|
Events of Interest:
Finding Your Way: A Navigation Guide for Wisconsin Families Who Have Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs and Disabilities has been published. Download a pdf version of the booklet here.
The National Youth Leadership Network announces their new curriculum: Reap What You Sow: Harvesting Support Systems Curriculum Training Packages. Reap What You Sow brings youth and adults together to build support systems. For more information, click here.
February 9-10. The Wisconsin Statewide Transition Initiative (WSTI) Conference will be held Feb. 9 - 10 at the Kalahari Resort, WI Dells. Registration information is available at: www.wsti.org/conf.register.php There are a limited number of scholarships still available to attend this conference! Go to www.wsti.org/conf.scholarship.php to complete the online form. You must be a parent/guardian of a youth with a current IEP age 14-21.
February 17-18, March 30-31. Parents in Partnership: A Leadership Development Opportunity for Parents of Children with Disabilities. 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at Paradise Shores Conference Center, 26364 County Hwy. M, Holcombe, WI. Parents and guardians must attend all five sessions. For more information, contact Ruth Adix at 715-864-3014 or raadix2@yahoo.com.
February 24-25, April 20-21. Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment. 5 p.m. Fridays ending by 3 p.m. on Saturdays at the Tundra Lodge Resort & Conference Center, Green Bay, WI. Youth, parents and guardians must attend all five sessions. For more information, contact Martha DeYoung at 800-862-3725 or deyoungm@cesa5.k12.wi.us.
April 16. Parent to Parent of Wisconsin's Support Parent Trainings are held periodically throughout the State. Trainings are held in small group settings (8-15 participants). Registration is required for all trainings. The next training will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2012 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Corporate Center (999 North 92nd, Milwaukee, WI). Call or email to register: 715-361-2934 or Get-Connected@p2pwi.org
April 26-27. Circles of Life Conference 2012: a statewide conference for the families of children and youth with disabilities and the professionals who support them. This year's conference will be at the Madison Marriott Hotel. Fore more information, click here.
Is there an event missing from our list? Let us know! Email us with events, directions and details other collaborators may like to attend.
Is there an event missing from our list? Let us know! Email us with events, directions and details other collaborators may like to attend.
A Training Announcement for All CYSHCN Collaborators: Thursday, February 16, 10:30-11:30am
Topic: "All in the Family - Coordinating Benefits for CYSHCN, Siblings and Parents"
Tune in Thursday, February 16 at 10:30am for a LIVE training presented especially for CYSHCN collaborators. Changes in health care coverage programs can disrupt coverage for an entire family. This scenario-based training will identify strategies for getting coverage for CYSHCN and mechanisms for maintaining coverage for CYSHCN and the rest of the family. We will look at a variety of coverage options, discuss opportunities for dual eligibility, and answer commonly asked questions about CYSHCN and sibling coverage dynamics.
Participants will benefit from the following learning objectives:
-
Review coverage options for children and families, focusing on CYSHCN
-
Learn the impact of new coverage or coverage changes on an entire family
-
Gain talking points for discussing dual coverage dynamics with families
Referrals to ABC: CYSHCN Collaborators, click the "Referral Form" image at right to be directed to the printable version of the CYSHCN Client Referral Form! Use this handy tool in directing a family to ABC for Health for services. Not able to join the live web cast? Don't worry, email Adam to get information on how to view the new webcast archive.
Headlines
Health reform choice: For those just above Medicaid limit, private insurance or a state-run plan?
The CT Mirror, Feb. 1, 2012
Advocates for low-income residents want the state to create a new health program for poor adults who don't get Medicaid coverage, and they say legislators must commit to doing so this year to make it work as part of federal health reform.
Komen breast cancer charity severs ties to Planned Parenthood
LA Times, Feb. 1, 2012
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a leader in fundraising for breast cancer research and famous worldwide for its iconic pink ribbon, said Tuesday that it was halting all partnerships with Planned Parenthood affiliates because of recently adopted criteria that forbid it from funding any organization under government investigation.
