Rep. Mark Schauer

Blog

Posted by Mike Edwin on November 18, 2009

If you or someone you know is enrolled in Medicare, don't forget that the general open enrollment began on Sunday, November 15, and continues through December 31. During this time, people with Medicare can add, drop or change their prescription drug coverage. They can also select a health plan for their 2010 coverage.

If you need assistance
Contact the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP, Inc.) at 1-800-803-7174. MMAP (pronounced "map") is a free counseling service for Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries and their caregivers. Since 1984, MMAP has provided education and counseling assistance to Michigan’s Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and their families or representatives.

MMAP is funded by a grant from the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging through funding received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Medicare agency and a grant from the Administration on Aging, and is not affiliated with the insurance industry. Nationally, this program is called the State Health Assistance Program (SHIP).

Call 1-800-803-7174 to be connected with a local MMAP counselor who can help you:

Choose Medicare Plan during open enrollment
Identify resources for prescription drug assistance
Explain Medicare Health Plan Options
Understand doctor bills, hospital bills and Medicare Summary Notices
Understand Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, coverage, claims and appeals
Enroll in Medicare Savings Programs,
Review your Medicare supplemental (“Medigap”) insurance needs, compare policies and pursue claims and refunds
Explore long term care financing options, including long term care insurance
Identify and report Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse.

MMAP counselors are specialists trained in Medicare and Medicaid law and regulations, health insurance counseling and relevant insurance products. MMAP counselors are not connected with any insurance company, nor are they licensed to sell insurance. Their purpose is to serve you objectively and confidentially. Currently, MMAP has hundreds of highly trained and certified counselors. These dedicated and compassionate people, many of them seniors, answer questions and act as guides through the Medicare and Medicaid programs. MMAP counselors have assisted many thousands of Michigan’s elder and disabled citizens and saved them many millions of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, bringing peace of mind to those who are often confused and frightened when they deal with unfamiliar and difficult government systems.

Additional Resources

MMAP website: www.mmapinc.org
Official Medicare website: www.medicare.gov. For general Medicare information, ordering Medicare booklets, and information about health plans, contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance. English and Spanish-speaking customer service representatives at this number can answer questions about the Original Medicare Plan and provide up-to-date information regarding the health plans available in your area. TTY users please call 1-877-486-2048.
Medicare and You 2010: click here (PDF)

If you need help finding a Medicare counselor or help answering other Medicare questions, please call Congressman Schauer's District Office toll-free at 877-737-6407.

Post a Comment ( No Comments )

Local doctors comment on health care reform

Posted by Zack Pohl on November 17, 2009

In case you missed it in today's Voice of the People, two doctors from Grass Lake submitted the following letter on health care reform:

Reform bill an important first step for our health

GRASS LAKE — Recently, our U.S. representative in the House, Mark Schauer, wisely voted to pass the health-care reform bill. As physicians, we and many of our colleagues, including the American Medical Association, believe that we need health-care reform badly.

With this bill, people with pre-existing conditions will not be turned away. Ninety-five percent of Americans will be able to get affordable insurance. Senior drug costs will be lower.

This bill is not perfect, but it is progress. We must begin.

— Dr. Kathleen Anzicek & Dr. Mark Leventer

Click here to learn more about why the American Medical Association is supporting the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

Post a Comment ( No Comments )

NEWS ROUNDUP: Health Care Town Halls

Posted by Zack Pohl on November 16, 2009

In case you weren't able to join the hundreds of people who attended Mark's town halls on health care reform last week, here's a roundup of news clips about these local events...

WILX: Schauer Holds Health-Care Town Hall
After 30 forums, it never gets easier; especially not this week, as he answers the big question: Why did he vote for the House's health care bill? "I voted for this bill because, fundamentally, our system is broken," Schauer responded. Specifically, he notes the House bill would: 1. Cover 96 percent of Americans 2. Provide subsidies to those who can't afford their premiums 3. Bar insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. (Video clip)

WLNS: Supporters, Opponents Pack Health Care Town Hall
Hundreds show up to discuss a topic that's divided the nation. Congressman Mark Schauer held a town hall meeting in Delta Township for his constituents. People who attended had the chance to voice their concerns and ask questions. The bill has already passed the house, but more than two hundred people showed up to talk health care. It was a divided room. Dozens are backing Schauer for his support for health care reform, agreeing with the congressman that the current system is broken and that it's time someone steps in to fix it... Schauer says it's time for all Americans to have access to quality and affordable health care. Mark Schauer, (D) Congressman: "The bill would take pressure, cost pressure, off of the businesses that are drowning under rising health care premiums. Individuals who have lost a job would be assured that either they can afford coverage through Medicaid program, which would have expanded eligibility or through affordable credits or subsidies to help them buy a policy." (Video clip)

