Published by: Richard Hamburg on 1/7/2011 12:03:48 PM
I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that the incoming House majority has scheduled a vote for repeal of the Affordable Care Act for Wednesday, January 12th. Attached are copies of both their repeal bill and “replacement” resolution. Much as I’d like to, I will refrain from gratuitous comments on the name of the repeal bill. To view a copy of the Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act – http://healthyamericans.org/assets/files/House%20Health%20Reform%20Repeal%20Bill.pdf. And for the resolution — http://healthyamericans.org/assets/files/House%20Health%20Reform%20Replacement%20Bill.pdf
Just a reminder that comments on the National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy (NPS) draft vision, goals, strategic directions, and recommendations are due on Thursday, January 13th. For a link to the recommendations and the template for submitting responses — http://www.hhs.gov/news/reports/nphps.html. Also, we have drafted a set of comments for organizational sign-on, attached here for your review — TFAH Draft NPS Comments Sign On. The letter addresses some key general concepts, and is meant to supplement any issue-specific comments your individual organizations or coalitions might be submitting. We’re obviously on a tight turnaround schedule, so please contact me by no later than Tuesday, January 11th to add your organization to the letter.
The Affordable Care Act calls for the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to recommend an initial core set of health quality measures for Medicaid eligible adults. HHS has now posted a Federal Register notice on an initial proposed set of Medicaid quality measures for adults. This includes prevention-specific measures. A public comment period is open until March 1. To view the proposed notice — Notice on Proposed Medicaid Quality Measures. Also, for a link to further background from the Agency for Healthcare, Research and Quality (AHRQ): http://www.ahrq.gov/about/nacqm/.
Here’s the latest list of groups supporting the Prevention Fund (including NAPH). It’s going to be a long fight to protect the fund, so although the list is already robust, we really do need to expand our scope of support. If your organization(s) have not already done so, please sign on in support, and don’t hesitate to forward to your member organizations, coalition partners, state and local affiliates, and divisions. The only caveat is that we are not signing on individuals, only organizations. Please think about non-traditional partners as well. Thanks!
Richard Hamburg
Deputy Director
Trust for America’s Health · 1730 M Street, NW · Suite 900 · Washington, DC 20036