiana Plan in the state budget. A bill to expand Medicaid, called Senate Bill 551, died this week in the House Ways and Means Committee, with House lawmakers saying negotiations with the federal government over a possible expansion should be left to Gov. Mike Pence. The governor’s administration has maintained he can expand Medicaid through the program without new legislation.
But an Indianapolis Star review of the state budget found much the Senate’s version of the Medicaid expansion included in the budget bill. The Senate is expected to approve the budget today, and the House and Senate will negotiate a final version in the next few weeks. Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, said he revived the Senate’s version of the Medicaid bill to give lawmakers more control. “The legislature wants to have the chance to review any waiver that may be secured by the governor,” Kenley said. “That’s not a criticism of the governor, so much as it is that we have a strong interest in what it will do both fiscally and in what type of waiver program we want to have.”
But an Indianapolis Star review of the state budget found much the Senate’s version of the Medicaid expansion included in the budget bill. The Senate is expected to approve the budget today, and the House and Senate will negotiate a final version in the next few weeks. Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, said he revived the Senate’s version of the Medicaid bill to give lawmakers more control. “The legislature wants to have the chance to review any waiver that may be secured by the governor,” Kenley said. “That’s not a criticism of the governor, so much as it is that we have a strong interest in what it will do both fiscally and in what type of waiver program we want to have.”
Medicaid expansion fight focuses on access, rising expenses
The fight to expand Medicaid in Missouri has been framed largely by Jefferson City politics, but the state’s health care industry suggests that it is about something much bigger. “I’m sure there are political dimensions to it, but mostly it’s a humanitarian issue,” said Steven Lipstein, president and chief executive of BJC HealthCare, the St. Louis-based health care giant. “Think of people living in Missouri, a family of four with a household income of less than $32,500. ... These are the families who would now become eligible for Medicaid.”
Lipstein is describing an estimated 300,000 Missouri residents, including the growing number of people living in poverty since the Great Recession. Many of these people work, but receive no health benefits. And some of them are among those who would have qualified for assistance before state budget cuts eight years ago lopped them off the Medicaid rolls. These are the same Missourians who show up at hospital emergency departments for treatment, and whose care BJC and other health systems have to write off. Often, the trip to the ER could have been avoided by a visit to a doctor’s office. Or, because such patients haven’t received ongoing medical care, they are hospitalized at a life-threatening stage of a chronic disease.
Lipstein is describing an estimated 300,000 Missouri residents, including the growing number of people living in poverty since the Great Recession. Many of these people work, but receive no health benefits. And some of them are among those who would have qualified for assistance before state budget cuts eight years ago lopped them off the Medicaid rolls. These are the same Missourians who show up at hospital emergency departments for treatment, and whose care BJC and other health systems have to write off. Often, the trip to the ER could have been avoided by a visit to a doctor’s office. Or, because such patients haven’t received ongoing medical care, they are hospitalized at a life-threatening stage of a chronic disease.
Exchange, tax repeal give Otter a good session
After the 2013 session ended, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter joked that he grew confident his proposal for a state-based health insurance exchange would succeed only "when that bill hit my desk." In reality, the Republican governor's biggest legislative victory of the last three months began to take off back in February. That's when a group of 16 House freshmen came out in support _ to the chagrin of conservatives who painted Otter's plan as cozying up to President Barack Obama's 2010 health care overhaul.
Along with that win, Otter is also claiming a $20 million tax break for businesses on their personal property as another milestone for his administration. It's not exactly the full repeal he pitched in his Jan. 7 State of the State speech, but he says what emerged was a good start. In past sessions, Otter has taken a licking from supposed GOP allies in the House and Senate on key priorities such as his disastrous 2009 bid to raise Idaho's gas tax and registration fees. This time, however, he had what was arguably the most-successful legislative season of his seven-year gubernatorial career.
Along with that win, Otter is also claiming a $20 million tax break for businesses on their personal property as another milestone for his administration. It's not exactly the full repeal he pitched in his Jan. 7 State of the State speech, but he says what emerged was a good start. In past sessions, Otter has taken a licking from supposed GOP allies in the House and Senate on key priorities such as his disastrous 2009 bid to raise Idaho's gas tax and registration fees. This time, however, he had what was arguably the most-successful legislative season of his seven-year gubernatorial career.
Alabama will not enforce health care law's provisions
Bentley rejects health care law's consumer mandates
WASHINGTON — Alabama insurance regulators will not enforce the consumer protection provisions of the Affordable Care Act, another sign of Republican Gov. Robert Bentley’s defiant response to the 2010 law. In a recent letter to federal health officials, Bentley said Washington — not Montgomery — is responsible for making sure health insurance plans sold in the state comply with requirements such as covering people who have pre-existing medical conditions. Alabama is one of six states that will not help enforce provisions of the 2010 health care reform law, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The others are Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.