WWMT: Town hall meeting brings forth opinions on both sides of health care
On Thursday, Schauer was back in West Michigan talking about the plan, and his vote. The First Baptist Church in Battle Creek was filled on Thursday with people on both sides of the issue as the health care reform debate rages on. Nearly a hundred constituents from Rep. Schauer's 7th district filled the pews of the church to talk with Schauer, who was among the 220 Democrats who helped pass the bill. "The decision became easy for me," said Rep. Schauer. "After listening to my constituents and they keep falling behind and becoming less economically competitive with the status quo." (Video clip)

ENQUIRER: Schauer: Health reforms will benefit district
"It's clear that there is polarization around this issue," Schauer responded. He went on to say that his vote was influenced by stories he heard from throughout the district about people and businesses struggling with health care costs. One example he gave was a woman without insurance who was told she had to pay $3,500 up front before receiving a breast cancer biopsy. "These are the people I'm fighting for," Schauer said, bringing applause from many people in the audience.

FREE PRESS: Schauer confident health-care bill won't hike deficit
First term U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer said today he wouldn’t have voted for controversial health care legislation last weekend if he thought it would lead to a government-run health system or increase the deficit. Speaking to a well-attended but orderly town hall meeting in a hotel west of Lansing, Schauer repeatedly assured skeptics the legislation will have a net positive effect on the government’s balance sheet over the next 10 years. Schauer said the legislation, which passed with a two-vote margin early Sunday morning, was needed because the nation’s current health care system is broken and unsustainably expensive.

CIT PAT: Rep. Schauer listens to concerns on health-care reform at Jackson town hall gathering
The afternoon town-hall meeting at the Lily Missions Center was his fourth in a three-day span. It was by turns contentious and educational for the standing-room-only crowd. "My commitment ... going forward is to have productive conversations about fixing our broken health-care system," said Schauer, D-Battle Creek, who is serving his first term in Washington. Schauer offered an overview of the health-care system and explained what is and isn't in the House version of the bill. Undocumented aliens would not be eligible for coverage; no tax dollars would be used for abortions and there are no "death panels," he said. He said the bill does prevent people from being denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions, and children can stay on their parents' insurance through their 27th birthday. The bill allows for the sale of insurance across state lines through interstate compacts, which could not begin until 2015.

DAILY TELEGRAM: Health care legislation discussed at forum
A good number of skeptics populated Dominican Hall on Saturday morning as U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, hosted a town hall meeting at Siena Heights University to talk about the health care bill that has passed the U.S. House... Gools said the AARP celebrated passage of the measure. He noted that health care represents one of the greatest threats to the welfare of the people... Charles Gehrke, a Tecumseh-area doctor, said the call to reform the nation’s health care system was first made in 1952 by President Harry Truman. “We are way past due to address this question,” he said. “The questions and the concerns that people have addressed this morning are very real, there’s no question about it. But on balance, the bill does many many things that have to be done. ... I appreciate your support, not because I agree with everything, but certainly it helps to open the discussion.”

Post a Comment ( No Comments )

Photos from today's town hall in Battle Creek

Posted by Mark Schauer on November 12, 2009

Thanks to everyone who was able to join me for this morning's town hall on health care reform in Battle Creek. In case you weren't able to join us, you can see a few pictures from today's town hall on our website.

Here's an excerpt from the Battle Creek Enquirer's coverage of the event:

Today Congressman Mark Schauer defended his vote in favor of heath care reform by saying it will help insure an additional 36,000 people in Michigan's 7th Congressional District and increase employer-based benefits for an estimated 400,000 district residents.

"At the end of the day it was a pretty easy decision," Schauer told about 100 people gathered for a town hall meeting at First Baptist Church in Battle Creek.

If you live in Eaton County, hopefully you can join us for our town hall in Delta Township tomorrow afternoon. You can find more information by clicking here.

Also, in case you missed it, you can see part of my interview with the Tecumseh Herald on health care reform by watching the video below:

Post a Comment ( 3 Comments )

H1N1 Flu Questions and Answers

Posted by Zack Pohl on November 02, 2009

The information provided below comes from www.flu.gov. For Michigan-specific information, click here.

