March 01, 2013
In a State of the Union address that largely touted objectives favored by Democrats, President Obama called on Republicans to be less partisan.
February 13, 2013
In a State of the Union address largely focused on jobs and the economy, President Obama challenged a divided Congress to avoid automatic funding cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, raise the minimum wage and relax immigration rules.
The U.S. Senate ends its recess Monday, six days after the House reconvened. That sets the stage for more intense lobbying over healthcare spending and other measures, including the Medicare Part B therapy caps exceptions process and how to fund Medicare doctors. Both were part of a two-month reprieve Congress approved shortly before Christmas. Long-term care providers and numerous other special interest groups will continue their blitz of lawmakers and their staff members in attempts to curry favor for what should be a much longer legislative solution this time. Also on tap: Watching intently Tuesday to see whether long-term care is mentioned in President Obama's State of the Union address.
The Affordable Care Act would not keep healthcare costs down, testified David Foster, chief actuary for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, before the House Budget Committee.
January 27, 2011
President Obama defiantly said he would fight any repeal efforts to his health care reform platform but added in his State of the Union address Tuesday night that he would remain open to ideas for improving it. He also called for more spending cuts to Medicare and Medicaid but didn't offer any specifics.
Providers are kicking into a higher, cutting-edge gear to get their positions known in advance of President Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday. The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living have launched an informational campaign across social media outlets, called the State of Long Term and Post-Acute Care.
January 27, 2010
A robust jobs proposal and strengthening the nation's long-term care sector must be cornerstones of the 2010 legislative agenda, said Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association. He released a statement on the eve of President Obama's first State of the Union speech.
President Obama is expected to call for a three-year, $250 billion discretionary spending freeze during his State of the Union address tonight. Its effect on healthcare might not be as bad as many think, according to recent analyses.