State Medicaid programs face $141 million shortfall, report says
Journal Sentinel, Jan. 31, 2012
With costs in the program still substantial and the saving uncertain, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau found in its new report that the finances of the health programs will need careful monitoring. The report comes ahead of new estimates expected next week that should shed more light on the overall condition of the state's strained budget.
Medical debts put patients at risk of financial collapse
The Seattle Times, Jan. 31, 2012
Even when patients have coverage, they "may not be protected from high out-of-pocket costs when they are diagnosed with cancer," according to a 2009 report by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Along with high insurance premiums, those costs may force patients to pile up debt to pay for the care they need — or postpone or skip lifesaving treatment.
Current laws would slash federal deficit, analysts say
LA Times, Jan. 31, 2012
Legislation already on the books, if left alone, would do several things: Tax cuts passed under President George W. Bush's administration would expire Dec. 31, generating more revenue. And deep budget cuts passed as part of last summer's debt ceiling deal would be automatically triggered, slashing spending in 2013.
Government health spending seen hitting $1.8 trillion
Reuters, Jan. 31, 2012
In its annual budget and economic outlook, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said that even under its most conservative projections, healthcare spending would rise by 8 percent a year from 2012 to 2022, mainly as a result of an aging U.S. population and rising treatment costs. It will continue to be a key driver of the U.S. budget deficit.
Q&A: Can you be denied insurance for being pregnant? [Video]
Kaiser Health News, Jan. 31, 2012
KHN's "Insuring Your Health" columnist Michelle Andrews says losing employment and group coverage during a pregnancy narrows consumers' health insurance options.
Pick Your future Healthcare Adventure
PBS Newshour, Jan. 31, 2012
In a new report, the aptly named Institute for Alternative Futures lays out four scenarios that could become realities for primary care by 2025. And for you that means the potential for four very different -- but equally plausible -- futures. The various health policy decisions, technological advances and political outcomes that remain to be seen will determine the fate of your health care -- and health. Here, with the help of the officials behind the report, we launch you into four parallel health care worlds.
Judge blocks cut to healthcare for poor Californians
LA Times, Jan. 30, 2012
In a 25-page order, the Los Angeles-based judge said she recognized the state’s budget problems but that the cuts raised the risk of “irreparable harm in the absence of an injunction.”
Neb. bill would halt planned cuts to Medicaid
San Francisco Chronicle, Jan. 30, 2012
Members of several advocate groups spoke Monday at the Capitol in favor of a bill that would prohibit the implementation of $28 million in planned cuts to the Medicaid program.
People in State High-Risk Insurance Plans Often Feel Left Behind
Kaiser Health News, Jan. 30, 2012
Although enrollment in the pre-existing condition insurance plans (PCIPs) has been far lower than originally projected, health-care spending by the individuals who have signed up for coverage has been much higher than anticipated, say experts.
Public option proposal coming back for 2012
The CT Mirror, Jan. 30, 2012
Creating a publicly administered health insurance plan is among the recommendations of a working group on small business health care, established by House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan and led by Rep. Robert Megna, D-New Haven, co-chairman of the legislature's Insurance and Real Estate Committee.
A push for a single-payer system, even as reforms take effect
HealthyCal, Jan. 30, 2012
CA Senator Mark Leno’s proposed legislation would replace private insurance companies with a newly created California Healthcare Agency. The new state agency would manage the $200 billion supporters say is already spent on healthcare by employers, individuals and the state each year. Every California resident would be enrolled automatically in the program regardless of citizenship or income. Current healthcare providers would continue to provide care, and Californians could choose their doctor and plan, but insurance companies would no longer manage the healthcare system under Leno’s proposal.
Improving patient care may also save money [Opinion]
Journal Sentinel, Jan, 30, 2012
A study in Michigan found that the average hospital there saved $1.1 million a year by cutting down on hospital-acquired infections. The Keystone ICU Patient Safety Program had two main thrusts: emphasize safety and strengthen teamwork and communications in intensive care units and improve proven infection-fighting strategies such as frequent hand washing.
The end of health insurance companies [Opinion]
New York Times, Jan. 30, 2012
"Thanks to the accountable care organizations provided for by the health care reform act, a new system is on its way, one that will make insurance companies unnecessary. Accountable care organizations will increase coordination of patient’s care and shift the focus of medicine away from treating sickness and toward keeping people healthy."