Q. When will the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be widely available in my community?

All states and the District of Columbia have placed orders for vaccine, and more orders are expected daily. Orders are coming in throughout the day; they’re being processed and shipped, and vaccine is arriving in thousands of places across the country.

The vaccine situation changes rapidly and we are slowly seeing the gap between supply and demand begin to close. Because the vaccine distribution system varies by state, the vaccine situation on the ground may differ from community to community.

As of Friday, October 30, 2009, 26.6 million doses have been allocated. Each week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports how much vaccine has been shipped to each state. You can find out how much H1N1 vaccine has shipped to your state at www.flu.gov.

Like the flu itself, flu vaccine production is notoriously unpredictable, and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine is taking longer to produce than manufacturers initially expected. We are all deeply saddened by the illness and death caused by the H1N1 flu, and we are frustrated by the long lines and production delays, but scientists, doctors, and manufacturers are working around the clock to produce this vaccine safely, effectively, and as quickly as the science allows.

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine was developed and began to be distributed across the country less than six months after H1N1 was first identified last April, which is significant since it often takes between six and nine months to make a vaccine.

Q: Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?

Clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers have shown that the new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and effective. The FDA has licensed it. There have been no safety shortcuts.

H1N1 vaccine is produced exactly the same way the seasonal flu vaccine is produced every year, using the only technique available to get the vaccine safely and quickly to the American people. The 2009 H1N1 flu is simply a new virus strain. In fact, had H1N1 struck this country earlier than this spring, the H1N1 strain probably would have been included as part of this year’s seasonal flu shot.

Millions of Americans have been vaccinated against seasonal flu vaccine for years without any problems. Still, because some Americans have concerns about “new” vaccines, the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers conducted more rigorous tests on the H1N1 vaccine than on other flu vaccines, and there were no red flags from these clinical trials.

Also, CDC has stepped up surveillance efforts to track the H1N1 vaccine and any possible adverse events. Since it is so closely related to the seasonal flu vaccine, we do not expect to see serious side effects. But we are taking all the necessary steps to promote and monitor safety.

Q. If the number of flu cases are decreasing in my community, should I still get vaccinated?

It is important that you get the vaccine as soon as it is available in your community. Flu pandemics are unpredictable, and often come in waves. There can be an increase in illness, then a decrease, then another increase and so forth. During the1957 flu pandemic there was early rise in disease around September and October, and then there was another big wave of influenza illness after the first of the year. Getting vaccinated will help protect you against the H1N1 flu as it continues to spread throughout the country.

Q: Should I get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 if I have already had flu-like illness since the Spring of 2009?

The symptoms of influenza (flu-like illnesses) are similar to those caused by many other viruses. Even when flu viruses are causing large numbers of people to get sick, other viruses are also causing illnesses.

If you were ill but do not know for sure that you had the 2009 H1N1 flu, you should get vaccinated when it is your turn., if your doctor recommends it.

In addition, unlike seasonal flu, H1N1 has not been widespread in seniors so far. However, doctors at the CDC are recommending that older people get both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccines when it’s their turn, just like everyone else.

Q: Who should get the H1N1 vaccine?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—an independent committee which advises CDC—recommended that novel H1N1 flu vaccine be made available first to the following five groups:

Pregnant women;
Health care workers and emergency medical responders;
People caring for infants under 6 months of age;
Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years; and
People aged 25 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, neuro-muscular disorders).

Q: How serious is the H1N1 flu?

The flu is widespread in 48 states right now and continues to rise.

Many people will get a mild case of H1N1, but there are groups who are at high risk for serious complications. Some of them, such as teenagers and young adults, are not typically at risk from the flu, but are especially vulnerable to the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.

It is important that people with high risk for serious complications such as pregnant women, people under age 25, and those with asthma, diabetes or another underlying condition seek medical attention if they are sick and ask their doctor if a prescription for an anti-viral medicine is appropriate.

Q: In addition to vaccination, are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®).
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Q: Will there be enough pediatric Tamiflu to treat children who are ill?

As the H1N1 flu virus continues to spread, CDC is working with physicians and other health care providers to make sure children and adults who get sick can get the medicine they need, when they need it.