This isn’t the first time Bentley, a physician, has rejected portions of the Affordable Care Act. The law allows states to operate their own health insurance exchanges, but Bentley opted to let Washington run Alabama’s exchange. He also rejected the option of expanding the state’s Medicaid program to cover more low-income people.
This isn’t the first time Bentley, a physician, has rejected portions of the Affordable Care Act. The law allows states to operate their own health insurance exchanges, but Bentley opted to let Washington run Alabama’s exchange. He also rejected the option of expanding the state’s Medicaid program to cover more low-income people.
UPDATE Senate passes health care expansion
LITTLE ROCK — The Republican-controlled Senate passed legislation Friday outlining the state’s plan to extend health care coverage to thousands of Arkansas’ working poor through the federal Affordable Care Act. By a vote of 24-9, the Senate approved Senate Bill 1020, which would enable state human services officials to proceed with setting up a program using federal Medicaid dollars to subsidize the purchase of private health insurance for an estimated 250,000 people with annual incomes of up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level through the state’s health insurance exchange rather than adding them to the Medicaid rolls.
Actual implementation of the proposal hinges on House and Senate approval of a separate appropriation to be included in the state Department of Human Services budget — requiring a three-fourths vote in each chamber — and final approval of the plan by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The so-called private option, which Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe negotiated with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius with ideas from Republican lawmakers, has softened staunch GOP resistance to any expansion of health care under the federal health care reform act known as Obamacare.
Actual implementation of the proposal hinges on House and Senate approval of a separate appropriation to be included in the state Department of Human Services budget — requiring a three-fourths vote in each chamber — and final approval of the plan by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The so-called private option, which Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe negotiated with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius with ideas from Republican lawmakers, has softened staunch GOP resistance to any expansion of health care under the federal health care reform act known as Obamacare.
Virginians split on Medicaid expansion, new poll finds
Virginians are split on whether the state should expand Medicaid, but less divided when it comes to barring concealed handgun permits from public inspection, according to a poll released this morning. Voters disagree on whether the state should expand the health care program for low-income residents, 45 percent-43 percent with deep divisions along party line, according to Quinnipiac University’s survey of 1,098 registered voters.
Democrats support expansion 73-18 percent, while Republicans and independents oppose it 67-22 percent among the GOP and 47-40 percent among independent voters. Women back the expansion, which is available through the federal health care law, 48-39 percent while men oppose it 48-42 percent. Black voters support it 68-20 percent and white voters 50-38 percent, the poll shows. State lawmakers have also been split on expansion, which is still the topic of hot debate.
Democrats support expansion 73-18 percent, while Republicans and independents oppose it 67-22 percent among the GOP and 47-40 percent among independent voters. Women back the expansion, which is available through the federal health care law, 48-39 percent while men oppose it 48-42 percent. Black voters support it 68-20 percent and white voters 50-38 percent, the poll shows. State lawmakers have also been split on expansion, which is still the topic of hot debate.
Governor of Tennessee Joins Peers Refusing Medicaid Plan
Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee said Wednesday that he would not expand Medicaid in his state as called for in the federal health care overhaul, joining 18 other Republican governors who have rejected expansion for now. Governor Haslam said he wanted instead to use federal Medicaid money to buy private insurance for as many as 175,000 low-income residents of his state. But he said that plan was being held up because the Obama administration had put too many conditions on the money.
With his health care law, President Obama wanted to make Medicaid, the federal-state health program for poor people, available to many more Americans, covering those earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (currently up to $15,856 a year for an individual). But when the Supreme Court upheld the law last year, it ruled that states could opt out of the Medicaid expansion. For states that opt in, the federal government will pay the full cost of expansion from 2014 to 2016, with its share gradually decreasing to 90 percent in 2020. So far, about two dozen governors, most of them Democrats, have said they want to expand Medicaid.
With his health care law, President Obama wanted to make Medicaid, the federal-state health program for poor people, available to many more Americans, covering those earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (currently up to $15,856 a year for an individual). But when the Supreme Court upheld the law last year, it ruled that states could opt out of the Medicaid expansion. For states that opt in, the federal government will pay the full cost of expansion from 2014 to 2016, with its share gradually decreasing to 90 percent in 2020. So far, about two dozen governors, most of them Democrats, have said they want to expand Medicaid.
New Jersey Medicare Spending Outpaces Rest Of The Nation
Medicare spends more on New Jersey patients than those in any other state, averaging at a whopping $12,000 per person, according to a new study. The study, undertaken by the National Center for Policy Analysis, said researchers found that New Jersey came in at 15 percent above the national average and they cannot explain such a large difference.
