Friday, April 29, 2005
NAMI is a National Sponsor of Cover the Uninsured Week, May 1-8 Announcement at the NAMI web site - "There is a desperate need to help uninsured Americans. The number of uninsured in the U.S. is staggering -- currently, there are 45 million Americans without health insurance. People with mental illness are at a particular risk of being uninsured because of high medical costs due to their illness. Furthermore, a lack of insurance can lead to or exacerbate mental health conditions. Without insurance, it is difficult for people to access necessary medical and mental health care, and conditions may worsen significantly as a result." See also the new web site,
covertheunisuredweek.org.
Judge bars TennCare cuts again Story in
The Tennessean - "A federal judge has halted TennCare cuts — again — saying the state's policies and procedures for ending health-care coverage for 323,000 people would violate their constitutional rights. State lawyers said they would immediately file an emergency appeal with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. The ruling by U.S. District Court Judge William J. Haynes throws into question once more the fate of TennCare enrollees and Gov. Phil Bredesen's plans to overhaul the financially troubled program. It also may have an impact on the state budget process, which the governor has said hinges on keeping the TennCare budget in check."
Congress Passes Budget That Cuts Medicaid Las Vegas Sun story - "A $2.6 trillion budget outline barely approved by Congress will cut projected spending on Medicaid for the poor, lock in tax cuts and - Republicans claim - put the country on a path toward lower federal deficits. Democrats unanimously opposed the spending outline passed late Thursday. They said the budget reflects the president's misplaced priorities by freezing or trimming health, education and agriculture programs while cutting taxes by as much as $106 billion over five years. The vote was 214-211 in the House and 52-47 in the Senate. The budget resolution is nonbinding, but it sets critical guidelines for lawmakers as they make decisions on taxes and specific spending programs for the 2006 fiscal year that begins October 1."
New Veterans Health Clinic For Women (Iowa) KWWL story - "A new outpatient clinic for women vets opened this week in Coralville. The new clinic offers medical, mental health, and other services specifically for female veterans. Carrol Roy served three years in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps. Starting now, she goes to the new, comprehensive V.A. Health Clinic in Coralville, instead of the V.A. Hospital in Iowa City. Medical and office supplies are still being unpacked. In fact, doctors are just now starting to see patients. Doctors say a woman's experience in the military can be much different than a mans. Dr. Susan Goodner says women can face different health and mental problems when they return to civilian life and they get special care in Coralville."
Mental-health agenda wins significant gains (Washington) Seattle Times story - "Advocates began spring worried budgets for state mental-health programs would be slashed by $82 million due to federal Medicaid cuts, but this week they are celebrating big gains. Not only were the cuts replaced during the state legislative session that ended Sunday, but $18 million in new money was granted to bolster addiction treatment. Mental-health advocates also won long-sought 'parity' for insurance coverage. It adds up to what some describe as the most significant legislative session for mental health in more than a decade..."
