Bush Medicaid Tricks Thwarted By Federal Judge

There have been quite a few accusations and questions about the Bush administration with regard to many issues.  There’s the war, gas prices, the economy (in general) and now Medicaid tricks.  President Bush has been trying for some time to go around Congress and push through a Medicaid regulation that would eliminate reimbursements to public hospitals, costing money, cutting services and probably costing lives.  The sad part about this is that Congress made it clear that this was not to be even dealt with for at least on year because Congress had passed a moratorium on the resolution stating that not even the President could change it. 

Unfortunately, President Bush and his administration tried to use a “rush through rule” to ignore the decision that Congress made.  The Bush Administration tried to alter, and then process out – the moratorium.  Fortunately for the public and for the public hospitals that serve the public, a Federal Judge was not fooled, nor was he impressed about what the Bush Administration tried to do.  As a result, Federal Judge James Robertson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia put a stop to this less than honest and sneaky move.

It is certain because of this action by the Bush Administration, that this is not the last we will hear about the situation.  I addition, there are other cuts looming on the horizon.  There are seven cuts that are proposed that Congress is trying to stop, or at least, stall until they can be discussed further.  These cuts, if approved, could cost the states a tremendous amount of money and possibly destroy some medical care providers.  Not to mention the fact that services would be cut for those who need the services most.

We are told all our lives that it is essential to follow the rules and obey the laws.  This should include the President and members of his administration, no matter who they are, what they believe or whether they agree with decisions or not.  The unfortunate situation is that individual citizens without special privileges pay sometimes serious consequences when they do not.  It is good to see the example of a judge who was willing to stand up for an important decision that Congress made to protect the people who need it most.    

Add comment

Hospitals Get a Break – For Now

A regulation that was proposed and backed by President Bush to cut $5 billion in Medicaid funds for public hospitals over the ext five years was blocked by a federal judge Friday.  This gives some Bay Area public hospitals a break and will let them breathe a sigh of relief for the time being.

Without this ruling, the funds would have started to be reduced starting Sunday, the day before Memorial Day.  Temporarily, at least, the funds are still available, but this is only a temporary fix. 

If the regulation eventually takes effect over 22 public hospitals will lose a total of approximately $600 million annually for the next six years.  The California Association of Public Hospitals and Health systems located in Oakland, CA, is fighting hard to extend the moratorium on the cuts.

Alameda County Medical Center in the town of Alameda, a suburb of Oakland, serves a high number of patients and would lose about 20% of its total income and operating budget if the moratorium is not extended.  This amounts to almost $100 million annually. 

Other hospitals stand to lose millions as well.  Santa Clara Valley Medical Center would lose nearly $38 million annually, San Mateo Medical Center, $11 million annually, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, $9 million annually, and San Francisco General Hospital $29 million.  This is just five hospitals that take care of a great number of individuals that have no other place to go for medical care. 
In addition, University of California hospitals would lose $116 million annually.

The reason that the court blocked the regulation is that the court feels that the Bush Administration acted improperly in conjunction with CMS in trying to eliminate coverage that is the lifeline to many low-income individuals and families who depend on this coverage and assistance. 

At this point, Congress, CMS, several governors and Mike Leavitt, head of department of Health and Human Services, have agreed to work together to try to solve some of the problems that have led to this point.  Hopefully they will find a way to keep enough money available to these public hospitals that are in many cases the only lifeline low income individuals have. 

Add comment