Health Care Reform: Possible Problems for New Yorkers
This is my the fourth piece reporting back from SHARE's December 3rd health care reform program, focusing on parts of the bills that might create problems for many individuals and for the State of New York.
Heidi Siegfried of New Yorkers for Accessible Health Coverage raised these issues at the panel discussion.
Possible "Age Rating." Although both Senate and House bills do not discriminate in premiums on the basis of gender, there may be an "age rating." This could mean that premiums will cost from two to four times more for older people. New York currently does not discriminate on the basis of age.
Increased NY State Medicaid Cost. The House bill raises Medicaid eligibility to 150% of the poverty level, and the Senate bill raises Medicaid eligibility to 133% of the poverty level. While this is a positive development, it might increase New York State's costs (because New York's formula for payment might change), and wouldn't benefit New Yorkers because the state has already expanded its Medicaid eligibility levels.
Child Health Plus Eligibility Levels. Child Health Plus eligibility levels would be raised to only 250% of poverty, while New York State's eligibility levels are currently 400% of poverty level.
Check back on Monday for a look at some of the political realities that are affecting health care reform. And please leave comments if you have anything to say about the legislation – particularly if you know of any changes! Thanks.
Posted December 11, 2009.
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