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Barbour files plan to cut Medicaid
Published Friday, July 11, 2008
JACKSON (AP) — It’s a tried-and-true technique in government: If you’ve got bad news, release it late Friday afternoon and then leave for the weekend.
Moments before the Mississippi secretary of state’s office closed for the weekend, Gov. Haley Barbour filed an 83-page plan to start the process of making cuts in Medicaid, a government health program for the needy.
Then, the governor’s staff was unavailable to explain the cuts in any more detail than Barbour had given during a news conference Thursday in Jackson.
An Associated Press review of the documents Friday showed that a long list of Medicaid providers will be affected if the cuts take effect, as scheduled, on Aug. 6.
For example:
- Pharmacists will see a 10 percent reduction in payments.
- Nursing homes will see a 6.1 percent reduction.
- Hospitals, physicians, ambulance companies, durable medical equipment companies and others will see a reduction for ‘‘’lower of logic’ Medicare Part B claims’’ — a bureaucratic category that demanded translation. A spokesman for the governor declined to explain details of the plan.
‘‘I sincerely regret having to take this action, but as I have been saying for weeks, it is required by law because the Mississippi House has failed to enact a solution to the current $90 million shortfall in the Medicaid program,’’ Barbour said in a written statement released when the cuts were filed.
Many lawmakers, though, say there’s no requirement in law for Barbour to make the cuts now. They say he could wait until January or later, as has happened the past several years when Medicaid has had larger shortfalls.
In the past, lawmakers have used federal Hurricane Katrina recovery money to patch some budget holes for Medicaid. Some years, they have put more state money into Medicaid by using higher-than-anticipated tax collections when the economy was healthy.
The new state budget year started July 1, and Medicaid is $90 million short of what it needs to get through next June 30.
For every $1 Mississippi spends on Medicaid, the federal government spends more than $3. Barbour said his plan outlines about $375 million in cuts. About one in every four Mississippians is enrolled in the program.
The House and Senate return to the Capitol on Aug. 4 to restart a special session.
Barbour wants lawmakers to pass his plan to restructure hospital taxes to help pay for Medicaid.
The Senate has passed his plan, but House Democratic leaders say they want to consider an increase in cigarette taxes.
House Medicaid Committee Chairman Dirk Dedeaux, D-Perkinston, criticized Barbour for making cuts now rather than allowing lawmakers to do more work on the budget later. He pointed to Barbour’s background as a tobacco lobbyist.
‘‘Gov. Haley Barbour would rather cut $375 million out of Medicaid than see one cent in new taxes on cigarettes to be devoted to the program,’’ Dedeaux said Friday. ‘‘His attempt to tax hospitals instead of cigarettes to pay for Medicaid services is a clear indication of his priorities in health care policy.’’
Barbour has said repeatedly that his record as a lobbyist has nothing to do with his opposition to increasing cigarette taxes. He said a group that he appointed to study the state tax structure will release a report late this summer, and he expects the group to recommend increasing Mississippi’s cigarette excise tax. At 18 cents a pack, it is one of the lowest tobacco taxes in the nation.
Barbour spokesman Pete Smith said Friday that the governor will not appeal a Medicaid ruling handed down Thursday by Chancery Judge William Singletary. The judge said the Division of Medicaid does not have the power to set taxes to pay for the program; only the Legislature has that power.
The ruling was from a lawsuit that dozens of hospitals had filed in 2006 to challenge a hospital tax plan the governor was trying to put in place then. The plan he’s pushing now is different.
Comments
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cutting back on medical care for the needy would not be necessary if our governor would send his watchdogs out to investigate the pure greed of most doctors and incredible waste at the hospitals in Mississippi. AND investigate the LOW-LIFES in Ms. who have nothing better to do than run every week to the doctors office or the hospital. If he would do that, he could still have service for those in need and not have to raise taxes on anything. He and his staff need to hit the road and do the job they were elected to do and stop sitting on their hinnies in their air conditioned offices that the tax payers have to pay for. Stop the waste in all the government offices and they would have money to spare.
Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Barbour is playing political hardball with people's lives...all in an effort to protect his lobbying firm's contract with R. J. Reynolds. He should be ashamed of himself. Taxing cigarettes would place the hardship on people who CHOOSE to indulge in a habit that places them in a high risk category for a number of diseases. Instead he would rather protect his special interests and make cuts that will affect thousands of Mississippians, particularly the elderly who have no other way to get medical treatment of medication. Barbour continues to demonstrate his lack of commitment to Mississippi's citizens and his stronger commitment to those who line his family's pockets. He should be run out of office.
Posted by amyrenene (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, I don't smoke...but....why should we keep singling out the smokers to pick up slack for this? If they would get the freeloaders off of Medicaid, there would be more room for those who really need it. I think the Medicaid program is great for those who genuinely need it, but there definitely needs to be some reform. I hear of so many people quitting their jobs just because they find out they're pregnant, just so they can get Medicaid...and these are people who make enough to support themselves and their children but are lazy. Just one example...
Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
amyrenene...don't you find it odd that Barbour refuses to entertain increasing taxes on cigarettes when his son now runs his lobbying firm that's largest customer is a tobacco company? I agree that there are "freeloaders" on Medicaid but check your statistics...over half of those receiving Medicaid are elderly or disabled. And before you say that people "fake" disabilities, I am sure that's true. But in order to get on Medicaid through SSI you have two have 2 medical doctors' documentation that you are tuly disabled. Obviously you have never had anyone in your family have a long-term chronic condition or an unusual amount of medications prescribed to keep them alive. Medicaid is for many, many Mississippians their lifeline and to assume that the majority of people who use it are "freeloaders" demonstrates a serious lack of knowledge on the issue.
Posted by iconoclast (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In true Republican fashion Barbour favors the tobacco industry over the needs of the poor. He always has. Mississippi has one of the lowest tax rates on cigarettes in the country. Barbour's henchmen in the State Senate have also refused to let legislation that would ban smoking in public places out of committee for a vote. Don't believe me? Just ask our local State Senator Bob Dearing about it. There is little if any political risk to this. If Louisiana, with its high percentage of smokers can do it, then Mississippi, with a smoker population of only 24% could do it. But we know where the loyalty of Barbour and the Republicans lies, and it has never been, nor ever will be with the poor and working class of Mississippi.
Posted by Desiderata (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well said ntz143. I have worked for a Hospice program in the past and if it were not for Medicaid many of these people would not have received medical treatment; therefore their loved ones would have seen them die sooner than they should have. It is a great feeling to give someone with a chronic illness the medical treatment they need to live longer and spend more precious time with their family and friends.
Posted by Yeahuhuh (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes it is a glaring flaw in Haley Barbour's character that he protects the tobacco lobby at the expense of poor people.
But look folks, where is the mystery? You have this professional lobbyist and Republican operative financed by the national GOP and selected specially for us in Washington. Did anyone ever really think he was more than a lobbyist for the GOP and private interests?
It is true that during Katrina his special status got us plenty of government money and got it quickly. But that is not supposed to be the strong suit of Republicans. Besides that is just public money -- to buy supplies that never get distributed.
I do not think we should elect people to office that say they do not like or trust government. They will get to government and help their friends in private enterprise and hurt government.
A 10% reduction to pharmacists coupled with no negotiations for pharmaceutical prices means the governor is balancing the high cost of pharmacy on the pharmacists -- not the drug companies that are making it so expensive. Does that sound familiar?
And why do we put people in jail for smoking pot -- as proof of legitimate government power and our wise resolve -- then subsidize tobacco use with a tax moratorium? Tobacco causes much more death and destruction, throws everyone's insurance rates moonward, and really helps very few. No it is not anyone's God-given right to smoke anything and have other people pay for it in increased insurance bills.
The people of Mississippi are -- by and large -- ignorant. We are at the bottom of so many lists, but those folks of this state who hold the power are not about to re-think themselves. And it is the will of that majority that puts us at the bottom of those lists.
I like Republican ideals and self-reliance for my own life, but those people who offer to sell us a government bent to those principles are sick, selfish, and usually have figured a way to make a percentage off of every government thing they do -- at our expense. IMHO
Posted by purplehaze (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I disagree with Ntz143 that most of the people on medicaid are the elderly. I worked in a position to know better. Medicaid is for the exact people that amyrenene spoke of. The reason that medicaid is such a drain on the state is because they won't investigate possible fraud cases. There are so many people that are using programs like this to make "a living" that it would be an incredible windfall to the state to weed out the abusers. An example of what I have seen thousands of times is; young able-bodied mothers going to an "office of assistance" being driven by her boyfriend in his mercedes, cadillac, navigator, new truck etc. who by the way sits in the vehicle with the numerous children (because guess what he doesn't "work" either), while she goes in to do her business and then they go back to their piece of nothing house that he lives with her in (which constitutes fraud). They don't get married because that would throw them out of benefit. If the state would tell the younger recipients that the children they have now when applying for assistance are covered but having additional children will not raise your benefit and actually check to see if fraud is going on and do the follow-ups we wouldn't be in this predicament.
Posted by lookingout (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i dont see where you people thinks its right to make just the people that smoke pay for this..... its their right to smoke and just because they choose to dosent mean they should have to foot the bill for the medicad problem....
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
At least Barbour can't run for governor again! But there has been talk that he could be asked to run for VP...I guess he might cut Medicaid for more than just those in Mississippi then...I didn't vote for him, I remembered how he had messed up my elderly moma's Medicaid benefits (his first time in office) and now he's gonna mess with Medicaid again.
Also, after Katrina, newshounds were always talking about New Orleans and few mentioned the mess Katrina had made of Mississippi while many in Mississippi are still homeless, and some whole towns are still missing, but no one ever blames ol Haley for not doing his job the way Louisiana's then governor was bashed.
But you voted for him, again, so...
Posted by lookingout (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
what was so bad about the guy being shot that they had to disable the comments
Posted by grrbrts (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If one has to move, due to the state of Mississippi not being capable to help, then what happens? Will it be similar to the law that did not set a cap on the amount one could sue for malpractice? That, as some us of know, is what caused some doctors to move out of state to practice.