Madison Matters: Health issues hit Legislature
The Northwestern, Jan. 29, 2012
Wisconsin Republicans say they're focusing squarely on jobs this year, but numerous proposals that advocates say are part of an anti-reproductive rights agenda are working their way through the Legislature and could soon head to Gov. Scott Walker for approval. Those measures range from changes in the state's sex education curriculum to weighing in on the national debate over when life begins. Democratic opponents and others say the bills speak to an anti-woman agenda that will only sidetrack lawmakers at a time when they're trying to improve an economy where jobs have been lost for six straight months.
Catholics hear protests of Obama health ruling at Mass
Reuters, Jan. 29, 2012
U.S. Catholic bishops and priests across the country read out letters at Mass on Sunday protesting plans by President Barack Obama's administration to force religiously-affiliated nonprofit groups to offer birth-control coverage to women employees.
State hospitals aim to do no harm
Journal Sentinel, Jan. 28, 2012
The Wisconsin Hospital Association has launched a statewide initiative, funded with money included in the federal health care reform law, to reduce both hospital-acquired conditions and readmissions. Roughly 100 hospitals plan to participate in the initiative. They include hospitals operated by Aurora Health Care, Froedtert Health, ProHealth Care and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.
Bishop Davic Ricken of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay asks Catholics to oppose the federal health insurance ruling
Post Crescent, Jan. 28, 2012
In August, the Department of Health and Human Services issued an interim final ruling for most health insurance plans to cover birth control for women, but allowed certain nonprofit religious employers to decide whether to offer that type of coverage. The recent announcement requires those employers to also provide preventive services.
NIH funds help lead to medical advances [Opinion]
Journal Sentinel, Jan. 28, 2012
For millions of Americans and their families who suffer from serious illnesses and conditions, medical research is the beginning of hope. Our nation's investment in medical research funded by the National Institutes of Health over the past 60 years has catalyzed many of the advances that help Americans live longer and healthier lives. Unfortunately, that medical research could be sharply curtailed. The Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, which is charged with proposing federal budget cuts, failed to take action, which resulted in a $1.2 trillion cut to be divided equally across all government programs, including NIH.
State budget needs full explanation [Editorial]
The Northwestern, Jan. 28, 2012
"No recent governor or legislature has had the courage to do what it takes to eliminate Wisconsin's true budget deficit. Despite his budget bravado, Walker is no different. We will not fault Walker for breaking his promise to balance the budget using "generally accepted accounting principles" but he owes it to citizens to explain how and when he will deal with the structural deficit."
Electronic health records still need work
AP, Jan. 27, 2012
Hospitals and doctors' offices increasingly are going digital, the Bipartisan Policy Center says in a report released Friday. But there's been little progress getting the computer systems to talk to one another, exchanging data the way financial companies do.
Obama's lawyers argue rest of health law can survive
Reuters, Jan. 27, 2012
"Many provisions of the act, focused on controlling costs, improving public health and other objectives, have no connection to insurance coverage at all," Solicitor General Donald Verrilli wrote in the brief.
Medicaid prescription drug rule saves $17.7 billion, U.S. says
Bloomberg, Jan. 27, 2012
Medicaid spending on prescription drugs will fall about $17.7 billion over five years under a rule that shifts more of the cost to drugmakers and pharmacies, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said.
Our View: State has yet to balance its budget [Editorial]
La Crosse Tribune, Jan. 25, 2012
By using cash accounting, the state will have an estimated surplus balance of $68 million on June 30, 2013. But in the 257-page Wisconsin Comprehensive Annual Financial Report released Dec. 21, the state’s general fund has a deficit of nearly $3 billion. Our ongoing spending is simply more than our ongoing revenue.
State of the Union address barely mentions health care law
Politico, Jan. 24, 2012
The health care reform law, which has gotten support from about 42 percent of Americans in recent polls, is Obama's most significant domestic policy accomplishment. But it only got a fleeting mention Tuesday in his third State of the Union speech.
