We have just passed week nine of the 2017 legislative session. This week, I will take a look at the new “American Health Care Act" on the national level, and Sen. Marv Hagedorn’s health care coverage bill, S1142, here at home. As always, if you have questions, comments, or suggestions regarding issues or items that you would like to see followed here, please feel free to contact me at:
tiffenystees.policyintern@gmail.com.
On the National Level
The American Health Care Act (AHCA), the GOP’s plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), has been unveiled. House Speaker Paul Ryan, has answers for those who have questions. On the Speaker’s official page, he states that, “[the Trump Administration’s] goal is to make sure every American has access to the coverage they want and can afford. And as we move to that better system, there will be a stable transition so the rug isn’t pulled out from under anyone. Our plan will protect the most vulnerable by strengthening Medicaid and giving power back to the states. What’s more, the advanceable, refundable tax credits will encourage competition and put consumers in the driver’s seat. That’s the kind of choice and control Americans deserve.” However, critics aren’t too sure about the tenability of the promised outcomes.
Not all of the AHCA’s details, such as absolute cost and coverage, are in yet. Glenza and Jacobs, of The Guardian write that, “The legislation has not been fully scored by the congressional budget office and debate in the House will proceed without members having a clear accounting of the mechanics of implementing it.” The American Medical Association, in a letter to congressional leaders, stated that they could not endorse the AHCA due to, “expected decline in health insurance coverage and the potential harm it would cause to vulnerable patient populations,” and also referenced its provisions targeting Planned Parenthood, among other things. The American Nurses Association made their position known to lawmakers in a letter stating, “The American Health Care Act threatens health care affordability, access, and delivery for individuals across the nation. In its current form, the bill changes Medicaid to a per capita cap funding model, eliminates the Prevention and Public Health Fund, restricts millions of women from access to critical health services, and repeals income based subsidies that millions of people rely on. These changes in no way will improve care for the American people.” The American Hospital Association also wrote to express their views on the AHCA, on behalf of their members, that include 5,000 hospitals and health organizations, 270,000 affiliated physicians, and 2 million nurses and other caregivers. In a statement that echoed Glenza and Jacobs’ (cited above) the AHA wrote, “Any ability to evaluate The American Health Care Act, however, is severely hampered by the lack of coverage estimates by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Lacking that level of analysis and needed transparency, we urge that Congress should wait until an estimate is available before proceeding with formal consideration.”
As it is written, analysts estimate that millions of Americans insured through the ACA would be at risk of losing coverage, "with those in their 50s and 60s especially likely to find coverage unaffordable." Read source material here.
On the State Level
Sen. Marv Hagedorn introduced Senate Bill 1142 this week; a bill closely resembling Rep. Fred Wood’s bill designed to address (in part) Idaho’s health care gap population. Sen. Wood withdrew his “Health Care Assistance Program (H0160) on February 28th. S1142 will use $10 million from Idaho’s tobacco settlement proceeds to, “authorize primary care, limited prescriptions, and care coordination to Idaho's eligible population with income levels under 100% of the federal poverty guideline who are not eligible for Medicaid, the Advanced Payment of Tax Credit, and not currently eligible or enrolled in an employer sponsored or other government subsidized health care plan.” (SOP, S1142). The bill was reported by The Spokesman Review to have cleared Senate committee on Thursday, and will now head to the full Senate.
Close the Gap Idaho sponsored “A Plan not a Delay Procession,” on Thursday, March 9th with a large, successful turnout of concerned citizens and advocates. However, there is still work to be done to help gain health insurance coverage for the over 78,000 Idahoans living in the gap. Make your voice heard! For easy to implement guidelines in contacting Idaho lawmakers regarding health care coverage issues facing our state, Close the Gap Idaho has an excellent template and instructions here. Use it, or pass it on.
Bills in Focus
Update S1060 – Cytomegalovirus Bill
The Idaho House voted to allot $15 thousand in funds to increase awareness of and educate the public on the dangers and prevention of the cytomegalovirus. The bill will now head to Governor Otter for signing. Read source material here. Read more about this dangerous virus, including information from the CDC, in my update during week five of the 2017 Idaho Legislative Session.
IPHA Bill Tracker
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Bill No.
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Description
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Last Action
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S1003
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Nurse emeritus licenses; licensure renewal & reinstatement
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03/02/2017 Senate – reported delivered to Governor on this date
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S1004
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Board of Nursing member raise in compensation
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03/01/2017 Senate – signed by Governor on this date
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S1009
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DEQ; crop residue burning
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03/02/2017 Senate – reported delivered to Governor on this date
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S1013
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Marijuana/drug paraphernalia repeal
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02/16/2017 H-Read 1st time; referred to JRA
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S1024
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Child protective act/definition revised
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02/22/2017 H-Read 1st time; referred to JRA
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S1031
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Veterans transport fund grant program
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02/09/2017 Read 1st time; referred to State Affairs
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S1037
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Dentists licensing provisions revised
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03/02/2017 Senate – reported delivered to Governor on this date
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S1038
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Dentistry Board/emergency proceedings
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02/09/2017 Rep. out of committee; to 14th Order for amendment
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S1046
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Health savings acct/high deductible plan
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02/28/2017 House – read 1st time; referred to State Affairs
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S1050
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Immunizations/exemption forms
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02/08/2017 S-Reported printed; referred to Health & Welfare
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S1058
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Telehealth access; cost coverage
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03/01/2017 Reported out of committee; to 14th order for amend.