Posted by Hardcorps (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The repugnican creed is to heck with the old folks and the ones who can't help themselves. lispy barbour sounds like a dung salesman with a mouthful of samples.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Factor in that some doctors now won't even accept medicaid patients due to the bureaucracy they encounter while accepting it. I am however more concerned about the patient who legitimately NEEDS the medicaid service, and not those who are able bodied enough to work and pay for their own healthcare, that which insurance doesn't pick up. Destiny, your post is exactly what my sentiments are. Barbour has the staff and all they need to do is get out there, remove the dead beats and keep the elderly and disabled on the rolls, there won't be a need to have such a knee jerk reaction.
Anyone remember in Barbour's first term, he yanked about 60,000 off the rolls? Some where cheering and shouting for this and when the dust settled, it was found that the majority of the people removed, where actually NOT dead beats. This is what happens when you DON'T do your homework and just think a band-aid on a festering sore will do the trick.
Posted by jrn59 (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most physicians do not accept Medicaid patients due to low reciprocation they already receive; however, physicians do try to transfer Medicaid patients to a physician who accepts the pay source. Now that is the way we did it in Louisiana. Having said this, I will expound on this fact, the program itself does need to be over-hauled. Now we need to look at the many, many pregnancies in our State. It is a luxury now days to have children. Some in La. on Medicaid said they got their pay=day each month for having children. See what I mean. This program is so needed for the elderly, poor & it should remain for those. Just do not agree with the Governor's hospital tax. Hospitals and physicians have really taken a hit with Medicare and now this. Come on Governor, lets work on these high electric and gas bills!
Posted by sideline (anonymous) on July 12, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You get what you vote for. He has been bullpie ever since he's been in office.
Posted by amyrenene (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, I have an aunt that has been disabled for almost 10 years now and just recently was awarded Medicaid benefits, because, until now "she didn't qualify." This woman is legitimately disabled, and I actually witnessed her injury at work that led to her current physical status. So don't tell me I lack knowledge of you "statistics." I've worked in the medical field for several years and see how the system works. My point is that, with some reform, the Medicaid program could save in many areas, making it easier to help those who really need it. I've seen how it helps our elderly population and know that, without it, some of our elderly would not survive. However, I don't think that just because someone has a bad habit of smoking means that they should get singled out to carry the load of this population. Yes, I realize that after years of smoking, they are more likely going to experience more debilitating respiratory and cardiac disease..and I'm sure you have "statistics" on that, too. I was just giving an opinion from my EXPERIENCE.
Posted by amyrenene (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 6:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, and, by the way, I have helped several of those elderly people you are referencing to get on Medicaid to get the assistance they needed. Have a nice day:)
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on July 13, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Medicaid is like everything else misused then when something has to be done about it people want to say what a bad job the governor etc is doing. What about the people that put medicaid at risk?
Posted by blessed_momma (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the Government would STOP paying for inmates; murderers, thieves, rapists, etc... to have a FREE RIDE through life, there would be more government money! Inmates get FREE healthcare, dental care, air conditioning, heat, hot food, tv, game rooms,and MANY more luxeries that many people who are good law abiding citizens cant afford! The government should STOP paying for criminals to have FREE healthcare! They arent DISABLED!!!! They were abled enough to rob, rape, steal, murder, etc.. At what point does the Government stand up for the rights of the disabled, the poor, the elderly! ? Sadly, they DONT!! Thats what Medicaid is for.
I do agree that there are many abusing the system and using babies for "increases"! BUT, the murderers are getting FREE health care too! Thats WRONG!!
Just a personal opinion.
God bless you all!
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What about the children who are on CHIPS, which is a Medicaid Program? You don't realize how it helps parents, especially single parents. I am a single parent, for now, and my son is on the CHIPS Program. It feels good knowing that I can take my son to get proper care, when needed, and it is taken care of. I don't abuse it or misuse it. I signed up for it, because DHS gave me an option to. But my son was diagnosed with Bronchitis, and at one time for about 5 months we were in and out of the emergency room. The bills were hurting me. CHIPS is the only government aide that I get and really need. I can work to get everything. If he cut out Medicaid, he may cut CHIPS and it will hurt me and alot of people with children who don't abuse it.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I can work to get everything". I didn't say that correctly. I meant to say was, "I can get everything else on my own."
Posted by reader (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Barbour has already said one his tax study commission concludes their work (August 31) and recommends (they have said they would)a tobacco tax increase, then he will not block the proposal. Why would ANYONE want to use the proceeds for a tax cut for the hospitals though??? There are plenty of legitimate needs out there. The hospitals paid this for 12 years, and now House Democrats are offering to pay it for them just to put the Governor on the spot.
Posted by reader (anonymous) on July 14, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just reading some of the comments, the general stupity and lack of knowledge amazes me. You people should have to pass a test about the issue that you are posting about before you are allowed to post. Among others, Barbour DOES NOT have a son that works for his former lobbying firm, neither of his sons are lobbyists.
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