Here is a great opportunity to provide your input to Congress. Contact information is below.
Please note the Committees entitled their own press release incorrectly. The subject is Medicaid, not Medicare.
The Committee Chairmen sent letters to organizations representing Medicaid managed care organizations seeking input on best practices related to access and quality of care. The letter is addressed to the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, America’s Health Insurance Plans, and Medicaid Health Plans of America.
The Committees are seeking opinions on (1) “responsible” rate setting, (2) comprehensive provider networks, (3) methods for evaluating quality of care, (4) coordination of care for higher cost enrollees, (5) services to vulnerable populations, e.g., non-English speakers, (6) methods for accurate reporting of encounter data, (7) enhance program integrity, (8) improve workforce culture to better respond to enrollees’ needs (i.e., treat them like humans, not cattle), and (9) collaborating with states or other partners.
The Committee members’ contact information was provided in the press release:
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR): 202-224-4515
Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT): 202-224-4515
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI): 202-226-4972
Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman (D-CA): 202-225-3641
Be bold! Use the contact information provided in the Committees’ letter: Josh Trent (202) 224-2927 or Amy Hall (202) 225-3641 with the House Energy and Commerce Committee or Kim Brandt or Ann Dwyer with Senate Finance Committee at (202) 224-4515.
The complete letter can be found online at http://energycommerce.house.gov/sites/republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/files/20140926MedicaidMCO.pdf
Suggested talking points:
1. Medicaid managed care is a cash cow for the managed-care cartel.
2. Medicaid and Medicare both pay hospital-based facilities much more than independent ones for the same service, driving independents out of business.
3. Consider block grants to states, letting them set their own rules.
4. Direct money to patients so they can choose retainer-style practices or other caregivers not burdened by costly regulations.
5. Recognize that it is less costly for many physicians to provide free care than to participate in Medicaid; remove barriers to making this choice.
[Courtesy Marilyn Singleton, MD, JD]
