/PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) issued the following statement regarding the estimate released today by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO):
The CBO today confirmed what many economists, actuaries, and health policy experts have said for weeks: the Senate healthcare reform bill would make coverage more expensive for millions of people buying individual insurance policies.
While CBO recognizes the significant impact of the proposal, it understates the effect in three areas:
-- Several provisions in the Senate bill will cause many people to wait
until they are sick to purchase coverage, significantly driving up
premiums for everyone. These include severely restricting discounts
for young people, very low financial penalties for not purchasing
coverage, while still requiring insurers to guarantee coverage
regardless of preexisting conditions. Many young people, in
particular, are likely to pay the nominal fine, rather than purchase
coverage that costs far more than the penalty.
-- Adding the previously uninsured will significantly increase premiums
in the individual market. Contrary to CBO, Oliver Wyman, Inc.'s
analysis of actual claims' costs in the individual market predicts
that the uninsured will actually be 20 percent more expensive to
insure than those in the individual market today. Had CBO adopted a
similar assumption, their premium impact would have been approximately
30 percent higher.
-- The impact will vary significantly by state because of regional
differences in rating laws today. Oliver Wyman, Inc. found that
two-thirds of Americans live in states where the average premium
impact will be much higher than a national average.
Caution should be used in describing CBO's results on how many people will see lower premiums because of the federal subsidies. It should be noted that many of these people were previously uninsured and therefore did not pay any premiums. While we strongly support extending coverage to everyone and providing needed subsidies, we should be careful not to misconstrue these as savings.
We are pleased that the debate is now focusing on how the bills will make coverage less affordable to the American people. We encourage the Senate to use the CBO findings, as well as the analyses of Oliver Wyman, to make much needed improvements to the Senate Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to ensure that it will be affordable and sustainable for everyone.
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
American Association for Homecare Endorses New U.S. Senate Bill, the 'Prevent Health Care Fraud Act of 2009'
/PRNewswire/ -- The American Association for Homecare endorses the new "Prevent Health Care Fraud Act of 2009," S. 2128, which is designed to substantially improve tools and resources available to prevent fraud in Medicare. The bill was introduced by Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.).
The LeMieux bill contains several provisions the American Association for Homecare outlined in its 13-point anti-fraud action plan, which the Association proposed to Congress in February. Those provisions include calling for real-time audits and screens to catch fraudulent claims, more site inspections to ensure that Medicare allows only legitimate home medical equipment providers to file reimbursement claims, and a dedicated office at the federal government level to combat Medicare fraud. The Association has also recommended that more funding be made available to federal fraud fighters. See the Association's full 13-point plan at www.aahomecare.org/stopfraud.
"This association has been on record for a long time in support of new measures designed to root out fraudulent activity within Medicare," said Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American Association for Homecare. "That's why we are very pleased that Sen. LeMieux and the cosponsors on his bill have demonstrated leadership in proposing an aggressive, proactive approach to stopping fraud. The current pay-and-chase system is not effective."
Wilson said he hopes that Congress will incorporate the Association's entire 13-point plan into the LeMieux legislation. The American Association for Homecare will continue to work with key congressional committees and members of Congress to find ways to curtail criminal activity within Medicare and at the same time preserve the ability of legitimate home medical equipment providers to serve Medicare beneficiaries.
The American Association for Homecare represents providers of durable medical equipment and services, manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. Members serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, and other medical equipment and services in their homes. Medicare reimbursement rates for durable medical equipment have been cut dramatically three times over the past six years, on top of a freeze on CPI increases during the same period. The Association's members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states. Visit www.aahomecare.org/athome.
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The LeMieux bill contains several provisions the American Association for Homecare outlined in its 13-point anti-fraud action plan, which the Association proposed to Congress in February. Those provisions include calling for real-time audits and screens to catch fraudulent claims, more site inspections to ensure that Medicare allows only legitimate home medical equipment providers to file reimbursement claims, and a dedicated office at the federal government level to combat Medicare fraud. The Association has also recommended that more funding be made available to federal fraud fighters. See the Association's full 13-point plan at www.aahomecare.org/stopfraud.
"This association has been on record for a long time in support of new measures designed to root out fraudulent activity within Medicare," said Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American Association for Homecare. "That's why we are very pleased that Sen. LeMieux and the cosponsors on his bill have demonstrated leadership in proposing an aggressive, proactive approach to stopping fraud. The current pay-and-chase system is not effective."
