Health Care Reform: Medicare and Medicaid
This is my third piece about SHARE's health reform discussion that was held last Thursday, December 3rd. (Click to see the first or second installments).
Today I want to focus on how Medicare and Medicaid might be affected. Heidi Siegfried of NYFAHC talked about these issues. (In the last couple of days, a Senate subcommittee has been discussing a possible deal that might allow some individuals ages 55-64 to buy Medicare coverage. This deal is not discussed below; see NY Times for more information.)
Medicare Part D donut hole would be eliminated under the House bill. The Senate bill would not eliminate the donut hole, but would increase the spending allowed before the donut hole is reached by $500.
Deductibles and cost-sharing for preventive benefits and screenings under Medicare might be waived (you won't have to pay the 20% copayment).
Medicaid eligibility would be raised to 150% of the poverty level in the House Bill; the Senate bill would raise Medicaid eligibility to 133% of the poverty level. Eligibility levels for Child Health Plus would also expand (although not for New York; more on this in a later post).
A voluntary insurance program for long-term care would be available, included in both bills. There would also be some provisions to incentivize home and community based care rather than nursing home care under Medicaid.
Tomorrow, check back for concerns about both bills, particularly regarding how they might affect New York State. Please leave comments if you know of any changes in the legislation.
Posted December 10, 2009.
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