The Commonwealth Fund has relased a report that provides an overview of the key provisions in the health reform bills currently being considered in Congress.
Please click HERE to access The Commonwealth Fund website and report entitled: The Comprehensive Congressional Health Reform Bills of 2009: A Look at Health Insurance, Delivery System, and Financing Provisions.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Senate Health Bill Could Come This Week, 'Compromise' Public Option Now Seems Likely
The following is from Kaiser Health News.
Senate Democrats will need to move quickly if they want to pass some version of health overhaul legislation by the end of the year.
The Associated Press: With "time growing short," Senate Democratic leaders "still face key decisions..." In the Senate, that "means deciding whether legislation will give the government a role in the marketplace at all, and if so, what rights individual states would have in deciding whether to participate." The Senate is weighing its final choices as negotiators work to merge the bills from Senate Finance and from Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees. The latest talks have focused around getting rid of any mandate on businesses to provide health insurance for their employees (Espo, 10/26).
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Senate's finalized health bill could be ready as soon as early this week, when the leaders will submit the bill to the Congressional Budget Office for scoring. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid "spent the weekend shoring up support for the bill from Democrats in the chamber. But some key moderate Democrats signaled Sunday that they remain uneasy about main planks of the legislation." Although some details could change, the "broad outlines are becoming more clear" (Adamy and Hitt, 10/26).
Politico reports that Sen. Chuck Schumer also believes 60 votes are within sight. But "Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said that Democrats still have work to do in rallying support within their ranks, pointing to last week’s overwhelming vote to strike down a so-called doc fix to Medicare physician reimbursement that would have added nearly $250 billion to the deficit. A group of Democrats crossed party lines on the vote" (Isenstadt, 10/25).
The New York Times: "Several Democratic senators voiced optimism on Sunday that Congress would pass a health care bill containing at least the germ of a government-run insurance program. Their expectations were grudgingly seconded by Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate in 2008. 'I think the Democrats have the votes, and in the House, Blue Dogs bark but never bite,' Mr. McCain said on CBS’s 'Face the Nation,' using the nickname for conservative Democrats."
Democrats who said they see a public plan passing include Sens. Claire McCaskill, of Missouri; Chuck Schumer, of New York; and Russ Feingold, of Wisconsin. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said he was willing to look at the proposal if the Senate allows states to opt out of that part of the plan (Berger, 10/25).
Senate Democrats will need to move quickly if they want to pass some version of health overhaul legislation by the end of the year.
The Associated Press: With "time growing short," Senate Democratic leaders "still face key decisions..." In the Senate, that "means deciding whether legislation will give the government a role in the marketplace at all, and if so, what rights individual states would have in deciding whether to participate." The Senate is weighing its final choices as negotiators work to merge the bills from Senate Finance and from Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees. The latest talks have focused around getting rid of any mandate on businesses to provide health insurance for their employees (Espo, 10/26).
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Senate's finalized health bill could be ready as soon as early this week, when the leaders will submit the bill to the Congressional Budget Office for scoring. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid "spent the weekend shoring up support for the bill from Democrats in the chamber. But some key moderate Democrats signaled Sunday that they remain uneasy about main planks of the legislation." Although some details could change, the "broad outlines are becoming more clear" (Adamy and Hitt, 10/26).
Politico reports that Sen. Chuck Schumer also believes 60 votes are within sight. But "Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said that Democrats still have work to do in rallying support within their ranks, pointing to last week’s overwhelming vote to strike down a so-called doc fix to Medicare physician reimbursement that would have added nearly $250 billion to the deficit. A group of Democrats crossed party lines on the vote" (Isenstadt, 10/25).
The New York Times: "Several Democratic senators voiced optimism on Sunday that Congress would pass a health care bill containing at least the germ of a government-run insurance program. Their expectations were grudgingly seconded by Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate in 2008. 'I think the Democrats have the votes, and in the House, Blue Dogs bark but never bite,' Mr. McCain said on CBS’s 'Face the Nation,' using the nickname for conservative Democrats."
