Wednesday, December 23, 2009
“The Senate health care reform bill includes some important victories for Wisconsin. The bill will bring more Medicare dollars to Wisconsin by fixing the unfair reimbursement formula that has siphoned money away from the state for years, and by rewarding the high-quality, low-cost care practiced at places like Gundersen Lutheran and the Marshfield Clinic. Wisconsin taxpayers also win because we will see a boost in Medicaid funding, so our state isn’t penalized for its leadership in expanding coverage. I worked with my colleagues to make these changes because they are good for our state, and good policy overall. While there are a number of things in this bill I don’t support, like the lack of a public option, I am pleased to support these important gains for Wisconsin.”
FACT SHEET:
Victories for Wisconsin in Senate Health Care BillTomorrow, the U.S. Senate will vote on passage of the most sweeping health care reform in generations. While the bill is far from perfect, Senator Feingold supports the bill because of what it delivers for Wisconsin, and because the cost of inaction is simply too high. Here is some information how the bill will improve health care for Wisconsinites, and about the cost of inaction in our state.
The Senate Health Care Bill is Good for Wisconsin Wisconsin benefits from an improved Medicare reimbursement formula- Senator Feingold has worked to get Wisconsin its fair share of Medicare dollars, and his efforts have paid off in this bill. The bill ensures physicians and hospitals will begin to be rewarded for the quality of care they provide instead of the quantity of care. Wisconsin hospitals are national leaders in providing high-quality, low-cost care.
- Senator Feingold has been a leading voice in the Senate for reform of the flawed Medicare reimbursement formula that pays rural health providers less than their urban colleagues. The health reform bill finally addresses this inequity and ensures more money for Wisconsin’s rural providers.
Wisconsin benefits from new consumer protectionsSenator Feingold hears from thousands of constituents who are denied health insurance or dropped from their insurance coverage because they became ill.
- This bill ends:
- Predatory tactics by insurance companies
- Denial or restricting of coverage based on pre-existing conditions
- Annual and lifetime limits on coverage
- This bill guarantees:
- Consumer access to the health insurance plan of their choice
- The right to renew that plan, and the ability to shop for the best coverage that meets their needs.
- Federal assistance will be available for individuals and families up to 400 percent of poverty, and small businesses to help pay for health insurance.
Wisconsin Receives More Medicaid Assistance- Senator Feingold fought for Wisconsin’s fair share of Medicaid dollars by demanding the legislation account for the state’s leadership in expanding coverage to low-income populations through BadgerCare. As a result, the bill will provide an additional hundreds of millions of dollars in Medicaid assistance for Wisconsin.
Wisconsin seniors benefit from Medicare security and lower prescription drug costs- The bill pledges to close the “doughnut hole” in the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug benefit. Seniors will benefit from an immediate $500 credit in 2010 to postpone “doughnut hole” spending, and will receive a 50% discount on “doughnut hole” spending on brand name drugs.
- The bill strengthens Medicare and prevents cuts to doctor reimbursement, while ensuring seniors have continued access to the physician of their choice.
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