Some of the extra spending was explained by higher salaries, age, income, and higher cost of health care, but that doesn't account for all of it, said Andrew J. Rettenmaier, executive associate director of the NCPA and an author of the study. There is some speculation about the spending gap between New Jersey and other states. One theory is the access to “robust health care infrastructure,” said Alan C. Monheit, associate director of the Center for Health Economics and Health Policy at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. This robust health care accounts for patients wanting to have more tests done, see more specialists, and have more high cost procedures.
Some of the extra spending was explained by higher salaries, age, income, and higher cost of health care, but that doesn't account for all of it, said Andrew J. Rettenmaier, executive associate director of the NCPA and an author of the study. There is some speculation about the spending gap between New Jersey and other states. One theory is the access to “robust health care infrastructure,” said Alan C. Monheit, associate director of the Center for Health Economics and Health Policy at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. This robust health care accounts for patients wanting to have more tests done, see more specialists, and have more high cost procedures.
Montana House panel removes most of health coverage plan, then OKs
HELENA – As Republicans voted Wednesday to kill bills expanding Medicaid coverage for low-income Montanans, they also advanced what they said is a GOP health coverage plan – but not before stripping out most of its content. Rep. Cary Smith, R-Billings, told members of the House Human Services Committee that substantive details of House Bill 623 would be filled in later, probably in the Senate. “We need to pass this bill and get it over to the Senate,” he said, adding that Republicans still have broad disagreements on what should be in the bill.
The committee voted 10-6 on a party-line vote to send HB623 to the House floor, with Democrats opposed. HB623, in its original form, would hand out $4 million in grants the next two years to low-income households, so they could become eligible for federal subsidies to help them buy health insurance from private companies. It also would have created a 12-person “citizens council” appointed by Republican leaders of the Legislature to examine health care reforms, cost containment, reforms of Medicaid and other health care items over the next two years. But, at the request of Smith, the committee’s Republican majority removed those contents and left only a requirement that any Montanan attending an out-of-state medical school and who get tuition help from a state program must practice medicine in Montana for four years after graduating.
The committee voted 10-6 on a party-line vote to send HB623 to the House floor, with Democrats opposed. HB623, in its original form, would hand out $4 million in grants the next two years to low-income households, so they could become eligible for federal subsidies to help them buy health insurance from private companies. It also would have created a 12-person “citizens council” appointed by Republican leaders of the Legislature to examine health care reforms, cost containment, reforms of Medicaid and other health care items over the next two years. But, at the request of Smith, the committee’s Republican majority removed those contents and left only a requirement that any Montanan attending an out-of-state medical school and who get tuition help from a state program must practice medicine in Montana for four years after graduating.
Senate passes health bill
Measure would expand Medicaid coverage, set rules for insurance marketplace
The Maryland Senate voted Wednesday to pass a bill that would qualify more Marylanders for government health care and pay for a new health insurance marketplace, both part of advancing the rollout of federal health reform. The House of Delegates approved an identical bill Monday, clearing the way for the legislation to make its way to Gov. Martin O'Malley for his signature. Initiatives in the bill spell out changes in the way poor or uninsured residents and small businesses would access health care once the federal law becomes effective next year.
Senate approves Medicaid expansion plan
Move sets up showdown with Branstad, whose alternative 'Healthy Iowa Plan' will likely pass House
The Iowa Senate approved legislation Monday night to add more than 100,000 low-income Iowans to the state-federal Medicaid health insurance program, setting up a showdown with Gov. Terry Branstad. Senate File 296 was approved 26-23 on a straight party line vote with Democrats in favor and Republicans against. Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, was excused. Senate President Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, the bill’s floor manager, said the plan will help Iowans who can’t afford to buy health insurance on their own. She added that Medicaid expansion will also help Iowans who already have health insurance but face hidden premium expenses of about $1,000 a year because hospitals currently must bear huge expenses for uncompensated medical bills.
“Iowans get the biggest bang for their tax dollar by expanding Medicaid,” Jochum said. Jochum was supported by Sen. Jack Hatch, D-Des Moines, who complained an alternative proposal by Branstad, a Republican, will lead to many Iowans seeking costly health care in emergency rooms. He described Branstad’s proposal as inefficient and remarked, “The governor’s plan limits patient access.”
“Iowans get the biggest bang for their tax dollar by expanding Medicaid,” Jochum said. Jochum was supported by Sen. Jack Hatch, D-Des Moines, who complained an alternative proposal by Branstad, a Republican, will lead to many Iowans seeking costly health care in emergency rooms. He described Branstad’s proposal as inefficient and remarked, “The governor’s plan limits patient access.”