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S1060
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Health care/cytomegalovirus
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02/28/2017 House – read 1st time; referred to Health & Welfare
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S1081
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Immunization assessment bd/sunset revised
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03/02/2017 H- U.C. to hold place on 3rd reading calendar 1 legislative day
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S1082
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Community primary care program
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02/13/2017 S- Reported printed; referred to Health & Welfare
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S1090
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Health Care, advance directives
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02/23/2017 Reported out of committee; to 14th order for amend.
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S1117
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Self-funded insurance
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03/03/2017 Senate; rep. out of com. w/ Do Pass rec. Filed for 2nd read.
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S1131
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Abortion, H&W dept. website posting
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03/03/2017 Senate – reported printed; referred to State Affairs
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S1142
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Health Care Assistance Program
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03/07/2017 Reported printed; referred to Health & Welfare
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SCR113
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Medical residencies; Idaho hospitals
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03/03/2017 House – read first time, referred to Health & Welfare
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H0002
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Pharmacists reciprocal licensing
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2/17/2017 H-Reported signed by Governor on this date
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H0003
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Pharma/tuberculin protein products
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2/17/2017 H-Reported signed by Governor on this date
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H0004
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Pharmacists, tobacco cessation products
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2/17/2017 H-Reported signed by Governor on this date
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H0005
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Controlled substances, opioids
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2/17/2017 H-Reported signed by Governor on this date
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H0006
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Controlled substances
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02/14/2017 H-Reported signed by Governor on this date
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H0007
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Massage therapists; change “establishment to school”
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02/24/2017 S-Read 2nd time; filed for a 3rd reading
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H0008
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Massage therapists; institute criminal background checks
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02/23/2017 H-Returned from Senate failed; filed in office of Chief Clerk
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H0010
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Chiropractic practice; licensure
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02/22/2017 H-Reported signed by Governor on this date
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H0011
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Optometrists; licensure/provisions & revisions
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02/23/2017 S-Reported out of committee; 14th order for amendment
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H0020
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Vehicles; hybrid/plug-in fee reduction
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02/28/2017 Reported signed by Governor on this date
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H0025
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Tobacco permits, terminology
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02/17/2017 Reported signed by Governor on this date
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H0038
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Mental health, cite ref added
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02/24/2017 S-Read 2nd time; filed for 3rd reading
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H0039
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Medicaid; H&W agreements
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01/24/2017 Reported printed and referred to Health & Welfare
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H0040
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Hosp, mentally ill, release notice
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01/24/2017 Reported printed and referred to Health & Welfare
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H0041
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Individuals w/ disabilities/ABLE accts
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02/23/2017 S-Read 2nd time; filed for 3rd reading
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H0042
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Behavioral health, council board
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01/24/2017 Reported printed and referred to Health & Welfare
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H0043
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Med. assistance/eligibility/emotional disturbance
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02/22/2017 S-Read 2nd time; filed for 3rd reading
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H0044
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Secure treatment facility act
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01/24/2017 Reported printed and referred to Health & Welfare
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H0045
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Dieticians/licensing revised
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02/06/2017 U.C. to be returned to Health & Welfare Committee
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H0062
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Youth mental health; conversion
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01/27/2017 Reported printed and referred to Health & Welfare
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H0080
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Public Health Districts/Funding/bd of trustees
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02/01/2017 Reported printed and referred to Health & Welfare
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H0081
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Health care, J-1 visa waiver program
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03/02/2017 S-Read 2nd time; filed for 3rd reading
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H0091
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Immunization register/pro license board
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02/23/2017 H-Failed; filed in office of Chief Clerk
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H0115
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Physicians, license background checks
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03/03/2017 S-Read 2nd time; filed for 3rd reading
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H0128
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Medicaid; payment agreements
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03/02/2017 S-Read 2nd time; filed for 3rd reading
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H0146
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Sexual assault evidence; med exam
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02/28/2017 S-Introduced; read 1st time; referred to J & R
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H0160
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Health care assistance program
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02/15/2017 Reported printed and referred to Health & Welfare
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H0191
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Pharmacy/prescriptions authorization
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03/02/2017 S-Introduced; read 1st time; referred to Health & Welfare
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HCR003
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Lifespan Family Caregiver Action Plan
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02/24/2017 Senate – signed by President; returned to House
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