Democrats who said they see a public plan passing include Sens. Claire McCaskill, of Missouri; Chuck Schumer, of New York; and Russ Feingold, of Wisconsin. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said he was willing to look at the proposal if the Senate allows states to opt out of that part of the plan (Berger, 10/25).
Friday, October 23, 2009
Senate Fails to Pass Permanent Fix to Medicare Physician Payments
On Thursday, October 22nd, the Senate voted to limit debate and bring S. 1776, the Medicare Physicians Fairness Act of 2009 to the floor for a full vote, but failed to get the 60 votes needed to do so. The final vote tally was 57 no votes to 43 yes votes. Both Senator Bennet and Senator Udall voted yes on the bill.
The cost of the bill, the reason it was defeated, was $245 billion over the next ten years and did not provide any offsets. This means that the Finance Committee’s Health Reform bill (S 1796), which included a temporary “fix” to the 21.5 percent payment cut via the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula for Medicare physician pay, will most likely be included in the final bill brought to the Senate floor.
The cost of the bill, the reason it was defeated, was $245 billion over the next ten years and did not provide any offsets. This means that the Finance Committee’s Health Reform bill (S 1796), which included a temporary “fix” to the 21.5 percent payment cut via the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula for Medicare physician pay, will most likely be included in the final bill brought to the Senate floor.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Colorado Backseat Budgeter
If given the opportunity, how would you go about balancing the state budget? With our state approaching a $1.8 billion deficit for Fiscal Year 2009-2010, state budget cuts are imminent. Due to certain constitutional mandates, balancing Colorado's state budget is no easy task; especially if you'd like to raise revenue. Colorado's Backseat Budgeter is a great tool to use to better understand Colorado's fiscal situation. Please visit the site by clicking HERE and enjoy!
Health Bills in Congress Won't Fix Doctor Shortage
Health Bills In Congress Won't Fix Doctor Shortage
By Phil Galewitz, KHN Staff Writer
Oct 12, 2009
Even as Congress moves to expand health insurance coverage to millions of Americans, it's doing little to ensure there will be enough primary care doctors to meet the expected surge in demand for treatment, experts say.
The American Academy of Family Physicians predicts that the shortage of family doctors will reach 40,000 in the next 10 years, as medical schools send about half the needed number of graduates into primary care medicine. The overall shortage of doctors is expected to grow to nearly 160,000 by 2025, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Click HERE to read this article in its entirety.
By Phil Galewitz, KHN Staff Writer
Oct 12, 2009
Even as Congress moves to expand health insurance coverage to millions of Americans, it's doing little to ensure there will be enough primary care doctors to meet the expected surge in demand for treatment, experts say.
The American Academy of Family Physicians predicts that the shortage of family doctors will reach 40,000 in the next 10 years, as medical schools send about half the needed number of graduates into primary care medicine. The overall shortage of doctors is expected to grow to nearly 160,000 by 2025, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Click HERE to read this article in its entirety.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Provide Feedback about Medicare to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid
On Thursday, October 29th, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), Medicare Provider Feedback Group will be holding a town hall meeting that you can participate in via teleconference. You must register by 3pm (MST) on Friday, October 23rd.
For more information and to register please click HERE.
For more information and to register please click HERE.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Call Senator Bennet & Senator Udall Today!
The U.S. Senate is finally moving on a bill (S.1776) that would eliminate Medicare's sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. The SGR formula essentially cuts Medicare payment rates. For more information on SGR and S.1776 click HERE.
The Senate was set to vote on the bill today (Monday, October 19th) but the vote has been delayed for at least 24 hours.
Because the Senate's first vote could occur as early as tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 20, please call Sen. Mark Udall and Sen. Michael Bennet NOW and urge them to VOTE YES on S. 1776. You may use the American Medical Association's (AMA) hotline to contact them by calling: (800) 833-6354.