Wilson said he hopes that Congress will incorporate the Association's entire 13-point plan into the LeMieux legislation. The American Association for Homecare will continue to work with key congressional committees and members of Congress to find ways to curtail criminal activity within Medicare and at the same time preserve the ability of legitimate home medical equipment providers to serve Medicare beneficiaries.
The American Association for Homecare represents providers of durable medical equipment and services, manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. Members serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, and other medical equipment and services in their homes. Medicare reimbursement rates for durable medical equipment have been cut dramatically three times over the past six years, on top of a freeze on CPI increases during the same period. The Association's members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states. Visit www.aahomecare.org/athome.
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Friday, November 20, 2009
Constitutional States Rights & Fair Tax 912 monthly meeting
Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00pm.
Constitutional States Rights & Fair Tax 912 monthly meeting
Club/Group Meeting (open to all patriots & FairTax supporters)
J Christopher's Restaurant, 265 Commerce Dr. Peachtree City, GA.
(NE Corner of Hwy 54 & Hwy 74). Westpark shopping center
Constitutional States Rights & Fair Tax 912 monthly meeting
Club/Group Meeting (open to all patriots & FairTax supporters)
J Christopher's Restaurant, 265 Commerce Dr. Peachtree City, GA.
(NE Corner of Hwy 54 & Hwy 74). Westpark shopping center
Project 21 Members Protest Jesse Jackson Linking Racial Identity to ObamaCare Vote
/PRNewswire/ -- Members of the Project 21 black leadership network have risen to condemn Jesse Jackson for saying of Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL), "You can't vote against health care and call yourself a black man," calling Jackson's statement divisive and likening it to the mental tactics of a antebellum slaveowner.
Declining to respond in kind, Rep. Davis told The Hill newspaper, "The best way to honor Reverend Jackson's legacy is to decline to engage in an argument with him that begins and ends with race."
Project 21 members were less retrained.
"Shame on Jesse Jackson for using the race card in an attempt to influence the views of another black politician," said Project 21 Fellow Deneen Borelli.
"Ironically, Jackson is acting like a slaveowner trying to keep blacks on his ideological plantation, where they are required to support government programs that increase public dependency on a bureaucracy," Borelli added. "In Jackson's world, it appears a black man cannot have independent thought. They must follow Jackson blindly or face lashes from his tongue."
"What makes Jesse Jackson an authority on being black in America more than anyone else? Why is he able to determine how we must think?" asked Project 21 member Kevin L. Martin. "It's no mystery why Jackson consistently failed to win broad appeal for his goals and must instead resort to ugly racial politics."
Martin added: "Blacks who have sought to exercise their free will are well aware of the disdain, disrespect and derision that comes with straying from the liberal plantation. Welcome to the club, Congressman Davis."
Jackson's smear was made during a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation reception held on November 18 to mark the 25th anniversary of his presidential campaign. Rep. Davis (D-AL), a black congressman, voted against the House version of ObamaCare.
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Declining to respond in kind, Rep. Davis told The Hill newspaper, "The best way to honor Reverend Jackson's legacy is to decline to engage in an argument with him that begins and ends with race."
Project 21 members were less retrained.
"Shame on Jesse Jackson for using the race card in an attempt to influence the views of another black politician," said Project 21 Fellow Deneen Borelli.
"Ironically, Jackson is acting like a slaveowner trying to keep blacks on his ideological plantation, where they are required to support government programs that increase public dependency on a bureaucracy," Borelli added. "In Jackson's world, it appears a black man cannot have independent thought. They must follow Jackson blindly or face lashes from his tongue."
"What makes Jesse Jackson an authority on being black in America more than anyone else? Why is he able to determine how we must think?" asked Project 21 member Kevin L. Martin. "It's no mystery why Jackson consistently failed to win broad appeal for his goals and must instead resort to ugly racial politics."
Martin added: "Blacks who have sought to exercise their free will are well aware of the disdain, disrespect and derision that comes with straying from the liberal plantation. Welcome to the club, Congressman Davis."
Jackson's smear was made during a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation reception held on November 18 to mark the 25th anniversary of his presidential campaign. Rep. Davis (D-AL), a black congressman, voted against the House version of ObamaCare.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Statement: KSBH President Andrew Langer on Senate Health Care Bill
/PRNewswire/ -- Keeping Small Business Healthy President Andrew Langer issued the following statement today on the new Senate health care reform bill:
"This bill does NOT satisfactorily address the key needs of small business owners, and will still lead to the LOSS of jobs by small businesses because of the costs and red tape.