In the spring when the H1N1 flu virus first hit this country, the federal government released approximately 11 million doses of antiviral medication to the states. This consisted mostly of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and represented approximately 25 percent in the Strategic National Stockpile. Since then, we have replenished the stockpile. In October, Secretary Sebelius released an additional 300,000 doses of liquid pediatric Tamiflu from the stockpile to send to the states.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the maker of Tamiflu® have said that available supplies of liquid Tamiflu® for children are limited. If you cannot get liquid Tamiflu® for your child, a pharmacist can make a Tamiflu® suspension (liquid) using available Tamiflu® adult capsules. CDC is alerting pharmacists about this option and providing instructions on how to prepare a suspension using adult capsules. Children’s doses of Tamiflu® are also available in capsules.

Q: What has the government done to prepare for and respond to the H1N1 pandemic?

After this spring’s H1N1 outbreak, the U.S. government took aggressive steps to protect public health including:

Launched a public education campaign to curb the spread of the disease, including Public Service Announcements, guidance for schools, businesses, and clinicians, and a new website: flu.gov to provide the latest information about the flu;
Released 25 percent of the Strategic National Stockpile of antivirals in the spring;
Released 300,000 doses of pediatric oral suspension Tamilflu from the Strategic National Stockpile in October;
Developed a safe and effective H1N1 vaccine;
Began distributing the H1N1 vaccine across the country;
Authorized the use of a new anti-viral intravenous drug under for critically ill flu patients

Q: Where can I get more information?

Visit Flu.gov. It’s the government-wide, one-stop website for information about the flu. Flu.gov includes:

A self-evaluation section where you can check your symptoms and help make decision about seeking treatment.
A section on myths and facts about the flu to help people get accurate and timely information about the H1N1 flu and flu vaccine.
A vaccine locator that can help you find out where to get the seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 flu vaccine. The vaccine locator will continue to be updated as states and communities announce vaccination sites.
Webcasts on what to do about the flu featuring doctors and scientists.
Educational tools like PSAs with Elmo in Spanish and English to teach kids about how to sneeze correctly and how parents need to come up with a plan in case their child gets ill.
Handouts like our Flu Essentials, which are available in ten languages to share with neighbors and friends that outline critical early warning signs about the flu.

Post a Comment ( 1 Comment )

Affordable Health Care for America Act Clearinghouse

Posted by Admin on October 29, 2009

UPDATED: 11/17/09

Read the bill: You can read a copy of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, by clicking here (PDF). You can also read a copy of the Manager's Amendment to the bill here (PDF).

Section-by-section analysis: The House Energy and Commerce Committee has produced a section-by-section analysis of the bill, which you can read here (PDF).

Share your thoughts: Please share your thoughts about this effort to offer every American access to quality, affordable health insurance by submitting a comment below. You can also submit feedback by filling our Congressman Schauer's constituent survey on health insurance reform.

Schauer statement on the bill (11/7/09):

"Today I was proud to cast a vote in favor of the Affordable Health Care for America Act because it will offer every single American access to quality, affordable health insurance, strengthen Medicare for seniors by closing the prescription drug donut hole, and lower health care costs for Michigan businesses to help them compete. Additionally, this legislation and accompanying measures will reduce the federal deficit by $109 billion over the next ten years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

"After talking to thousands of families, small business owners, doctors and seniors, it became clear to me that our current health care system is broken. Health costs for small businesses have skyrocketed 129% since 2000, and if we don't act now, health care costs for average Michigan families will continue to increase by $1,800 each year for the next ten years, seniors will continue to fall into the Medicare Part D donut hole, and rising health care costs will continue to add to the Federal deficit. This situation is unsustainable, and unacceptable.

"For families, this bill will help lower medical costs and offer peace of mind by preventing big health insurance companies from denying coverage due to a 'pre-existing condition' or the loss of a job. For seniors, it will offer greater security by closing the prescription drug donut hole, eliminating co-payments for preventive services and extending the life of the Medicare Trust Fund. And for small businesses - like the one my wife and I own - it offers tax credits and access to affordable group rates through a health insurance exchange, which will lower costs and allow entrepreneurs to re-invest in their business.

"Today's historic vote marks a major step towards repairing the economic damage done to families, seniors, businesses, and the federal deficit under America's broken health care system. It lays the groundwork for long-term economic growth, and a stronger, healthier America."

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Town Hall: Thanks again to the hundreds of people who attended our recent town hall meetings. If you weren't able to attend, you can download copies of our PowerPoint presentation and our health care handout here and here (PDFs)

What's in it for Michigan: You can learn more about what's in the new health insurance reform bill for Michigan families, seniors and small businesses by reading this fact sheet (PDF), prepared by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Guide for seniors: You can learn more about what's in the bill for senior citizens and people with disabilities by clicking here (PDF).

