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Congress prepares to go on recess and the ACA repeal/replacement heats up. Here's what we are seeing from Washington regarding health care for older adults:
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GOP Releases New Repeal and Replace Proposal
Republicans have released their latest proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The new plan aims to dramatically change and cut Medicaid by capping federal funding through block grants or per-capita allotments. The new proposal relies extensively on Paul Ryan's "A Better Way" plan and includes proposals to reduce the amount of tax credits, reintroduce high risk pools, and promotes health savings accounts, which benefit higher income individuals.
Justice in Aging released a new fact sheet today on how cuts to Medicaid through capped Medicaid funding will harm older adults. For more detailed information on how capped Medicaid funding will impact older adults, see our issue brief. |
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FY 2017 Budget Reconciliation Bills after President's Day Recess
Republicans are now aiming to introduce ACA repeal and replace budget reconciliation bills at the end of February, after the President's Day recess. As discussed above, Medicaid capped funding proposals are expected. House Congressional Committees are tentatively scheduled to start hearings on February 28th. |
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Congress On Recess Next Week
Congress goes on recess next week. Many members of Congress will be home and holding town halls. It is an excellent opportunity to meet with your Congressional representatives and tell them your concerns about changes to Medicaid and the ACA. For more information on events that are happening in your area, check out the Save My Care website. |
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CMS Releases New Rule on ACA Marketplaces
CMS released a new proposed rule on Wednesday that proposes changes to the ACA Marketplace that favor insurers over consumers. These changes include shortening the open enrollment period, requiring additional documentation to enroll during special enrollment periods, and changing the actuarial value of Marketplace plans. The deadline to submit comment is March 7. |
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Senate Finance Held Hearing For CMS Administrator Nominee Seema Verma
On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing for CMS Administrator nominee Seema Verma. The Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing after the President's Day recess. Seema Verma is currently a healthcare consultant who has worked extensively on the Indiana Medicaid program, as well as Medicaid waivers in numerous states including Iowa, Ohio, and Kentucky. |
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Justice In Aging
1444 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
1330 Broadway, Suite 525
Oakland, CA 94612
3660 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 718
Los Angeles, CA 90010
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Posted on behalf of Barbara Finch, Children and Adult Network Director
Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services
