COVID-19 & Healthcare

The ‘less-than-do-nothing’ Tea-Publican 112th Congress leaves work unfinished

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Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

A couple of items the "less-than-do-nothing" Tea-Publican 112th Congress, the "Worst. Congress, Ever.", left unfinished last night.

First, was Hurricane Sandy relief which has Northeast politicians from Rep. Peter King (R-NY) to Governor Chris Chrisitie (R-NJ) fuming today. Gov. Christie lambastes ‘toxic’ House Republicans over Sandy aid delay:

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) condemned House Republicans
Wednesday afternoon for failing to pass a $60 billion package of funding
for Hurricane Sandy relief. In the strongest terms, he accused House
Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) of letting “toxic internal politics”
impede necessary storm relief. 

“There’s only one group to blame for the continued suffering of these
victims: the House majority and their speaker,” Christie said. “It was
disappointing and disgusting to watch.”

* * *

President Obama has called on the House to immediately pass the aid package.

The governor said that the lawmakers had failed to put the country
before their own political careers, showing “callous indifference to the
suffering of the people of my state.”

The package “could not overcome toxic internal politics of the House
majority,” Christie said. ”Shame on you, shame on Congress.” He went on
to criticize lawmakers who suggested there was  too
much unnecessary spending in the bill as “know-nothings” who “should
spend a little less time reading the political talking points put
together by their staff.”

Christie said he called Boehner four times late last night, and the speaker did not return his calls.

When Women Vote, We All Win Rally

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Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Announcement from the Arizona Democratic Party: When Women Vote, We All Win Rally Monday, January 14, 2013 Arizona State Capitol Lawn 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Please join women's groups from around the state at the "When Women Vote, We All Win" Rally on the first day of … Read more

The New New Deal … a book by Michael Grunwald

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book review posted by John Denker The New New Deal is a recent book by Michael Grunwald. It is very interesting, important, informative, readable, thorough, and persuasive. It revolves around the so-called Stimulus Act of 2009. There are three parts to the story: (1) The economic collapse and the election in the autumn of 2008; … Read more

Expanded Medicaid (AHCCCS) is the best option

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Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The centrist Grand Canyon Institute think tank released a new report last week on the exanded Medicaid (AHCCCS) provisions of "ObamaCare." Press release from the grandcanyoninstitute.org:

Medicaid Expansion: General Fund Saves $1.2 Billion with 21,000 Jobs Created

The Grand Canyon Institute has released a comprehensive evaluation of the options that Governor Jan Brewer has regarding Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act in light of the recent Supreme Court decision National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius.

The Study recommends expanding Medicaid coverage to 133 percent of the federal poverty line. By qualifying for higher federal matching funds, that expansion authorized under the Affordable Care Act over the first four years of implementation would save the state’s general fund $1.2 billion over complying with the 2000 citizen initiative “Healthy Arizona” which raised Medicaid eligibility to 100 percent of the federal poverty line.

The report’s author, Dave Wells, the Grand Canyon Institute’s Research Director noted, “by increasing Medicaid coverage to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, the state would reap huge economic benefits. Compared to current policy, it would add 21,000 jobs created compared to 15,000 jobs created by following 100 percent of the Federal Poverty line.  The 21,000 jobs would reduce the state’s unemployment rate by 0.7 percent, and increase economic growth in the state during the first year of full implementation by nearly 1 percent.”

The usual suspects are opposed to expanded Medicaid (AHCCCS)

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Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Oh, here we go again . . . the usual suspects in the Arizona legislature are threatening to harm the poor and the sick out of ideological extremism against President Obama and blind hatred for his "ObamaCare," and the poor and sick generally.

The Arizona Capitol Times (subscription required) reports AHCCCS expansion on the ropes after federal matching funds decision:

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Dec. 10 that states won’t get extra federal money to expand their Medicaid programs unless they implement the full expansion enshrined in the Affordable Care Act. The health care law dramatically increases the federal matching funds available to states that expand Medicaid coverage to include people earning up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level.

For Arizona, where many had hoped to get the enhanced federal matching funds to restore Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System coverage to 100 percent of the federal poverty level, the federal announcement was a gut check.