Capitol Insight: Oct. 13, 2009
Battle May Be Lost, but War Is NOT Over for Mcare Fund
On Friday, Oct. 9, the state House and Senate approved and Gov. Ed Rendell signed the revenue package and the fiscal code measure that completed the state budget.
A key element of this budget is the transfer of $100 million in physicians’ premium dollars from the Mcare Fund. The Pennsylvania Medical Society and its membership have argued that these premiums paid by physicians should not be diverted for another purpose.
During last week’s budget debate, every legislator was made aware that the raid was wrong, thanks to an unprecedented outcry from Pennsylvania physicians. Even so, a vote challenging the constitutionality of the raid fell just short.
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Thank your legislators!
Take time to make a brief call or email to thank your legislators who voted to challenge the Mcare Fund raid. This can make all the difference the next time we need their help.
Please thank your representatives who voted "NO" on the question of whether it was constitutional to use Mcare money to help balance the state budget. In the Senate, there was no similar vote on the specifics of Mcare money. So please thank your senators who voted "NO" the final budget, which included taking Mcare money.
Use Capwiz to find phone numbers and email addresses.
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Medical Society Files Legal Actions to Challenge Raid of Mcare and Health Care Dollars
With the ink barely dry on the governor’s signature on the state budget, the Pennsylvania Medical Society this week took a series of legal actions to challenge the use of physicians’ premium dollars and other health care monies to balance the budget.
Physicians Working to Include Payment Update in Health Reform Proposals
As the US Senate Finance Committee today voted to approve legislation originally proposed by its chairman, Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana), the Pennsylvania Medical Society is urging all physicians to stay informed and involved.
The bill gives physicians a one-year 0.5 percent positive Medicare update in 2010, but does not fix the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula.
How Does Blues Theft Affect Pennsylvania Physicians?
Personal information for hundreds of thousands of physicians—including thousands of Pennsylvania physicians—has been compromised after the theft of a laptop from an employee of the national Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). But how at risk are you from this security breach? It depends. Physicians who use their Social Security number (SSN) as their tax ID number or NPI are more at risk.
Last Updated: 10/13/2009