NATIONAL PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION
At a Capitol Hill hearing on the subject, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson asked lawmakers to increase funding by nearly 600% above the $297 million Congress appropriated for bioterrorism in fiscal year 2001.
Congress Set to Act on Bioterrorism Initiatives
In the wake of increased cases of anthrax exposure, the Bush Administration is seeking $1.9 billion for efforts to combat bioterrorism. At a Capitol Hill hearing on the subject, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson asked lawmakers to increase funding by nearly 600% above the $297 million Congress appropriated for bioterrorism in fiscal year 2001. The vast majority of the funds would be used to increase the production of vaccines and antibiotics, strengthen the national pharmaceutical stockpile, enhance the distribution of antibiotics, and speed the development and purchase of smallpox vaccine.
The Administration also proposed using the funds to expand the department’s capacity to identify potential bioterrorist events, and to respond to bioterrorist incidents, including increased funds for expanding the number of rapid response teams operated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Funds would also be used to support additional epidemiology teams that can respond to infectious disease outbreaks and other public health risks as a result of bioterrorist events. In addition, the government would also assist hospital emergency departments in preparing for, and responding to, the potential need for mass immunization and treatment; enhance state and local departments of health preparedness; increase inspection of imported food; and expand capacity at 78 federal laboratories in 45 states. Members of Congress from all political parties have expressed general support for the Administration’s bioterrorism initiative. Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) are developing bipartisan legislation to expand on the Administration’s proposal. Action on a comprehensive bioterrorism bill is anticipated to take place this year.·
NPAF SEEKS BALANCED REFORM OF MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT AND PROTECTION OF ACCESS TO QUALITY CARE Continued from page 1
NPAF
strongly believes that issues surrounding Medicare reim-bursement have
a direct impact on the availability of medical services and the quality
of care that beneficiaries receive. As Congress and the Administration
continue to debate these impor-tant issues, NPAF will continue to closely
monitor all actions, provide data lawmakers in order to assist them in
making informed decisions, work with our colleagues in the patient advocacy
community, consult with our Board of Directors and Policy Committees and
serve as a voice of moderation and action on behalf of the patients we
serve.
At the recommendation of NPAF, the Cancer Leadership Council, of which NPAF is an active member, is seeking a meeting with Mr. Scully to discuss the cumulative impact that revisions to Medicare reimbursement for oncology services could have on access to quality cancer care.
Covered Prescription
Drug Payments
BACKGROUND:
While Medicare does include a comprehensive outpatient prescription drug
benefit, certain prescription drugs are covered under Part B. This includes
drugs such as chemotherapy, drugs used with a nebulizer, and immunosuppressive
therapies. Recent reports by the HHS Inspector General and others have
concluded that Medicare payments for covered drugs are significantly higher
than physicians’ actual cost of acquiring these therapies. Last year,
HHS proposed a significant reduction in payment for covered prescription
drugs. However, after concerns about the impact of such reductions on
access and quality of care were raised by patients and physicians, Congress
prohibited HHS from implementing the proposed changes. Instead, Congress
asked the General Accounting Office to conduct a comprehensive review
of the current payment methodology for both the cost of covered prescription
drugs as well as physician practice expenses associated with the delivery
of these products.