Schiavo Case Highlights Problem of Rising Medical Costs

As some members of Congress "move to trim billions of dollars from the Medicaid health program, they are simultaneously intervening to save the life of possibly the highest-profile Medicaid patient: Terri Schiavo," the Washington Post reports. The hospice that cares for Schiavo receives Medicaid funding, although "it is not entirely clear how dependent" the hospice is on those funds, according to the Post. Lawyers for Schiavo's husband in published reports have said that Medicaid covers some of Schiavo's medical costs -- which total about $80,000 annually -- including prescription drugs. Meanwhile, the House last week approved a fiscal year 2006 budget resolution that would order $15 billion to $20 billion in Medicaid cuts over five years. President Bush also has proposed Medicaid cuts, although the defeat of a Senate resolution to trim $14 billion from the program could "threate[n] all of President Bush's cost-cutting efforts," according to the Post. In addition, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) has proposed limiting state Medicaid spending and giving beneficiaries vouchers to "shop for a health plan," the Post reports. Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, said, "At the same time congressional leaders were trying to keep Terri Schiavo alive, they voted to cut the Medicaid program that keeps millions of people alive." The Center for American Progress on Monday criticized House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), saying he "marshaled in a budget resolution through the House of Representatives that would cut funding for Medicaid by at least $15 billion, threatening the quality of care for people like Terri Schiavo," while at the same time he "sanctimoniously proclaimed his concern" for Schiavo's "well-being." DeLay spokesperson Dan Allen responded, "The fact that they're tying a life issue to the budget process shows just how disconnected Democrats are to reality." Gayle Osterberg, spokesperson for the Senate Budget Committee, said, "Too many people would rather resort to scare tactics than have a constructive conversation about ways to fix the nation's long-term budget crisis" (Weisman/Connolly, Washington Post, 3/23).