DEPARTMENT SEEKS INPUT ON SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES FOR WISCONSIN’S LONG TERM CARE PROGRAMS
DHS, Jan.24, 2012
Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis G. Smith today launched a website outlining initiatives designed to keep the state’s long term care programs sustainable. The proposals were developed after months of studying public long term care programs including Family Care, Include Respect I Self-Direct (IRIS) and PACE and Partnership.
Rep.Richards' blog launched on The Huffington Post
Jan. 24, 2012
Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) announced his new Huffington Post blog, on which he will regularly provide commentary on politics and policy in Wisconsin. In his first post, Richards looks behind the curtain of Gov. Scott Walker’s magic show. You can read it here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-richards/scott-walker_b_1224849.html
Walker health care decision could lead to D.C. showdown [AUDIO]
WRN, Jan. 23, 2012
Governor Scott Walker’s stand on health care reform could set the stage for a confrontation with Washington. The Walker administration is choosing not to pursue the implementation of a health insurance exchange under President Obama’s health care reform law, turning down federal grant money.
Is it balanced or not" Status of Wisconsin budget depends on view
The Northwestern, Jan. 23, 2012
Under that method, known as "generally accepted accounting principles," the state has a deficit. That has been the case for years, including the previous Democratic administrations under Gov. Jim Doyle. Nevertheless, Democrats accuse Walker of using budget double speak.
Unprecedented Assault on Women’s Health Sparks New Movement to Fight Back
Jan. 23, 2012
Representatives Terese Berceau (D-Madison), Chris Taylor (D-Madison) and Kelda Helen Roys (D-Madison), along with Dane County Supervisor Melissa Sargent and other supporters joined together to assert the importance of encouraging public awareness, conversation, and support for reproductive rights and justice across the nation by proclaiming January 22-28 as Reproductive Rights Awareness Week.
Does Wisconsin have a budget deficit?
Journal Sentinel, Jan. 22, 2012
Federal law allows the state to drop tens of thousands of adults to save money on health care costs if the state can show it has a deficit. Walker has said he wants to cut health care spending in other ways, but hasn't ruled out dropping those 53,000 adults if the other methods aren't approved by the federal government. To keep that option alive, state Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch wrote in a December letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that the state would have an undisclosed deficit from Jan. 1 of this year through June 30, 2013.
Health reform law has small insurers on edge
Chicago Tribune, Jan. 22, 2012
Under the new health care law, health insurers that raise premiums by more than 10 percent in any given year are scrutinized to determine whether the increase is "unreasonable."
AP Impact: Health overhaul lags in states
Associated Press, Jan. 22, 2012
The 13 states that have adopted a plan are home to only 1 in 4 of the uninsured. An additional 17 states are making headway, but it's not clear all will succeed. The 20 states lagging behind account for the biggest share of the uninsured, 42 percent.
State to return $11 million federal grant in dispute over health care law
Journal Sentinel, Jan. 20, 2012
After receiving criticism from conservatives that he was helping implement "ObamaCare," Walker said this week that the state would return the money and stop the implementation. But that announcement didn't highlight the $11 million, which would have gone toward improving enrollment systems for existing state Medicaid health programs for the poor. It would have helped pay for some improvements to BadgerCare Plus Medicaid programs that the Walker administration had wanted to pursue anyway because state officials say they would save taxpayers money.
A statement by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
HHS, Jan. 20, 2012
DHHS is announcing that the final rule on preventive health services will ensure that women with health insurance coverage will have access to the full range of the Institute of Medicine’s recommended preventive services, including all FDA -approved forms of contraception. Women will not have to forgo these services because of expensive co-pays or deductibles, or because an insurance plan doesn’t include contraceptive services. This rule is consistent with the laws in a majority of states which already require contraception coverage in health plans, and includes the exemption in the interim final rule allowing certain religious organizations not to provide contraception coverage.
Lack of dental coverage sends patients to ER for pain
USA Today, Jan. 20, 2012
Federally mandated preventive and other dental care usually ends when Medicaid recipients enter early adulthood. That leaves states to determine whether they will provide dental benefits to adult Medicaid patients and if so, what type and how much.
