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Urgent Medicaid Battle
March
17, 2005
Senate Votes to Restore $14 Billion in Medicaid Cuts
By DAVID STOUT, New York Times
WASHINGTON, March 17 –
The
Senate voted this afternoon to restore some $14 billion in Medicaid cuts
that had been proposed for the next five years, setting up a
confrontation between the two houses of Congress over tax and spending
policy.
The
52-to-48 vote to restore money to the Medicaid program for poor people
came on an amendment offered by Senator Gordon H. Smith, Republican of
Oregon. His was one of a long string of amendments being deliberated on
the $2.6 trillion budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
The
Senate action came as the House of Representatives was debating its own
version of the budget. House Republican leaders, who have been arguing
that the explosive growth of Medicaid must be reined in, had warned that
passage of the Smith amendment would create a seemingly unbridgeable
chasm between the chambers. House members were deliberating up to $20
billion in Medicaid cuts this afternoon.
Before
the Senate vote, Senator Judd Gregg, the New Hampshire Republican who
heads the Budget Committee, had pleaded to keep the Medicaid cuts. Mr.
Gregg said assertions that the cuts would hurt people were "absurd,
misleading" and "just scare tactics," according to The Associated Press.
Talk of
cuts in Medicaid could still come up again as Senate and House leaders
try to reconcile their separate budgets in the coming weeks. But for the
moment, the approval of the Smith amendment was a setback for President
Bush and for those Capitol Hill Republicans who have been calling for
sharp cuts in spending in an era of rising budget deficits.
House
Republicans have been proposing cuts of $68 billion for 2006 in
entitlement programs, like Medicaid, or $18 billion more in cuts than
the president has requested. But the Senate has been debating only $32
billion in cuts - including the $14 billion in Medicaid cuts that were
restored, at least for the moment, this afternoon.
The
Smith amendment calls for establishment of a bipartisan commission "to
consider and recommend appropriate reforms to the Medicaid program, and
to strike Medicaid cuts to protect states and vulnerable populations."
Senator
Mike DeWine, Republican of Ohio and a co-sponsor of the Smith amendment,
called the approach "very logical" and said the Medicaid cuts would be
devastating for his state.
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Call NOW to Support the Smith-Bingaman Amendment
Here's the bottom line on the congressional Medicaid debate: House and Senate
committees have proposed $15-$20 BILLION in Medicaid cuts, twice the Bush
administration's proposed $7.6 BILLION in Medicaid cuts. Obviously, these cuts
would have a devastating impact on the Medicaid program and people with
disabilities.
Senator Gordon Smith has proposed an amendment that would strike the Senate
Medicaid cut and create a bipartisan commission to study Medicaid reform. We
have to act now to support the Smith-Bingaman amendment!!
The House and Senate's drastic Medicaid cuts, if approved, could lead to block
grants to states, which would likely lead to deep cuts in Medicaid at the state
level.
Remember, Medicaid covers much more than acute health care services. Medicaid
also covers:
+ the daily assistance that many people with disabilities need to get out of
bed, eat, dressed, and live at home
+ Prescription medication.
+ Mental health counseling.
+ Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy
+ medical equipment, including wheelchairs and scooters
+ Home and Community Based Services
In addition to the call-in information available below, you can urge support for
the Smith-Bingaman amendment at The Arc's Action Center,
http://capwiz.com/thearc/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=7200091
Below is an action alert from The Arc and UCP Public Policy Collaboration
followed by a press release from Senator Gordon Smith's office.
Jonathan Young
JFA Moderator, AAPD
======================
>From The Arc and UCP Public Policy Collaboration:
MARCH 11, 2005
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED IN SENATE SUPPORT SIMITH-BINGAMAN AMENDMENT TO STRIKE
CUTS TO MEDICAID
BACKGROUND:
This week the House Budget Committee passed a Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 budget
resolution that requires approximately $20 billion in cuts to Medicaid over 5
years. The Senate Budget Committee passed its a FY 2006 budget resolution with
$15 billion in cuts to Medicaid over 5 years. The Congressional Budget Office
analysis of the Administration's budget proposal to cut Medicaid stated that the
Administration's cuts would amount to $7.6 billion over 5 years. Therefore, the
Senate Budget Resolution's cut is almost twice the level of the Administration's
proposed cut.
Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) will offer an amendment on
the Senate floor to strike the $15 billion in Medicaid cuts and create a
bi-partisan Commission that will seek input from all stakeholders (including
people with disabilities, families and providers) on Medicaid reform.
STATUS:
The House and Senate will vote on the FY 2006 budget resolutions during the week
of March 14. As of now, there is little hope to remove devastating cuts from the
House budget resolution, therefore Medicaid advocates have to make sure the
Senate version has the smallest possible cut. That is why the Smith-Bingaman
amendment striking down the cuts is so important.
The Smith-Bingaman amendment may be considered and voted on as early as Tuesday,
March 15. All Senators must be contacted. We cannot take any vote for granted.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
1) Call toll free 1-800-828-0498. This number will connect you to the Capitol
switchboard. Ask for your Senators office and then tell them to support the
Smith-Bingaman amendment. After you call one of your Senator's offices, call
back and reach your other Senator's office. If the toll-free line is busy, call
back again.
This toll-free line will be available until the vote on the Smith-Bingaman
amendment occurs.
2) Contact your Senators by e-mail using the sample letter and urge them to
support the Smith-Bingaman amendment. Send this sample letter even if you have
written to your Senators in the past 2 weeks about Medicaid.
3) Forward this information to at least 5 of your family, friends, neighbors,
co-workers or fellow advocates and ask them to call and e-mail their Senators.
