The State Flexibility and Patient Choice Act of 2019 Introduced

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by: Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)

Washington, D.C. - April 12, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- This week, Congressman Dr. Roger Marshall introduced H.R. 2183- The State Flexibility and Patient Choice Act of 2019. This legislation would drive the cost for health care down and increase patient choice by empowering states to come up with innovative solutions to stabilize their individual and small group markets.

“I have long said, in order to fix our broken health care system, we must focus on solutions that prioritize transparency, innovation, and consumerism,” Rep. Marshall said. “This bill is designed to give more power to states so that they have the freedom to develop programs and policies that will focus on cost and patient choice. I am proud of this legislation, it’s a great step in the right direction.”

The State Flexibility and Patient Choice Act would streamline Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the State Innovation Waivers application process by allowing states to waive certain requirements of the ACA to implement their own plan to provide health insurance to residents.

To obtain a waiver under the proposed guidelines of the legislation, a state must have a waiver signed into law and demonstrate that the plan will not increase the federal deficit and will provide coverage to the same number of citizens.

“My goal is to help get more people covered and drive down the cost for patients in the process.” Rep. Marshall said. “I believe that each state has unique needs and demands and shouldn’t be forced to fit a one-size-fits-all model. It’s simple; this bill could help pave the way for Kansans to make health care decisions for Kansans by eliminating arbitrary processes mandated by Obamacare.”

Currently, eight states have approved a 1332 waiver, and seven of them are reinsurance programs. Congressman Marshall’s legislation would take the hassle out of the waiver application process that has proved to be convoluted and difficult for states to navigate. The State of Maryland has an approved waiver to introduce a reinsurance program to lower premiums and stabilize their markets. Their well-run reinsurance program has shown success in decreasing people’s premiums this year and was praised as a collaborative, bipartisan success story between Maryland and the Administration.

“It’s incredible what people can accomplish when we give them freedom and choices,” Rep. Marshall said. “This legislation will help streamline the process and encourage other states to follow success like Maryland to apply for a waiver so they have the flexibility and freedom to come up with solutions that help patients get the healthcare they need at an affordable price.”

Dr. Marshall’s legislation would:

Continues to protect those with pre-existing conditions.

Creates an expedited process for identical or significantly similar applications of approved waivers.

Amends the contract year terms from 5 to 6 years to consider states with two-year budget cycles.

Helps Basic Health Programs (BHPs) to utilize all available pass-through funding.

Allows for consideration of other state-federally funded sources (i.e. CHIP and Medicaid).

Amends budget neutrality so a state’s savings are considered throughout the entire contract period, rather than annually.

To find more information, please click here.

Dingell Statement on CBO Score for Alexander-Murray Health Care Plan

Source: Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th)



Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that the Alexander-Murray health care plan to restore the cost-sharing reduction payments ended by President Trump would decrease the deficit and not impact the number of people with health insurance.

“This urgently-needed bipartisan fix would restore critical cost-sharing payments working families depend upon and stabilize the marketplace. This is what we are supposed to do. Rather than pushing through partisan bills that kick millions off their insurance, Congress should be working together to improve health care and bring down costs for the American people. The Alexander-Murray plan represents a commonsense, responsible step to lower premiums and ensure protections for those with pre-existing conditions. We should have a clean vote on this bill as soon as possible.”

Trump signs executive order on Healthcare

Washington, D.C. - October 13, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order directing his Administration to craft new policies increasing competition, choice, and affordability for health care across the American workforce.

According to the White House, the order:

1. directs the Secretary of Labor to consider expanding access to Association Health Plans, which could potentially allow American employers to form groups across State Lines;

2. directs the Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services to consider expanding coverage through low cost shorter-term limited duration insurance; and

3. directs the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to consider changes to Health Reimbursement Arrangements so employers can make better use of them for their employees.

Below are statements from House Representatives about the executive order:

Buddy Carter (R-GA, 1st)

"Thanks to dysfunction in the Senate, Congress has not been able to deliver on our promise to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a patient-centered system." said Carter. "While I would have preferred these moves come from Congress, I am grateful President Trump acted today to deliver relief to Americans suffering under Obamacare. This Executive Order works to deliver choice and control back to patients and is a good step towards lowering health care costs. I look forward to continued work with President Trump to finally repeal Obamacare and lower health care costs for all Americans."

Judy Chu (D-CA, 27th)

“Donald Trump will do anything to avoid working with Democrats to improve the healthcare of Americans – including intentionally sabotaging our country's healthcare system. That is what he is doing with this executive order. It is a craven attempt by the President to justify his party’s attacks on the ACA, which has been successful at increasing coverage for millions. That is why Republicans have been unable to pass a repeal of the law. But refusing to accept his failure, Trump is trying to double down with this plan to peel healthy individuals away from the ACA marketplaces and make costs rise for consumers. By offering cheap plans with poor coverage, he is ensuring that only healthy people will buy them – leaving the sick and elderly with more expensive options. This signals a return to the segmented healthcare system we had before the ACA, where being sick could mean bankruptcy or worse. And it is the most vulnerable Americans who will pay this price to salve Trump’s ego.” 