St. Mary's ready to debut high-tech neonatal intensive care unit
Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 20, 2012
The new neonatal intensive care unit opening at St. Mary's Hospital Jan. 31 is a big change from the existing unit, where most babies stay in a big, bright room with steady activity. In the new unit, "we're trying to make the environment as much like the womb as possible — dark, warm and quiet," said Diane Buss, NICU director.
Advocates Demand Clarity About Options For Patients In Financial Need
Capsules, Jan. 20, 2012
The health law requires hospitals to fulfill four requirements: to develop written financial assistance policies that they make available to patients, to limit what they charge for services, to observe fair billing and debt collection practices, and to conduct regular community needs assessments to make sure help is going to communities that need it most.
Walker turning down $37 million for health care exchanges
La Crosse Tribune, Jan, 19, 2012
Walker announced in December that Wisconsin would not pursue implementing the exchange until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the law.
HHS releases $863 million to help low-income households with energy costs stay safe and healthy
HHS, Jan. 19, 2012
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing more than $863 million today to grantees to help low-income households with their heating and other home energy costs under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). HHS is releasing the remaining funds, made available by the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74), to states, territories, tribes and the District of Columbia.
Mass. "Culture of Coverage" is key to near-universal children's health insurance
CommonHealth, Jan. 19, 2012
Massachusetts’ ‘culture of coverage,’ is one of the main reasons that 99.5% of children there have health insurance (as of 2010), the highest rate in the nation, according to a new analysis of four geographically diverse states that have improved their children’s coverage rates, by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
New definition of autism may exclude many, study suggests
New York Times, Jan. 19, 2012
The results of the new analysis are preliminary, but they offer the most drastic estimate of how tightening the criteria for autism could affect the rate of diagnosis. For years, many experts have privately contended that the vagueness of the current criteria for autism and related disorders like Asperger syndrome was contributing to the increase in the rate of diagnoses
Washington ruling could mean $145 million rebate to Floridans for health insurance
Miami Herald, Jan. 19, 2012
The rebates are required as part of a healthcare reform law mandating that insurers spend at least 80 percent of premiums on medical care. Starting in 2011, insurance companies that don’t will have to make refunds to consumers.
UnitedHealth 4Q net up 21% on higher enrollments, Optum growth
NASDAQ, Jan. 19, 2012
UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s (UNH) fourth-quarter profit rose a stronger-than- expected 21% as the health insurer booked a large jump in revenue at its Optum business and increased enrollments.
Performing Under Pressure: Annual Findings of a 50-State Survey of Eligibility, Enrollment, Renewal, And Cost-Sharing Policies in Medicaid and CHIP, 2011-2012
The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, Jan. 18, 2012
The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured released a report, "Performing Under Pressure: Annual Findings of a 50-State Survey of Eligibility, Enrollment, Renewal, And Cost-Sharing Policies in Medicaid and CHIP, 2011-2012,” the product of a comprehensive annual survey conducted with the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. Related reports examine successful efforts to cover children in Alabama, Iowa, Massachusetts and Oregon, and potential performance measures for states’ eligibility and enrollment systems under health reform.
The Foundation released the reports and convened an expert panel discussion at a public briefing Jan. 18, 2012, at its Washington, D.C., office.
States Moving Forward to Implement Health Reform’s Affordable Insurance Exchanges
Jan. 18, 2012
Twenty-eight States are on their way toward establishing a key component of health care reform—Affordable Insurance Exchanges—according to a report issued today by the White House. To read the report issued today, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/01-18-12_exchange_report.pdf
For more information on the Affordable Care Act, visit www.healthcare.gov.
Governor Walker Turns Down ObamaCare Funding
Jan. 18, 2012
Governor Walker announced he will not pursue the implementation of a health insurance exchange and has turned down Early Innovator Grant funding from the federal government. The Governor also will repeal the executive order that created the Office of Free Market Health Care.
Responses:
Wisconsin's decision to halt development of affordable, accessible health care plans and return federal dollars is move backward
American Cancer Society, Jan. 18, 2012
ACS responds to Wisconsin's announcement of declining federal money intended to implement health care exchanges in accordance with the Affordable Care Act which has a deadline for 2014.