Guide for small businesses: To learn more about how health insurance reform will help lower health care costs for small businesses, click here (PDF).

What's in the bill for rural America: Learn more about how the bill will benefit rural Michigan families and small businesses by clicking here (PDF).

Who's supporting health insurance reform: Nonpartisan groups representing Americans from all walks of life have lent their support to this critical legislation, such as AARP, the National Security to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Consumers Union, the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, and the National Farmers’ Union.

How the bill will reduce the deficit: You can read the latest cost estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office here. Over the next decade, this plan will reduce the federal deficit by $109 billion.

MIT Study: Click here to read an independent study conducted by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber about how House Proposal Lowers Non-Group Premiums.

Q: Is health care reform constitutional? A: Yes. The 10th amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that the powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states … or to the people. But the Constitution gives Congress broad power to regulate activities that have an effect on interstate commerce. Congress has used this authority to regulate many aspects of American life, from labor relations to education to health care to agricultural production. Since virtually every aspect of the heath care system has an effect on interstate commerce, the power of Congress to regulate health care is essentially unlimited.

HOW WILL HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AFFECT YOU?

TOP 14 PROVISIONS THAT WILL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY

1. BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE — Reduces the donut hole by $500 and institutes a 50% discount on brand-name drugs, effective January 1, 2010.

2. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL) — Creates a temporary insurance program until the Exchange is available for individuals who have been uninsured for several months or have been denied a policy because of pre-existing conditions.

3. BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage.

4. ENDS RESCISSIONS—Prohibits insurers from nullifying or rescinding a patient’s policy when they file a claim for benefits, except in the case of fraud.

5. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 27TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE— Requires health plans to allow young people through age 26 to remain on their parents’ insurance policy, at the parents’ choice.

6. ELIMINATES COST-SHARING FOR PREVENTIVE SERVICES IN MEDICARE—Eliminates co-payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program.

7. IMPROVES HELP FOR LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES—Improves the low-income protection programs in Medicare to assure more individuals are able to access this vital help.

8. PROVIDES NEW CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN MEDICARE ADVANTAGE— Prohibits Medicare Advantage plans from charging enrollees higher cost-sharing for services in their private plan than what is charged in traditional Medicare.

9. IMMEDIATE SUNSHINE ON PRICE GOUGING—Discourages excessive price increases by insurance companies through review and disclosure of insurance rate increases.

10. CONTINUITY FOR DISPLACED WORKERS—Allows Americans to keep their COBRA coverage until the Exchange is in place and they can access affordable coverage.

11. CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—Creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled.

12. HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES—Creates a $10 billon fund to finance a temporary reinsurance program to help offset the costs of expensive health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55-64.

13. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS—Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years.

14. INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS — Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals.

TOP 10 CHANGES IN H.R. 3962 FROM H.R. 3200 (the previous House bill)

1. REDUCES THE DEFICIT MORE—According to the CBO, the revised bill reduces the deficit by $30 billion over the first 10 years. (The original bill reduced the deficit by $6 billion over the first 10 years). The revised bill also continues to reduce the deficit over the second 10 years.

2. ENDS HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES’ BLANKET EXEMPTION FROM ANTI-TRUST LAWS—In order to open up health insurance markets to real competition, the revised bill ends insurers’ blanket exemption from anti-trust laws, bringing antitrust enforcement to the two most abusive practices of health insurers – price fixing and market allocation.

3. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 27TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE—The revised bill requires health plans to allow young people through age 26 to remain on their parents’ policy, at their parents’ choice.

4. CREATES A NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—The revised bill creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled. The measure provides a cash benefit to help individuals with community-based services.

5. EXEMPTS SMALL BUSINESSES WITH PAYROLLS BELOW $500,000 FROM EMPLOYER MANDATE—The revised bill exempts a greater number of small businesses from the employer mandate – exempting 86% of all America’s businesses. Specifically, the bill exempts firms with payrolls up to $500,000 (instead of $250,000) from the mandate and provides only a graduated penalty for not offering coverage for firms with payrolls between $500,000 and $750,000 (instead of firms with payrolls between $250,000 and $400,000.)

6. LIMITS THE “HEALTH CARE SURCHARGE” TO MILLIONAIRES—Under the revised bill, only the wealthiest 0.3% of Americans would pay a surcharge on the portion of their income above $500,000 (instead of $280,000) for individuals and $1 million (instead of $350,000) for couples, in order to help make health insurance affordable for middle class families.