David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)

“The American people are hurting. And President Trump continues to fail them. This executive order will sabotage the health care market and drive up costs for working people. The President should be working with Democrats to make the Affordable Care Act even stronger. Instead, he’s creating chaos and undermining access.”

Katherine Clark (D-MA, 5th)

“Make no mistake: Trump and Republicans will risk the lives of our most vulnerable to fulfill a dangerous political promise to their base. Trump is using the highest office in the nation to sabotage our healthcare system and ignore the will of the majority of Americans who rejected Trumpcare. Republicans are bent on dragging us back to the days when insurance companies decided who lived or died, and I will fight this every step of the way.”

Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)

“Instead of working with Congress to determine what’s best for Americans and their health care, the President has decided to force his political agenda on the American people. There is a reason why the GOP effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has failed time and time again. The President wants to blame Democrats but the truth is, the proposed health care changes will hurt millions, regardless of their party affiliation. These changes are designed to allow loopholes around ACA core requirements, such as the coverage of essential health benefits.

Associations that band together to buy insurance will be exempt from having to cover certain prescription drug benefits, maternity care, or mental health services. The executive order will allow insurance companies to offer skimpy, short-term plans that don’t actually provide good coverage. This will attract the young and healthy customers at the expense of older or sicker individuals and their families, and will destabilize the insurance markets. The American people have spoken – more than once – and they want Congress to work together to find ways to improve upon the ACA, not continue to roll back patient protections.”

Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th)

"The Trumpcare executive order is the latest act of sabotage on the Affordable Care Act that will threaten coverage of pre-existing conditions and increase costs. Americans have repeatedly rejected Trumpcare. Let’s improve the Affordable Care Act, not leave millions of people more vulnerable."

Jim Cooper (D-TN, 5th)

“Today’s announcement is one of many steps this administration has taken to undermine the Affordable Care Act. It creates an exclusive market for the healthy at the expense of the sick, and is opposed by all kinds of health care experts,” Rep. Cooper said. “In the end, Washington lobbyists stand to benefit the most. This executive order will only hurt Americans, not help them.”

Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota)

“Given the Senate’s unwillingness to repeal and replace Obamacare, I greatly appreciate President Trump’s decisive actions. While an executive order can never take the place of passing meaningful health care reform legislation, it’s the least we can do until another U.S. Senator decides to put the interests of the American people first by voting to fix our collapsing health care system.”

Kathy Castor (D-FL, 14th)

“I am especially concerned that President Trump supports erosion of coverage for pre-existing conditions and other essential health benefits.  This will prove costly to American families.  After the American people fought off Republican attempts to gut the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, President Trump takes another tack to purposely sabotage affordable health care for hardworking families.  He is unwilling to engage in the difficult work to fix and improve affordable health insurance so instead chooses to raise premiums significantly and price people with pre-existing conditions out of the market.  These measures will hurt my neighbors over the long run as affordable coverage options shrink every year, all so the President can settle a political score.  I am calling on President Trump and his administration to stand on the side of hardworking Americans and stop their cruel sabotage of our health care.”

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AANP President urges Senate to Ensure Health Care Legislation Upholds Patient Protections, Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions

Source: American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Washington, D.C. - September 25, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- The following statement is being issued by AANP President Joyce Knestrick, PhD, C-FNP, FAANP:

"As the Senate moves closer to action on health care reform, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) urges Senators to take a measured approach ensuring that any final legislation protects patient access to Medicaid, Medicare and other programs that cover the cost of care. There are more than 234,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) delivering health care to patients throughout the country. Currently, three of four NPs treat Medicare beneficiaries, and 78 percent see Medicaid patients. As this process moves forward, proposals must protect affordable coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions, uphold the principles of essential benefits, safeguard patients' access to the health care provider of their choice, including nurse practitioners, and strengthen the health care workforce while bringing greater overall efficiency to the health care system."

AARP Statement on Senate Vote to Proceed on Health Care Bill

Washington, D.C. - July 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In response to the Senate vote on the motion to proceed to consider a health care bill that would cut Medicare and Medicaid and impose an Age Tax on older Americans, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released the following statement:

"AARP is disheartened that a majority of Senators voted to move forward on a bill that would devastate millions of Americans. Today's vote means the Senate is one step closer to passing legislation that will price gouge people over age 50 and strip health insurance from tens of millions of Americans.

