The House Energy and Commerce Committee Wednesdayunanimously passed legislation that would put a hold on the implementation ofseven Medicaid regulations, despite threats of a presidential veto.
Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt warnedlegislators that President Bush’s advisors would recommend that the presidentveto the moratorium. Representatives John Dingell (D-MI) and Joe Barton (R-TX)have expressed their confidence that the bill, which passed their committee46-0, has enough support in both houses to override a veto.
The proposed Medicaid rules are projected to trim atleast $15 billion from the program over five years. (Recent reports have shownthe actual costs to states – incurred through loss of jobs, wages and businessactivity – would be significantly higher.) Delaying the rules’ implementationuntil April 1, 2009, would cost $1.6 billion. Legislators have said they wouldpay for the moratorium, in part, with funds from a reserve originally allocatedfor physician reimbursement rate overhauls.