Remember that all Senate offices keep track of the numbers of calls and e-mails
they receive on each issue.
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Senator:
Please support the Smith-Bingaman amendment to strike the $15 billion in
Medicaid cuts from the budget resolution and create a bi-partisan Medicaid
Commission. Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of children and adults with
disabilities and their families. It provides critical health care and long term
services and supports.
Congress should carefully consider any changes to the Medicaid program and not
hastily adopt drastic cuts which would harm Medicaid beneficiaries. People with
disabilities are among the poorest and most vulnerable in our society. They are
counting on you to support the Smith-Bingaman amendment.
Thank you.
=============================
>From the office of Senator Gordon Smith:
March 10, 2005
Smith Plans Floor Amendment to Defeat Medicaid Budget Cuts
BPA Market-Based Rates Not Included in Committee-Passed Budget
Washington, DC -- Today, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) announced his intention to
offer a floor amendment to restore Medicaid funding that was cut in the budget
passed by a key Senate committee today. In place of the cuts, Smith will seek
the creation of a bipartisan commission to conduct a comprehensive review to
determine how to improve service delivery and quality in the most cost-effective
way possible under Medicaid.
The Senate Budget Committee today passed the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Resolution
including a call for $15 billion in Medicaid cuts over five years. The savings
are intended to be found by combating waste and abuse in the system.
"There may well be places where we can save money in Medicaid," Smith said. "But
I am opposed to blindly cutting the program when we have a real opportunity to
improve it."
Smith introduced the Bipartisan Commission on Medicaid Act (S. 338) after the
president's budget proposed over $60 billion in cuts to the program over ten
years. Next week, he intends to offer his legislation on the Senate floor as an
alternative to the cuts proposed in today's budget.
The Medicaid Commission will be charged with a number of duties, including
reviewing and making recommendations with respect to the long-term goals,
populations served, financial sustainability, interaction with Medicare and
safety-net providers, and the quality of care provided. The Commission will have
one year to hold public hearings, conduct its evaluations and deliberations, and
issue its report and recommendations to the president, the Congress, and the
public.
"We shouldn't risk the health of millions for the sake of expediency," Smith
said. "A short delay will allow a full study and ensure that any changes improve
Medicaid's sustainability while maintaining access to care."
S. 338 is cosponsored by 28 senators and supported by a diverse group of
advocates including: the National Conference of State Legislatures, National
Association of Community Health Centers, American Hospital Association, Families
USA, National Association of Counties, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill,
and the AIDS Institute.
The budget also excluded provisions proposed by the president which would force
Bonneville Power Administration to charge market-based rates rather than the
current cost- based prices.
"Attacks on BPA seem to be a perennial issue," Smith said. "But for another year
this matter is dead. I'm optimistic that widespread opposition and the
leadership of Senators Gregg and Domenici have put the question to rest. If it
does ever come up again, I'll be there to fight it."
# # #
=====================
JOIN AAPD! There's strength in numbers! Be a part of a
national coalition of people with disabilities and join AAPD today. http://www.aapd-dc.org
_______________________________________________
NAMI E-News March 11, 2005 Vol. 5-8
________________________________________________
Medicaid Alert: House and Senate Move Forward With Budget Resolutions Cutting
Medicaid - Effort to Restore Funding Expected Next Week
Both the House and Senate Budget Committees acted this week on separate versions
of the FY 2006 budget resolution that include cuts to the Medicaid program. When
the full Senate takes up its version next week, Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and
Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) will be offering an amendment to reject these cuts and
instead authorize a bipartisan commission on the future of the program.
ACTION REQUIRED
Advocates are strongly encouraged to contact their Senators and urge them to
support the Smith-Bingaman Amendment to the FY 2006 budget resolution. Also
please request that proposed cuts to Medicaid and authorize a bipartisan
commission to develop recommendations on reforms to this critical safety net
program for children and adults living with severe mental illnesses. Please
remind Senators that:
- Medicaid is the largest source of funding for the public mental health system
in every state - especially optional services each state Medicaid program offers
to mandatory beneficiaries (particularly individuals eligible for SSI). These
optional services include prescription drugs, case management and assertive
community treatment.
- The growth in Medicaid spending in recent years is driven by overall health
care costs in the economy - NOT by the demands of program beneficiaries with
severe disabilities and chronic illnesses who rely on Medicaid as a safety net.
In fact, Medicaid growth is actually below that for insurance premiums in the
private sector.
- The burden for deficit reduction should not fall hardest on the most
vulnerable and disabled - including children and adults with severe mental
illnesses.
- A bipartisan Medicaid commission will ensure that efforts to reform the
program and restrain future spending are based on established principles and
goals for reforms, NOT an arbitrary budget target.
All Senate offices can be reached by calling 202-224-3121.
Bipartisan Opposition to Federal Caps in Medicaid
During deliberations in the Senate Budget Committee yesterday, Senators endorsed
an amendment offered by Senator Jon Corzine (D-NJ) rejecting efforts to place a
cap or strict limits on federal Medicaid matching funds for the states. While
this amendment does not have the force of law, it does place the Senate firmly
on record against efforts to place strict limits on the federal contribution to
Medicaid that would destroy the program as an entitlement and safety net for the
most vulnerable and disabled beneficiaries. NAMI thanks Senator Corzine for his
leadership on this important issue.
For detailed background information regarding Medicaid cuts, follow the link
below.
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Issues_Spotlights&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21576
More information on the Medicaid program and its importance to children and
adults with severe mental illnesses is available at:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Issues_Spotlights&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21571
Additional information on the Smith-Bingaman Amendment is available at:
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Policy_News_and_Alerts&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=20929
Last Updated on
04/05/05
webmaster@namiscc.org
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