"AARP will continue fighting to stop the Senate from passing any bill that increases costs, imposes an Age Tax, strips coverage from people, cuts Medicare, and cuts the Medicaid services seniors need to stay in their homes.

"Any Senator considering voting for the health care bill should understand the consequences of ignoring AARP's 38 million members. People over age 50 overwhelmingly vote and they will remember who voted to give them a $13,000 premium hike. AARP will print every Senator's vote in AARP Bulletin, a publication read by 30.4 million people.

"None of the current bills is the right way to fix health care. AARP stands ready to work with Congress on bipartisan solutions that will lower costs and improve care."

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name.

Pro-Life, Death Penalty, Healthcare Bill, 10 Commandments, Voter Fraud, Super Volcano, Suicide, Gay Adoption

Ohio Right to Life's Dismemberment Abortion Ban clears Ohio Senate
Ohio Right to Life
June 28, 2017
Ohio Right to Life's Dismemberment Abortion Ban (S.B. 145) was overwhelmingly approved by the Ohio Senate, 24-9. The legislation, which is sponsored by Senators Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and Steve Wilson (R-Maineville), is being heralded by Ohio Right to Life as the next step in the national strategy to end abortion. The passage of the bill coincides with the 50th anniversary of Ohio Right to Life's founding. In more recent history, Ohio Right to Life has successfully advocated for the enactment of 18 pro-life laws. Since 2010, abortions have dropped 25 percent in Ohio, falling to a 39-year record-low in 2015.
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Florida Supreme Court hears death penalty-prosecutor dispute
Associated Press
June 28, 2017
The case involves whether the Republican governor violated the state constitution by taking 24 murder cases out of the hands of Orlando-area State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who has said capital punishment is costly and drags on for years
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Republican lawmakers pressure GOP leaders to drop tax cuts in healthcare bill
Washington Examiner
June 28, 2017
The lawmakers include Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, who says he opposes the cuts in their current form because they come at the expense of low-income individuals, who would be provided less federal money to buy health insurance than under Obamacare.
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Destruction of Arkansas' Ten Commandments monument places spotlight on separation of church and state
LA Times
June 28, 2017
Authorities in Oklahoma on Wednesday afternoon identified Reed as the man arrested in 2014 for ramming his car into a similar Ten Commandments monument outside the state Capitol in Oklahoma City.
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Another Democrat Tosses in Prison for Election Fraud
Constitution
June 28, 2016
Spieles admitted to filing the registering the dead folks in August 2016 while making $350-a-week working for a Democratic-affiliated group called Harrisonburg Votes. Apparently he was having problems meeting his quota.
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Scientists Fear "Supervolcano" Eruption As Earthquake Swarm Near Yellowstone Soars To 800
ZeroHedge
June 28, 2017
More than 800 earthquakes have now been recorded at the Yellowstone Caldera, a long-dormant supervolcano located in Yellowstone National Park, over the last two weeks - an ominous sign that a potentially catastrophic eruption could be brewing. However, despite earthquakes occurring at a frequency unseen during any period in the past five years, the US Geological Survey says the risk level remains in the “green,” unchanged from its normal levels, according to Newsweek.
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2 California families claim '13 Reasons Why' triggered teens' suicides
Yahoo News
June 28, 2017
Both teenagers died by suicide in April. Their families say Bella and Priscilla both watched “13 Reasons Why,” the controversial Netflix show about suicide, just days before taking their own lives.
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Justice Gorsuch Wastes No Time Stirring Up Trouble
Bloomberg View
June 27, 2017
It’s customary for new Supreme Court justices to ease into the job. Not so Justice Neil Gorsuch, who has flung himself into his truncated first term like a whirlwind. Now that the dust has settled, it’s clear that Gorsuch wants to establish himself as the new leader of the court’s conservative wing -- fast. No opinion is a better indicator than his dissent from the court’s summary reversal in the Arkansas gay adoption case, Pavan v. Smith.
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Child Immigrants, Land Management, Freight Infrastructure, Careers, Health Insurance, Climate Change, Flood Insurance, Healthcare Bill, Concealed Carry