Never called a congressional office before? Check out the AMA guide to "Communicating with Congress."
To see how the cuts impact patients and physicians in Colorado, click HERE.
The Senate was set to vote on the bill today (Monday, October 19th) but the vote has been delayed for at least 24 hours.
Because the Senate's first vote could occur as early as tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 20, please call Sen. Mark Udall and Sen. Michael Bennet NOW and urge them to VOTE YES on S. 1776. You may use the American Medical Association's (AMA) hotline to contact them by calling: (800) 833-6354.
Never called a congressional office before? Check out the AMA guide to "Communicating with Congress."
To see how the cuts impact patients and physicians in Colorado, click HERE.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Health Reform Update
After receiving a final “score” from the Congressional Budget Office, the Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a meeting to vote on the America’s Healthy Future Act on Tuesday, October 13. The bill will likely pass out of the Committee, then move into a conference between Finance and HELP Committee leadership to bring one single version of the bill for the Senate floor.
Given the controversial issues surrounding health reform from either side of the aisle, there will likely be considerable action on the Senate floor. Here are a few of the rural amendments that NRHA expects to be offered on the floor during debate:
S. 307 – Wyden – Allows flexibility in the CAH bed count
S. 1355 – Barasso/Wyden – Raises the RHC Cap to $92
S. 1171 – Pryor – Would waive the 35-mile rule for CAH designation
For copies of both Finance and HELP Committee bills, please see below:
Senate Finance Committee Links
Senate HELP Committee Bill (S.1679 – The Affordable Health Choices Act)
You may also click here to read the House's proposal (H.R. 3200: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009)
Given the controversial issues surrounding health reform from either side of the aisle, there will likely be considerable action on the Senate floor. Here are a few of the rural amendments that NRHA expects to be offered on the floor during debate:
S. 307 – Wyden – Allows flexibility in the CAH bed count
S. 1355 – Barasso/Wyden – Raises the RHC Cap to $92
S. 1171 – Pryor – Would waive the 35-mile rule for CAH designation
For copies of both Finance and HELP Committee bills, please see below:
Senate Finance Committee Links
Senate HELP Committee Bill (S.1679 – The Affordable Health Choices Act)
You may also click here to read the House's proposal (H.R. 3200: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Gov. Ritter to hold Town Hall Meetings - Oct. 8th - 10th
Governor Ritter will be holding public town hall meetings in Idaho Springs, Alamosa, San Luis, Antonito, Saguache and Monte Vista the next few days, and he's inviting you to attend and participate.
Thursday, October 8, 2009 - 11:30 a.m.
City Hall, 1711 Miner St., Idaho Springs
Friday, October 9, 2009 - Noon
Adams State College, Student Union Building, Banquet Room A-130,
Corner of 1st Street and Stadium Drive, Alamosa
3 p.m.
Centennial High School, 901 Main Street, San Luis
5 p.m.
Dos Hermanas Restaurant, 435 Main St., Antonito
Saturday, October 10, 2009 - 9:30 a.m.
Saguache Community Building, 525 7th Street, Saguache
11:30 a.m.
Gov. Ritter will visit veterans and community members at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake and host a town hall meeting, 3749 Sherman Ave., Monte Vista.
Thursday, October 8, 2009 - 11:30 a.m.
City Hall, 1711 Miner St., Idaho Springs
Friday, October 9, 2009 - Noon
Adams State College, Student Union Building, Banquet Room A-130,
Corner of 1st Street and Stadium Drive, Alamosa
3 p.m.
Centennial High School, 901 Main Street, San Luis
5 p.m.
Dos Hermanas Restaurant, 435 Main St., Antonito
Saturday, October 10, 2009 - 9:30 a.m.
Saguache Community Building, 525 7th Street, Saguache
11:30 a.m.
Gov. Ritter will visit veterans and community members at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake and host a town hall meeting, 3749 Sherman Ave., Monte Vista.
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