We have all heard by now that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the Stimulus Package should bring some much needed relief to the State of California. As the unemployment rate jumps to historic highs, and millions of Californians find themselves also without health insurance, it is vital that federal agencies step up to the plate. The goal is to obtain health coverage assistance, increase the quality of health care, and invest in health-related technologies.
So what does this mean for us? According to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act analysis, some of the major health care provisions are:
·· Medi-Cal support, including increases in federal matching payments, increased Disproportionate Share Hospital funding, a moratorium on federal Medicaid provider reimbursement changes, and extension of Transitional Medi-Cal and Indian health care programs
·· Assistance with health coverage, including subsidies for and extensions of COBRA coverage and expansion of the federal Health Care Tax Credit
·· Investments in primary care, including grant opportunities, enhanced reimbursement for community health centers, and additional support for primary health care workforce programs
·· Elevated status for comparative effectiveness research, including establishment of a federal advisory board and dedication of substantial funding.
·· Support for public health activities, health and science research and facility modernization, and health information technology, including telehealth and broadband programs.
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Tags: COBRA, heath insurance
I’ve been engaged in taxes for longer then I care to admit, both on the private side (all my employed life-time!!) and from a legal standpoint since passing the bar and following up on tax law. I’ve provided a lot of advice and rectified a lot of wrongs, and I must say that what you’ve put up makes perfect sense. Please uphold the good work – the more individuals know the better they’ll be equipped to deal with the tax man, and that’s what it’s all about.