REP. CRAIG APPLAUDS GOVERNOR WALKER’S DECISION ON OBAMACARE
Rep. David Craig, Jan. 18, 2012
Rep. Craig released a statement in support of Gov. Walker "for taking this critical step in protecting our taxpayers and job creators from this unconstitutional law and in leading the nation on how states must respond to ObamaCare. The Governor’s announcement strategically positions Wisconsin to continue the fight against this unconstitutional law both legislatively and legally, in advance of the spring U.S. Supreme Court oral argument on ObamaCare."
Rep. Pasch's statement on Walker's extreme plan to play chicken with healthcare in Wisconsin
Rep. Sandy Pasch, Jan. 18, 2012
Rep. Pasch released a statement saying, "Gov. walker's radical decision to turn away $38 million in federal funds to implement health exchanges further exposes his willingness to play politics with the health of our communities and pander to the interest of his party at the expense of our children and families."
Walker puts dagger in plan for better health care coverage and lower costs
Rep. Richards & Sen. Erpenbach, Jan. 19, 2012
“Since being elected, Gov. Walker has been systematically working to undercut health care reform in Wisconsin, preferring instead to stick with a status quo system that fails Wisconsin families and drags down our economy. A competitive health insurance exchange would expand coverage and choice to Wisconsin families, while lowering costs for small businesses."
SENATOR FRANK LASEE APPLAUDS GOVERNOR WALKER’S RETURN OF OBAMACARE FUNDS AND REPEAL OF EXCHANGE ORDERS
Sen. Frank Lasee, Jan. 19, 2012
“Turning down the Early Innovator Grant Funds and reversing the executive order is important to Wisconsin’s Supreme Court case against ObamaCare,” said Senator Lasee.
Rep. Clark to Gov. Walker: Phoning it in on health care reform doesn’t work
Rep. Fred Clark, Jan. 19, 2012
"If the governor spent time talking to real business owners and working people in this state he would understand that the lack of affordable health insurance remains one of the greatest challenges to our small businesses as well as the health of our community."
August Commends Walker’s Action on ObamaCare
Rep. Tyler August, Jan. 19, 2012
“I was sent to Madison to advocate for smaller government and free market principles as well as to uphold our constitutional rights. ObamaCare continues to lurk as one of the most significant threats to our top-notch health care system. Not only will the implementation of ObamaCare increase costs, but it will lower the quality of health care for all Americans."
Walker playing politics with health care could be costly gamble
Rep. Mark Pocan, Jan. 19, 2012
“Scott Walker appears to care more about playing politics with health care rather than establishing a federally required exchange system. Ignoring federal law to score political points could be a very costly mistake for Scott Walker.”
WAWH’s Statement on Governor Walker’s Decision to Turn Away Federal Funding for Health Insurance Exchange
Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health, Jan. 18, 2012
Governor Walker’s decision to halt implementation of a Wisconsin health insurance exchange and turn away federal Early Innovator Grant funding is a shortsighted change of direction, detrimental to the potential for a Wisconsin-specific exchange designed to best serve the needs of Wisconsin women and families.
Walker makes another move to sabotage health care reform
Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Jan. 19, 2012
Executive Director Robert Kraid released a statement saying, "Given the oppressive burden of health care hyperinflation on the health security of Wisconsin workers and families, it is highly irresponsible for Walker to turn away millions in federal money that will increase access to affordable coverage, end discrimination against people with preexisting conditions, and create new tools for controlling costs."
WALKER CONTINUES TO PUT EXTREME INTERESTS AHEAD OF CONSTITUENTS WITH REJECTION OF FEDERAL HEALTH FUNDS
Young Progressives, Jan. 19, 2012
“Scott Walker’s decision to reject the Early Innovator Grant funds stands as
another example of his commitment to forcing an extreme, partisan agenda on his
constituents that puts the interests of private corporations before those of the people of
Wisconsin."