7. ADDRESSING GEOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS IN MEDICARE PAYMENTS/MOVING TO MEDICARE PAYMENTS REWARDING QUALITY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS—The revised bill provides that the Institute of Medicine (IOM), through two studies, will make recommendations on how to fix the current Medicare reimbursement system, including addressing current geographic variations. Under the bill, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement the IOM recommendations on changes to Medicare payment systems unless disapproved by Congress.

8. BEGINS CLOSING THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE IMMEDIATELY—The revised bill moves forward the effective date of reducing the donut hole by $500 and instituting a 50% discount for brand-name drugs in the donut hole, from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2010. It also completes elimination of the donut hole by 2019 (instead of 2024).

9. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL)—To fill the gap before the Exchange is available, the revised bill immediately creates an insurance program with financial assistance for those who have been uninsured for several months or denied a policy because of pre-existing conditions.

10. HHS NEGOTIATION OF DRUG PRICES—Under the revised bill, the Secretary of HHS is required to negotiate drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

Post a Comment ( No Comments )

Mark in the news

Posted by Zack Pohl on October 27, 2009

WLNS: New Jobs May be Headed to Area
A local manufacturer hit hard by layoffs and job losses makes a very different kind of announcement- a plan to retool, and most importantly, re-hire. RTD Manufacturing was so dependent on auto business, they were forced to make some tough decisions and lay off more than half of their workforce. Now they're looking to diversify by doing work for the feds. RTD Manufacturing would rather cut steel than jobs. Bryant Ramsey, RTD Manufacturing President: "With the economy taking a downturn, people quit buying cars and we quit getting orders." At one point the company had 56 employees, now it's down to 12... RTD teamed up with an engineering firm, one that just won a contract with the US Army. It's worth up to 430-million dollars. The engineering firm will design the parts and they'll be built at RTD. Rep. Mark Schauer, (D) district 7: "I think this is going to signal a lot of good high-tech, high-paying manufacturing jobs here in mid-Michigan." Machines at RTD manufacturing could be making parts for the US Military within the next few weeks. What they're going to make is classified... Bryant Ramsey: "We have as good of a chance of anybody, if not an advantage over other companies to bring as much work to our team as possible which in turn would come here to Jackson and create jobs." Getting back to cutting steel, putting people back to work. In addition to the tough economic times, the company's founder, Bryant Ramsey's dad, died unexpectedly leaving him in charge of the company. Ramsey says this announcement would have made his dad very proud.

CIT PAT: RTD Manufacturing gets contract to assemble materials for U.S. Army
Standing in front of the dozen or so employees left at RTD Manufacturing, a host of politicians and business leaders announced a major military contract that could keep those workers busy and add to their ranks. Warren-based Waltonen Engineering Inc. won a five year contract earlier this month with the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center with a ceiling of $430 million. RTD will be the primary manufacturer on the team Waltonen assembled to produce the materials the Army requests. It does not guarantee work, but it does give them the opportunity, RTD President Bryant Ramsey said. "The opportunity is very exciting," Ramsey said... U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, said this will help to aid the war effort. "We will protect and provide the tools for the warfighters... here together, as a team," Schauer said. State Rep. Martin Griffin, D-Jackson helped the company search for locations when it moved to Jackson several years ago while he was the city's mayor. He said he is happy to see it have the potential to grow. "These people are in a position to do pretty much anything," Griffin said. "In this economy, it's either adapt, or go out of business and they're looking everywhere... to change their business and stay afloat, and they're doing a really good job."

LSJ: Eaton County appeals for broadband stimulus
Rural Eaton County residents may be cruising the Internet at high speeds by 2011 if a project to bring broadband to the entire county gets federal stimulus package support. The broadband project is seeking funds from the federal stimulus package to offset its expected $3 million to $5 million price tag. A funding decision is expected by the end of next month... Joe Brehler, chairman of the Eaton County Board of Commissioners, said the countywide consortium approached private companies and talked to them about wiring the county for broadband. The companies said the project would cost too much and they didn't think the cost could be easily recouped by selling broadband access in rural areas. With that in mind, the consortium turned to the federal government for help. Gov. Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, back the consortium's request for funds from the federal stimulus package. "Connecting the entire county, including some rural communities is of urgent importance," Schauer said.

Post a Comment ( No Comments )

Previous Next

Congressman Mark Schauer: Representing Michigan's 7th District