State Legislatures Magazine First Branch News Ncsl S Weekly Roundup Of Legislative Headlines637493259 Magazine2021Medicare has begun a major program change that affects diabetics who get supplies home delivered and other seniors who rent medical equipment like home oxygen gear and wheel chairs. The program is intended to help seniors save money when they buy supplies and rent equipment, but TSCL believes it is more likely to first cause confusion and surprise unanticipated costs until patients figure out the new system..Medicare is currently prohibited from covering most hearing, vision, and dental services, even though millions of seniors are afflicted with age-related hearing loss, low vision, and poor oral health. When left untreated, these conditions often result in serious injuries and complications. What do you feel should be done about this?.Prices for and Spending on Specialty Drugs in Medicare Part D and Medicaid, Congressional Budget Office, March 2019. … Continued
State Legislatures Magazine Staff Snapshots Rachel Weiss Magazine2021They have already spent heavily on lobbying and are expected to soon intensify their efforts, and TSCL's concern is that the new protections could be watered down during the rulemaking process and leave consumers still vulnerable to unexpectedly large bills..The U.S. is not the only country with that experience. Canada and Great Britain have had the same experience..In a rare holiday session, Members of the House and Senate voted to pass the American Taxpayer Relief Act in order to avert the Fiscal Cliff. With votes of 89-8 in the Senate and 257-167 in the House, the bill was approved in the first hours of the New Year, and it was signed into law by the President on Wednesday. The measure permanently extends the Bush-era tax rates for individuals making less than 0,000 and couples making less than 0,000, and it allows rates to increase for those making more. The law also temporarily prevents a 27 percent pay cut for physicians who treat Medicare patients, and it includes a two-month postponement of the automatic spending cuts that were scheduled to take effect on January 1st. … Continued