With Deadlines Looming, Congress Tardy On Funding For Children’s Insurance, Health Centers
The legislative process is lagging on renewing funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program and community health centers. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats warn that the GOP tax plan could lead to cuts in Medicare and Medicaid.
The Hill:
Congress On Track To Miss Two Big Health Deadlines
Congress is at risk of missing two deadlines for health programs impacting millions of people, as funding is set to expire on Saturday. The House has yet to release a bill to fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) just days before the deadline. The Senate has released a bipartisan five-year bill to reauthorize the program, but a vote hasn’t been scheduled. Separately, billions of dollars to fund community health centers — a safety net for 26 million people — are also up in the air. (Roubein, 9/27)
The Star Tribune:
Federal Health Funds For Low-Income Kids, Uninsured Expiring
Minnesota health advocates are closely watching for signs of progress in Washington on programs that underwrite care for the uninsured and for low-income children. Unless reauthorized and funded, both are set to end on Saturday when the federal fiscal year ends. (Howatt, 9/28)
The Hill:
Senate Passes Bipartisan Medicare Reform Bill
The Senate on Tuesday night unanimously passed a bill aimed at making Medicare more efficient and saving it money. The passage of the under-the-radar bipartisan health-care reforms came on the same day that Senate Republicans abandoned a vote on a bill to repeal and replace ObamaCare. (Sulivan, 9/27)
The Hill:
Dems Slam GOP Tax Plan As Deficit-Buster, Risk To Medicare
Democrats on Wednesday excoriated the GOP's proposed tax framework, saying it would blow an enormous hole in the deficit — warning that popular social programs are next. “Make no mistake: After [the] Republicans’ tax plan blows a multitrillion-dollar hole in the deficit, they will sharpen their knives for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and vital job-creating investments for middle-class families across America,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). (Elis, 9/27)