Infant mortality bills rejected -- Mason "stunned" by decision; GOP calls some measures "unfunded mandates"
Journal Times, Jan. 19, 2012
The 22-member bipartisan council on Wednesday voted mostly along party lines against several proposed bills aimed at reducing the infant mortality rate, according to Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, vice chair of the Special Committee on Infant Mortality that made the recommendations. The committee’s recommendations — a total of 11 bills — related to, among other items, cultural competency training and an electronic application and information system for public assistance programs. The overall report passed unanimously through the special committee, which was created in 2010 and made up of four legislators and 15 members of the public, including doctors and health care professionals.
Groups urge lawmakers to preserve BadgerCare
Save BadgerCare Coalition, Jan. 19, 2012
40 organizations sent a letter to state lawmakers urging them not to force thousands of Wisconsinites out of the state’s highly successful and cost-effective BadgerCare health insurance program. The letter—signed by health care advocates, social service providers, faith-based organizations, and others--notes that new, lower estimates of the state’s Medicaid funding shortfall, combined with a $24.5 performance bonus from the federal government, should allow the Department of Health Services to halt its plan to make sweeping changes to BadgerCare that would shift health care costs onto the very people who can least afford it.
ANOTHER BAD DAY FOR WISCONSIN CHILDREN
Reps. Taylor, Berceau, Jan. 19, 2012
The majority of Republicans on the Joint Legislative Council rejected recommendations to reduce infant mortality made by the non-partisan Special Committee on Infant Mortality. The Assembly Education Committee advanced Assembly Bill 337, rolling back current statutes that guarantee sex education instruction is medically accurate, age-appropriate, and comprehensive.
Advocates Reject Commissioner Ted Nickel’s $14 Million Gift to the Insurance Industry
ABC for Health, Inc., Jan. 19, 2012
“Wisconsin’s Commissioner is relying on ‘free market’ health care arguments to protect the noncompliant insurers. Yet, his rationale fails under closer scrutiny. In fact, the free market should weed out insurers that cannot provide competitive products with comparable medical loss ratios,” writes Bobby Peterson.
SURVIVAL COALITION SUPPORTS BILLS THAT WILL LIFT CAP ON FAMILY CARE
Survival Coalition, Jan. 19, 2012
Senate Bill 380 and Assembly Bill 477, which have received broad bi-partisan support, will remove the enrollment cap on Wisconsin’s long-term care programs – including Family Care, IRIS, and Partnership programs – and provide people with disabilities and seniors with access to the programs they need to be independent, productive, and included in all facets of community life.
Winnebago County Board creates two positions to manage wisconsin Well Women Program
Post Crescent, Jan. 18, 2012
Under a plan the board approved, Winnebago County will manage the Wisconsin Well Woman Program following a change in funding and providers announced by the state in December.
County right to pick up health issue [Editorial]
The Northwestern, Jan. 18, 2012
For a governmental body that is not known for acting swiftly and decisively on some issues, the Winnebago County Board is to be commended for approving two new positions to manage a health-care program for uninsured or underinsured women. The new positions, which are funded by a Federal grant, will be responsible for coordinating the Wisconsin Well Woman program for low income women 45- to-64 years-old in a four county area – Winnebago, Outagamie, Sheboygan and Fond du Lac counties.
Walker’s Administration states his budget is not balanced
Rep. Jon Richards, Jan. 18, 2012
Contradicting repeated claims by Gov. Walker that he has balanced the state budget, his administration told federal health officials late last month in writing that Wisconsin has a budget deficit so it could drop health care for Wisconsin families.
Walker jeopardizes Wisconsin's health with budget doublespeak
Rep. Sandy Pasch, Jan. 18, 2012
Rep. Pasch responds to Gov. Walker's certification to the federal government of a $3 billion state deficit through Jan. 2013.
Busted: Scott Walker's continued problem with the truth
Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Jan. 18, 2012
The day after more than one million signatures were submitted to recall Scott Walker, details are emerging that Walker’s administration claimed a budget deficit as justification to kick tens of thousands of Wisconsinites off of BadgerCare.The admission by Walker’s administration that Wisconsin carries a budget deficit contradicts Scott Walker’s perpetual campaign lie that his “reforms” are working for Wisconsin, and that he has eliminated “a $3.6 billion budget deficit without raising taxes.”