"Only the government could get away with the accounting gimmicks in this bill. If a small business owner attempted this type of accounting, they'd be arrested and put in jail for fraud."
Keeping Small Business Healthy is an initiative of the Institute for Liberty and to learn more about the project visit www.healthysmallbusiness.org.
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"This bill does NOT satisfactorily address the key needs of small business owners, and will still lead to the LOSS of jobs by small businesses because of the costs and red tape.
"Only the government could get away with the accounting gimmicks in this bill. If a small business owner attempted this type of accounting, they'd be arrested and put in jail for fraud."
Keeping Small Business Healthy is an initiative of the Institute for Liberty and to learn more about the project visit www.healthysmallbusiness.org.
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AHIP Statement on the Release of Proposed Senate Legislation
/PRNewswire/ -- Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), released the following statement today on the release of proposed Senate legislation:
"The promise of health care reform is that it will provide all Americans coverage, allow them to keep their coverage if they like it, and bends the cost curve to put the system on a sustainable path. These are the standards by which any reform bill should be judged, and the Senate bill falls short of meeting them. We believe that these issues can be addressed and improved to achieve these goals, and we will continue to work with policymakers toward that end.
"We believe that all Americans, regardless of health status or medical history, should have guaranteed access to affordable coverage. We have proposed guarantee issue coverage with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions in conjunction with a coverage requirement and adequate subsidies for working families. We also have made a commitment to do our part by proposing far-reaching administrative simplification reforms that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and free up time for physicians to focus on patient care. We stand by these commitments, but agree with a wide range of health policy experts that market reforms will not work if there is not an effective coverage requirement.
"This proposal encourages people to wait until they are sick to purchase coverage, which will significantly drive up costs for those who are currently insured. The legislation also imposes rating rules that will raise the cost of coverage for millions of young families in more than 40 states.
"The new health care taxes and fees will raise the cost of coverage for individuals, families, and employers. Health plans will be required to pay a $6.7 billion tax beginning next year for the next 10 years, in addition to 'stabilization' fees of $25 billion in 2014, 2015, and 2016. According to Fortune magazine's analysis of the companies listed under 'Insurance and Managed Care,' earnings in 2008 totaled $8.61 billion with a profit margin of 2.2% -- ranking the industry 35th on the Fortune list.
"This bill will also exacerbate the health care cost shift as health care providers offset reductions in public program reimbursements by charging more to families and employers who have private coverage. The new government plan will cause even more cost-shifting and threaten the employer-based coverage with which Americans are overwhelmingly satisfied.
"The $117 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage will threaten the choices that seniors have across the country and significantly reduce seniors' benefits in many major metropolitan areas.
"Congress is being forced to turn to these financing mechanisms because it has been unwilling to make a commitment to specific strategies and enforceable objectives that will bend the health care cost curve downward."
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"The promise of health care reform is that it will provide all Americans coverage, allow them to keep their coverage if they like it, and bends the cost curve to put the system on a sustainable path. These are the standards by which any reform bill should be judged, and the Senate bill falls short of meeting them. We believe that these issues can be addressed and improved to achieve these goals, and we will continue to work with policymakers toward that end.
"We believe that all Americans, regardless of health status or medical history, should have guaranteed access to affordable coverage. We have proposed guarantee issue coverage with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions in conjunction with a coverage requirement and adequate subsidies for working families. We also have made a commitment to do our part by proposing far-reaching administrative simplification reforms that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and free up time for physicians to focus on patient care. We stand by these commitments, but agree with a wide range of health policy experts that market reforms will not work if there is not an effective coverage requirement.
"This proposal encourages people to wait until they are sick to purchase coverage, which will significantly drive up costs for those who are currently insured. The legislation also imposes rating rules that will raise the cost of coverage for millions of young families in more than 40 states.
"The new health care taxes and fees will raise the cost of coverage for individuals, families, and employers. Health plans will be required to pay a $6.7 billion tax beginning next year for the next 10 years, in addition to 'stabilization' fees of $25 billion in 2014, 2015, and 2016. According to Fortune magazine's analysis of the companies listed under 'Insurance and Managed Care,' earnings in 2008 totaled $8.61 billion with a profit margin of 2.2% -- ranking the industry 35th on the Fortune list.
"This bill will also exacerbate the health care cost shift as health care providers offset reductions in public program reimbursements by charging more to families and employers who have private coverage. The new government plan will cause even more cost-shifting and threaten the employer-based coverage with which Americans are overwhelmingly satisfied.
