Health Costs Issue Brief Covid 19 Test Prices And Payment PolicyLeaders in Congress seem optimistic that they will reach a deal in the coming days. In a brief with the Republican Conference on Thursday morning, House Speaker Paul Ryan said, "I believe we will successfully complete the negotiations. We're not going to rush it. We're going to get it right.".The big concern is that per capita caps and block grants won't keep pace with the real growth in costs in state Medicaid programs - especially since the reimbursements formulas would be tied to the rise in inflation. Actual medical costs are expected to grow several times faster than reimbursements. States could be forced to reduce spending on older people and younger disabled adults, who account for a disproportionately large share of Medicaid spending. States could tighten eligibility, reduce non-mandatory benefits like your home caregiving program, and nursing home reimbursements, or otherwise ration care..TSCL is especially concerned about how seniors and their families would be informed about the change of health plans. Dual eligible seniors are more likely to have cognitive challenges, and their family caregivers may not understand that a transition to a new health plan is taking place, or how to navigate the changes. TSCL is particularly concerned that seniors may not be able to keep their former doctors and other healthcare providers if those providers don't participate under the new plans. If so, this raises the potential for unintended and uncovered costs, if seniors unwittingly continue to see their former doctor or present the wrong health plan card when visiting providers. … Continued
Outcomes Overview Brain InjuryFinally, there is little support for the tax cut among senior citizens. The findings of TSCL's 2012 Senior Survey have indicated that nearly fifty–six percent of seniors disagree with the use of the payroll tax cut as a means to stimulate the economy. Among those surveyed, only twenty-five percent said they agree with the use of the tax holiday..Premium subsidies are based in part on the premiums for a current benchmark plan in the area where you live. More plans are joining the market and there will be new bids for 2015, so the benchmark in many areas will change..Senator Bernie Sanders introduced S. 99 on January 10, 201It has since been referred to the Committee on Finance. … Continued