Legislative Republicans Reject Infant Mortality Legislation
Rep. Cory Mason, Jan. 18, 2012
Legislative Republicans on the Joint Legislative Council voted against several proposed bills aimed at reducing Wisconsin’s high infant mortality rate. The bills were all recommendations from a Special Committee on Infant Mortality.
Mary Spear Appointed as Chief Legal Counsel for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
DHS, Jan. 18, 2012
Secretary Dennis G. Smith announced the appointment of Mary Spear as the new Chief Legal Counsel for the Department of Health Services. Spear has many years of experience as an attorney, in both private practice and serving as
legal counsel and director of governmental affairs for insurance companies in her home state of
Texas.
Brown County looks at recapping drug costs
Green Bay Press Gazette, Jan. 17, 2012
A Brown County employee would be out more than $100,000 this year, and others would lose thousands of dollars unless the county changes a new regulation that doesn't cap prescription costs.
County board supports removal of cap on Family Care program
HTR News, Jan. 17, 2012
The Manitowoc County Board on Tuesday endorsed lifting the enrollment cap on a program that provides long-term care services to disabled and elderly adults with low income.
Scott Walker's health care dilemma
Politico Pro, Jan. 16, 2012
Governor Walker has halted efforts to implement health exchanges in accordance with the Affordable Care Act, but questions remain over whether he will return grant money given by the federal government to encourage Early Innovators, $37 million of which $1.3 million has already been spent.
Hold health insurers accountable for spending [Opinion]
Journal Sentinel, Jan. 16, 2012
Deann Friedholm writes, "Wisconsin residents need strong market competition to keep health insurance costs down and service up. And the new medical loss ratio requirement provides a level playing field for that competition. But consumers don't need an infinite number of health insurance choices if they are of poor value."
Less health care spending isn't all good news [Editorial]
Post Crescent, Jan. 16, 2012
People can't afford to get the health care they need so they don't seek it. Research, such as a recent Consumer Reports study, backs up that analysis.
Health insurance companies form new trade association
Wisconsin State Journal. Jan. 13, 2012
The alliance, announced Friday, "will advocate for essential and effective industry regulations that serve to foster innovation, eliminate waste and protect Wisconsin health care consumers," the group said in a news release. The alliance also "will promote policies that support an efficient, cost-effective and competitive state insurance marketplace."
Certification Letter from WI DOA Secretary Huebsch to DHHS Secretary Sebelius
Rep. Jon Richards, Jan. 11, 2012
Rep. Richards introduces and breaks down the numbers for the budget deficit certification submitted by Walker's administration to the federal government.
Rep. Richards/Sen. Erpenbach Letter to DHS Sec. Smith
Dec. 22, 2011
Richards and Erpenbach, former co-chairs of the Special Committee on Health Care Reform Implementation, submitted a letter to DHS Secretary Dennis Smith and Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel at the Wisconsin Office of Free Market Health Care regarding inaction on earlier plans for state progress for implementation of exchanges in accordance with the Affordable Care Act.
CLICK HERE to keep reading Articles and Opinions.
Seeking Legal Interns for Summer 2012
ABC for Health is seeking volunteer, work-study eligible, or students on public interest fellowships for this summer! The position requires admission to law school. Students will provide legal research and writing support for firm attorneys that may include client interviewing and follow-up, drafting letters and memos, assisting on court filings and briefs, and facilitating projects with other agencies and legislators. Other duties include interviewing clients at intake, client counseling, and investigation of health benefits denials. Legal research and writing experience are desired, as are proficiency in Microsoft Word for Windows and a background in health care. Ability to speak Spanish and/or Hmong is a plus. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Brynne McBride, Assistant Director.
Support Our Efforts!
2011 was a difficult year for many, including ABC for Health. Over $300,000 in funding and funding opportunities were eliminated from our budget. Consequently, our ability to serve Wisconsin families was greatly diminished. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to ABC for Health to keep advocacy, legal services, and projects like HealthWatch Wisconsin sustainable for years to come. Thank you!
|