"The $117 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage will threaten the choices that seniors have across the country and significantly reduce seniors' benefits in many major metropolitan areas.
"Congress is being forced to turn to these financing mechanisms because it has been unwilling to make a commitment to specific strategies and enforceable objectives that will bend the health care cost curve downward."
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Health Insurance Reform Proposals Are a Bargain Not a Bust for Georgia
Leading health insurance reform proposals to expand Medicaid that are making their way through Congress not only could cover one million low-income Georgians, but will provide more than 90 percent of the funds to do so.
This is a win-win for all Georgians, as explained in the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute's latest analysis. Both Governor Perdue and Lt. Governor Cagle's have overstated the budget impact and neglected to state that the federal government is not only picking up most of Georgia's tab, but that local economies will benefit from the healthcare dollars as well as healthier citizens.
The governor and lieutenant governor are both using out-of-date cost estimates when stating that Georgia cannot afford the reform proposals to expand Medicaid. In addition, both fail to apply these basic principles to their analysis:
1) Participation will ramp up over a few years and cannot practically happen the first day the expansion takes effect.
2) Full participation in the expanded Medicaid program may never occur.
3) Federal dollars will pay the full cost for two to three years, and then 90 percent of it after that.
"There is plenty of time to ensure the state has adequate funds to provide coverage to the lowest-income Georgians without access to health insurance, since neither proposal starts for a few years," said Timothy Sweeney, the Institute's senior healthcare analyst, "and even when the law does go into effect, those eligible will sign-up over another several years, not all at once.
"Another reason that expanding Medicaid is a bargain not just for Georgia, but for all the states, is that in addition to getting its citizens covered, it injects millions of federal funds into local economies," said Sweeney, the report's author.
Georgian's needs are growing dramatically and the state's ability to meet them are shrinking. Georgia's uninsured rate is tenth in the nation. Roughly one in seven people lived in poverty in 2008, and our job loss rate is fifth in the nation. Vulnerable groups are hit hardest during recessions, and low-income workers are losing employer-sponsored health insurance faster than others.
The analysis also explains why both houses of Congress are choosing to expand Medicaid, and how each bill funds the expansion with federal funds.
The Georgia Department of Community Health is currently reworking their cost estimates based on current reform proposals that have been passed in Congress. "The state's highest leaders should use accurate numbers and not scare people into believing the state cannot afford to expand coverage to those with the least access to healthcare," said Alan Essig, the Institue's executive director.
"In fact they have it backwards, the state cannot afford not to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to insure its neediest citizens."
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This is a win-win for all Georgians, as explained in the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute's latest analysis. Both Governor Perdue and Lt. Governor Cagle's have overstated the budget impact and neglected to state that the federal government is not only picking up most of Georgia's tab, but that local economies will benefit from the healthcare dollars as well as healthier citizens.
The governor and lieutenant governor are both using out-of-date cost estimates when stating that Georgia cannot afford the reform proposals to expand Medicaid. In addition, both fail to apply these basic principles to their analysis:
1) Participation will ramp up over a few years and cannot practically happen the first day the expansion takes effect.
2) Full participation in the expanded Medicaid program may never occur.
3) Federal dollars will pay the full cost for two to three years, and then 90 percent of it after that.
"There is plenty of time to ensure the state has adequate funds to provide coverage to the lowest-income Georgians without access to health insurance, since neither proposal starts for a few years," said Timothy Sweeney, the Institute's senior healthcare analyst, "and even when the law does go into effect, those eligible will sign-up over another several years, not all at once.
"Another reason that expanding Medicaid is a bargain not just for Georgia, but for all the states, is that in addition to getting its citizens covered, it injects millions of federal funds into local economies," said Sweeney, the report's author.
Georgian's needs are growing dramatically and the state's ability to meet them are shrinking. Georgia's uninsured rate is tenth in the nation. Roughly one in seven people lived in poverty in 2008, and our job loss rate is fifth in the nation. Vulnerable groups are hit hardest during recessions, and low-income workers are losing employer-sponsored health insurance faster than others.
The analysis also explains why both houses of Congress are choosing to expand Medicaid, and how each bill funds the expansion with federal funds.
The Georgia Department of Community Health is currently reworking their cost estimates based on current reform proposals that have been passed in Congress. "The state's highest leaders should use accurate numbers and not scare people into believing the state cannot afford to expand coverage to those with the least access to healthcare," said Alan Essig, the Institue's executive director.
"In fact they have it backwards, the state cannot afford not to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to insure its neediest citizens."
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