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New Jersey has not only come to grips with its budget but also is considering repealing the tax irresponsibly placed on cosmetic surgery several years ago. The tax collected almost no money and made the citizens go to neighboring states for their surgery to not pay the 6% tax. Top
The White House has backed off on the policy to have all Medicaid people be proven bone fide citizens before being allowed on the program. These would be the ones that have already verified their citizenship when they applied for Medicare or Supplemental Security Income. The exemption would apply to those in nursing homes and with mental diseases. States could affirm the citizenship on people by the past having of drivers licenses or other records. Top
In Rhode Island the Governor has signed legislation that will create a commission to allow small business to band together to buy health insurance. The commission will also state what treatments and drugs should be covered.
San Francisco continues on its path of destruction. There has been a compromise between the Mayor and the Board. About 85,000 now uninsured in the city will get some coverage costing about $104 million of city funds that already goes to pay for care and the remaining $90 million from consumers and employers. The compromise changed the ridiculous threshold of 2 hours a week to the current 12 hours a week to qualify for coverage. The business payments would kick in July 1, 2007 for those companies over 50 employees. The smaller companies 20-50 employees wouldn't start until July 2008. The companies would need to spend between $1.06-$1.60 per hour per employee but capped at $180 per employee per month. Those on spouse's plans or already covered could not join. Small business continues to fight the legislation.
At the same time as the above it is noted that over the next 30 years over $5 billion will be spent on the city retirees. The people only have to work five years to be eligible for coverage. This was now changed to 20 years. The retirees are entitled to the same health benefits as when employed. A retired worker with no dependents bys $46.50 a month and the city pays between $733.70 and $934.51 a month depending on what plan the retiree has.
Sounds like the People's Republic is gaining some rationality. A proposed state constitutional amendment to guarantee affordable healthcare to all state citizens without any mention of cost or payment of the plan has been shelved into a committee. If it gets out of committee, it then goes to the legislature where 50 combined votes are needed and then is put on a ballot. Top
Missouri's Governor Blunt has finally signed a med mal insurance reform bill. The bill requires med mal insurance companies to report to the state and prohibits more than a 15% increase or refusing to renew without a 60 day notice. The Insurance director may prohibit rates deemed excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. Top
Illinois Governor Blagojevich has decreed that physicians will use electronic prescriptions starting in 2011, but wants it to begin next year. He promises, but that remains to be seen, that the state would help finance the costs of upgrades in computer software, hardware and training.
DISCLAIMER: Although this article is updated periodically, it reflects the author's point of view at the time of publication. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any of the information presented.