NABTC Joins Advocates in Describing Elements of Health Reform Bill to Assist the Disabled

January 18, 2010

The North American Brain Tumor Coalition joined more than 100 organizations in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) that describes elements that must be retained in the final health reform bill to assist those who are in the so-called Medicare waiting period. These organizations, all supporters of the Coalition to End the Two-Year Wait for Medicare, have been a strong voice for the disabled during the health reform effort.

In its letter, the Coalition to End the Two-Year Wait for Medicare acknowledged that neither the House or Senate bill eliminates the waiting period. However, the letter applauded the House and Senate for expanding Medicaid and for providing tax credits that might make private insurance more affordable for those in the two-year waiting period.

Even with new options for coverage, including Medicaid and private insurance, the Coalition to End the Two-Year Wait identified a number of barriers to care for people with disabilities who are in the waiting period. To address these barriers, the group offered specific recommendations for consideration during the reconciling of the House and Senate versions of health reform, including: 1) retaining the House provision that should set eligibility for Medicaid at 150 percent of the federal poverty level, 2) adoption of the actuarial values for exchange plans and premiums subsidies for those with limited incomes that are part of the House bill, and 3) acceptance of the 2:1 cap on age rating that is an element of the House bill.

The letter of the Coalition to End the Two-Year Wait for Medicare was signed by the NABTC and other organizations fighting for those with serious medical needs. Group Letter on Two Year Medicare Wait

Posted in Advocacy Positions, Health Care Reform