Statement on markup of H.R. 495, a Republican bill to remove child welfare protections
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA, 19th)
June 21, 2017
To argue that this bill “protects” children because it discourages them from making the journey to the U.S. misses the point. These kids, many of them, are fleeing from violent and desperate situations including forced sexual slavery, gang recruitment, and extortion.
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Loudermilk Supports Common-sense Policies to Protect our Lands and Citizens
Barry Loudermilk (R-GA, 11th)
June 22, 2017
“Government bureaucrats are good at trying to fix problems that don’t exist, often creating even bigger problems. When those problems arise, they promptly cast blame on someone else. Federal land management agencies have been prohibiting utility companies from inspecting and maintaining electrical lines that run through federal lands. Keeping utility companies from maintaining the trees and foliage along the power lines has contributed to many forest fires, as trees fall across active lines. Of course, the agencies blame the utility companies for the damage. This legislation will replace bureaucratic red-tape with common-sense policies that will allow utility companies access to maintain their lines, protecting our lands and citizens.”
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Congressman Lowenthal Bill Will Create Dedicated Revenue Source To Invest In Crumbling National Freight Infrastructure
Alan Lowenthal (D-CA, 47th)
June 22, 2017
The Congressman’s bill, H.R. 3001, The National Multimodal and Sustainable Freight Infrastructure Act, builds on the success of the FAST Act and ensures continued investment in the goods movement network. The bill would raise roughly $8 billion a year dedicated to freight-related infrastructure projects throughout the nation, with a focus on multimodal projects and projects that rebuild aging infrastructure while relieving bottlenecks in the freight transportation system.
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Luetkemeyer Supports Bill to Strengthen Career and Technical Education Programs
Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MI, 3rd)
June 22, 2017
“Career and technical education programs are so important for individuals throughout Missouri because they help high school and community college students attain the hands-on experience they need for jobs in a broad range of industries,” Luetkemeyer said. “This legislation will empower state and local community leaders with the resources and flexibility they need to build community partnerships and foster educational engagement with employers. Programs in the 3rd District particularly will benefit by the increase in the percentage of federal funds states can set aside to assist students in rural areas. I am pleased this bipartisan legislation passed in the House and I hope the Senate brings this important bill up for debate in the near future.”
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LUJÁN INTRODUCES BILL TO HELP STATES ENROLL MORE KIDS IN HEALTH INSURANCE
Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)
June 22, 2017
Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) introduced legislation that will help states enroll more children in healthcare coverage by expanding the outreach and enrollment grant program. Luján’s bill also allows for the inclusion of parent mentors in the grants program. Outreach and enrollment grants help to identify and enroll children who are eligible for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
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Rep. Lynch Introduces Climate Change National Security Strategy Act
Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA, 8th)
June 15, 2017
Following President Donald Trump’s announcement earlier this month that he would abandon the Paris Climate Agreement, just months after President Trump rescinded President Barack Obama’s “Climate Change and National Security” memorandum, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston), the lead Democrat on the National Security Subcommittee, introduced H.R. 2908, the Climate Change National Security Strategy Act of 2017. In light of President Trump’s actions as well as the current and potential impact of climate change on national security, H.R. 2908 ensures that the Federal Government appropriately considers climate change in the development of national security strategies and policies.
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Congressman MacArthur’s Statement on National Flood Insurance Reform
Tom MacArthur (R-NJ, 3rd)
June 22, 2017
Nearly, five years ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore. Ocean County - my home - was the epicenter of the storm and half of all NJ Sandy flood claims happened here. Even today, many families are still not back in their homes and are dealing with the effects of this storm because of mismanagement at FEMA. The terrible response to this storm coupled with an opportunity to reauthorize and reform the NFIP are two big reasons why I sought a seat on the House Financial Services Committee during this Congress.
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Rep. Maloney Statement on Senate Republican Healthcare Bill
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
June 22, 2017
“The Senate Republicans' so-called healthcare bill is deceptively named and disastrously constructed, especially for New York. This bill, drafted in secret, is just as cruel as the one every Democrat opposed in the House. Instead of expanding access to healthcare as promised by the President, it will rip away health insurance from millions of New Yorkers. Instead of making premiums more affordable as promised, it will cause New Yorkers' premiums to increase. It does all this while cutting coverage for essential health benefits like maternity care and mental health, and cutting off federal funding for Planned Parenthood, leaving many New Yorkers with no access to affordable care. This new Senate Republican bill is a Category 5 man-made disaster for New Yorkers and I hope my colleagues in the Senate will stop it dead in its tracks.”
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Maloney Introduces “Do Unto Others” Legislation to Put Members of Congress on the Bad Health Plans They Forced on Constituents
Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)
June 22, 2017
“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander – Members of Congress who vote for a garbage health care bill shouldn’t get to keep their special access to Obamacare while they stick their constituents with more expensive plans that cover less,” said Rep. Maloney. “Don’t think your state should cover Essential Health Benefits like hospital stays or prescription drugs? Then your family shouldn’t get that coverage either. If you think high risk pools are so great, you can join one. Think older folks should be charged more for their care? You can pay those rates too.”
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Congressman Massie Introduces the D.C Personal Protection Reciprocity Act
Thomas Massie (R-KY, 4th)
June 15, 2017
Congressman Thomas Massie, Chairman of the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus, introduced H.R 2909, the D.C Personal Protection Reciprocity Act. This legislation would allow individuals with a valid concealed carry permit issued from their home state to carry their firearms in the District of Columbia.
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