Monthly Archives: November 2009
Veteran’s Health Omnibus Bill News From Congress
On Thursday, November 19, 2009, The Senate voted to pass a package of veteran’s bills (S1963) that included both S. 801 and S. 252, both important Veteran’s health care measures supported by BIAA.
The bill would expand services in rural areas and ensure that veterans who are catastrophically disabled or who need emergency care in the community are not charged for those services. It would also authorize VA hospitals to contract with non-VA providers to ensure that our returning service members have access to the care that they so desperately need and deserve.
Thank you to all of our grassroots advocates that responded to the two action alerts that helped to move this measure successfully through the Senate!
Health Care Reform Update for November 20, 2009
This week, The Senate released and began debate on their Health Care Reform leadership measure. As many of you may know, originally, rehabilitation was not included in the Senate Finance bill as a minimum benefit. Due to the lobbying efforts of BIAA, largely supported and funded by our Business and Professional Council, we have been able to ensure that rehabilitation is a part of the minimum benefits package of the final product now being debated in the Senate.
Specifically, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act being considered would:
(Democratic leadership summary)
- Include immediate changes to the way health insurance companies do business to protect consumers from discriminatory practices and provide Americans with better preventive coverage and the information they need to make informed decisions about their health insurance.
-Uninsured Americans with a pre-existing condition will have access to an immediate insurance program to help them avoid medical bankruptcy and retirees will have greater certainty due to reinsurance provisions to help maintain coverage.
-New health insurance Exchanges will make coverage affordable and accessible for individuals and small businesses.
-Insurance companies will be barred from discriminating based on pre-existing conditions, health status, and gender.
-Expand eligibility for Medicaid to include all non-elderly Americans with income below 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), with substantial assistance to States for the cost of covering these individuals.
- Make long-term supports and services more affordable for millions of Americans by providing a lifetime cash benefit that will help people with severe disabilities remain in their homes and communities.
- Eliminate lifetime insurance limits in all new individual and group plans for plan years beginning 6 months after enactment.
Today, as the Senate opened a two-day debate on the bill, Congressional Quarterly reported that Majority Leader, Harry Reid is closing in on the 60 votes needed to overcome an anticipated filibuster and bring the measure to the floor. Reid has filed cloture the bill and the vote on the motion to proceed to the bill is expected to occur on Saturday at 8:00 pm.
BIAA will continue to monitor the bill’s progress closely as debate continues. Also, documents relating to the Senate leadership bill can be found on BIAA’s website under the Health Care Reform Library section:
http://www.biausa.org/policyissues.htm#library
Grasshopr: The Brain Injury Association of America
The Brain Injury Association of America is taking our grassroots advocacy online with a new tool called Grasshopr. Grasshopr is a web site that empowers organizations and individuals with the tools to engage with their elected officials and have an impact on public policy at all levels of government.
Within the next few days, you will receive an invitation to join us on Grasshopr with instructions on how to become a part of our online advocacy community, become more active on important issues, and collaborate with BIAA staff, state affiliates, and other advocates.
You should receive your Grasshopr invitation shortly. You will be matched to your elected officials and will have control over your profile and your desired level of engagement. Starting this week, Policy Corner will be sent through this new web-based tool.
Health Care Reform Update
On November 7, 2009, the House of Representatives approved their health care reform overhaul package by a vote of 220-215. The bill includes the provisions below: (provided by Congressional Quarterly, CQ Today)
Coverage Requirements
BIAA supports S. 801, The Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act of 2009
BIAA and our friends at the Wounded Warrior Project are currently working towards enactment of legislation establishing a national program to provide training and critically-needed supports to family caregivers of veterans living with traumatic brain injuries and other severe wounds.
BIAA participates in Sports and Concussion hearing on Capitol Hill
On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on legal issues relating to brain injuries sustained while playing football. Testimony was given from the National Football League, Commissioner Roger Goodell, and retired players, Tiki Barber and Merril Hoge, as well as Congressional Brain Injury Task Force Chairman, Congressman Bill Pascrell, jr. and the Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University and member of the Brain Injury Association of America board of directors, Chris Nowinski.
Health Care Reform Update
On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, House Democrats introduced their consensus health bill, HR 3962, at a rally on the Capitol’s West Front. According to House Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer, the bill could be considered on the House floor as early as November 5,2009
