April 25, 2008
HOUSE PROTECTS MEDICAID
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Can this Medicaid-slasher be stopped? |
By a veto-proof margin of 349 to 62, the House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R. 5613) delaying the implementation of regulations by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would end reimbursements for seven non-medical and preventive services. Every voting Democrat and dozens of Republicans voted to stop implementation of the changes until 2009 so their potential impact can be assessed.
President Bush has threatened to veto the bill. Similar legislation in the Senate hasn't yet moved, and while it is expected to pass, opposition by Senate Finance ranking member Charles Grassley casts doubt on the likelihood of a veto-proof margin.
According to BNA's Health Care Report, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said, “I feel quite confident there will be significant resistance in the Senate,” but later claimed his comments referred only to some Senate Republicans.If implemented, the new CMS regulations would end reimbursement for targeted case management, essential outpatient services such as administration of vaccinations, vision screening and rehabilitation services, and other crucial health benefits. The CMS regulations have been widely opposed by not just Medicaid advocates, but governors from all 50 states who know their states will end up picking up the federal government's slack. The feds pay 57 percent of Medicaid’s cost, an estimated $204 billion in fiscal 2008. The CMS changes would cut $13 billion off of Medicaid spending in the next five months.
"[The governors] know the devastating effects these rules would have on local communities, upon hospitals, and upon vulnerable beneficiaries," Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell and the bill's lead sponsor (D-MI), said, according to the Associated Press.
The CMS proposal could have a catastrophic affect on New York State’s system of COBRA case management. COBRA provides essential psychosocial support vital to the survival of low-income people living with HIV/AIDS.
It’s not too late! Contact your Senators and tell them to support delaying the CMS regulations. Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225-3121 and ask to be transferred to your Senator's office. (Don't know who your Senator is? Visit www.senate.gov to find out.).