January 3, 2007

CARIE Policy Update and Meeting Announcement

Quote of the Month
“I am truly overwhelmed. This is not something I thought about 24 hours ago.” -Representative Dennis O’Brien, newly elected Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

And the Winner Is...
In a surprising development, Representative Dennis O’Brien (R., Philadelphia) was elected by a 105-97 vote to become the Speaker of the House in Pennsylvania. Even Rep. O’Brien did not anticipate his own nomination. Rep. Bill Deweese, the expected Democratic nominee, actually nominated Rep. O’Brien when he realized he wouldn’t have enough votes to defeat his Republican challenger, Rep. John Perzel. For the first time in at least 100 years of Pennsylvania’s history, the Speaker won’t be from the majority party. The following six Republican Representatives voted for Rep. O’Brien: Kerry Benninghoff (Center), Jim Cox (Berks), Brad Roae (Crawford), Sam Rohrer (Berks), Curt Schroder (Chester), and David Steil (Bucks). The following three Democratic Representatives crossed party lines and voted for Rep. Perzel: Thomas Caltagirone (Berks), Angel Cruz (Phila.), and Rosita Youngblood (Phila.). Perhaps due to the chaotic situation, Rep. O’Brien did not officially vote. The Democrats hold a slim 102-101 lead in the House and are expected to be appointed to chair all House committees as opposed to the bipartisan split proposed by Perzel.

Medicare Part D
The Medicare Part D Annual Enrollment Period ended December 31. The second year of the Medicare Part D program began January 1, 2007. It doesn’t appear that many beneficiaries changed plans despite the fact that most plans have changed their formularies and over 75% of Part D enrollees are in a plan that has increased its premium for 2007. Individuals who did make changes may also experience problems related to data not being transferred by the time they need to fill a prescription. While the Annual Enrollment Period ended December 31, a beneficiary may fall into a “Special Enrollment Period” that allows for plan changes after January 1, 2007.  For example, dual eligible beneficiaries can switch plans at any time. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a fact sheet, Part D Special Enrollment Periods, outlining the categories.  CMS has also issued drug transition requirements and expectations for 2007 to help Part D enrollees get a temporary supply of medications if they experience problems filling prescriptions.  The PA Health Law Project has a special Part D section on their website that has many useful resources.  CARIE also has a link to help people with Medicare - especially those with lower incomes - to find out online how to reduce their prescription drug costs. CARIE works with the non-profit Access to Benefits Coalition to help older adults find ways to save money on their medications. This online service is fast, free and confidential. CARIE LINE counselors are available to resolve Part D problems or help consumers enroll in the Low Income Subsidy program. Please contact the CARIE LINE with any questions or problems related to Medicare Part D or the Low Income Subsidy program.

Just the Links.....
The following are links to potential resources or documents of interest:

• Governor Rendell established a new website to help Pennsylvanians prevent, detect, and respond to identity theft at www.IdentityTheftActionPlan.com.
• The Center for Health Care Strategies has issued a Medicaid managed care report, “Seeking Higher Value in Medicaid: A National Scan of State Purchasers.”  
• The National Institute of Justice released an article, “Elder Abuse in the United States.”
• The International Longevity Center proposes eight guiding principles in its recent policy report: “Redesigning Health Care for An Older America.”
• The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions released a 117 page report, “Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006.” (Please click on "Senate Reports: 109-366.)  The Older Americans Act was reauthorized on October 17, 2006.
• The House Committee on Energy and Commerce released a18 page report regarding the “Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006.”  (Plese click on "House Reports: 109-716.")  The Lifespan Respite Care Act became law on December 21, 2006 and is expected to help about 50 million family caregivers of adults and children with special needs find respite care.
  
• Pennsylvanians for Effective Government has issued a “Guidebook to New Elected Officials 2006"  (My apologies - link inadvertently omitted in the last CARIE Connection)

CARIE Connection Archives
Looking for a resource or article previously posted in CARIE Connection? Archives of past editions of CARIE Connection are now available in the “News” section of CARIE’s website.

January Meeting
Please click here for a copy of CARIE's Dorothy S. Washburn Legislative Committee’s December 7th meeting agenda. Hope you can join us. As always, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.  Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!
Thanks,
Kathy