News in brief - Nov. 12, 2007

Revised SCHIP bill still short of veto override support - Biden health reforms would expand federal programs

Revised SCHIP bill still short of veto override support

A second State Children's Health Insurance Program reauthorization bill passed 265-142 in the House on Oct. 25 but still failed to garner a veto-proof majority, despite revisions by Democratic leaders.

The new bill would limit SCHIP eligibility to 300% of the federal poverty level instead of allowing states that meet certain standards to go higher. The measure also would phase out SCHIP coverage of adults in one year instead of two.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D, Md.) said changes in the $60 billion bill were tailored specifically to meet recent Republican criticisms. President Bush threatened to veto the measure because the changes weren't "meaningful."

Republicans greeted the legislation with skepticism. House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R, Mo.) said Democrats are turning SCHIP into a political issue rather than crafting a meaningful compromise.

Biden health reforms would expand federal programs

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden (D, Del.) last month unveiled a plan to reduce the number of uninsured people by expanding federal health programs, offering a national insurance plan for catastrophic illnesses, and boosting funding and coverage for preventive care.

Biden would improve access to health insurance by expanding eligibility for the State Children's Health Insurance Program to 300% of the federal poverty level, by allowing those 55 and older to enroll in Medicare and by letting the public buy coverage in SCHIP or federal employee health plans with sliding-scale premiums.

He also would require uniform billing and claim systems, and establish a panel to compare the effectiveness of medical devices, technology, treatment protocols and the management of chronic diseases.

Biden's CARE plan can be accessed on his Web site (www.joebiden.com/issues?id=0003).