Monday, April 18, 2005

Medicaid Fight Threatens Budget LA Times story - "A letter signed by 44 House Republicans protesting proposed Medicaid cuts emerged Friday as a serious threat to plans by President Bush and GOP leaders to curtail spending on a range of benefit programs. The Medicaid fight could hinder Congress' ability to pass this year's budget resolution, which not only sets spending levels for federal programs but also includes a new round of tax cuts and legislation to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling." [Viewing Los Angeles Times stories requires registration, which is free].  
  

Medicaid loophole for middle class at risk Chicago Tribune story - "For years, middle-class seniors have been emptying their bank accounts and signing away their homes so they can qualify for nursing home care under Medicaid--the government's health program for the poor--when they become frail and ill. It's a perfectly legal practice. But with Medicaid budgets soaring nationwide, state and federal officials are floating proposals to crack down on these financial arrangements and make seniors pay more for long-term care. Unless changes are made, experts warn, Medicaid will be burdened with huge bills as Baby Boomers age, threatening the program's ability to serve poor Americans."