CAREGIVERS USA NEWS

Vol. I, No. 28
May 19, 2003

MAINE RX WINS FIRST ROUND
The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld Maine Rx, the state program that extends discount drug prices to the poor and uninsured. But the court left open further challenges to the program. The drug industry had argued that the state law conflicted with federal Medicaid laws and violated the Constitution by interfering with interstate commerce. The ruling is a "victory for consumers, who deserve access to more affordable prescription drugs," said U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine.

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WE COUNT EVERY LEAF
The Caregivers-USA.org "Family Tree of Elder Caregiving" is our attempt to elevate awareness about caregiving and caregiving service providers. We have expanded the database and opened up new categories that make it easier for caregivers to find you! Advertised on our affiliated sites and through the Google AdWords program, more than 150,000 hits per day lead to Caregivers-USA.org.
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SENATE BUDGET PRESERVES MEDICARE, MEDICAID FUNDING
The Senate and House will begin working this week to negotiate a compromise budget bill after last week's Senate passage of a measure includes a $350 billion tax cut and preserves funding for Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Senate mesure includes an amendment by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) that would increased Payments to doctors and hospitals in rural areas.

FRIST SEES "HEALTH CARE GAP"
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist says he'll "close the health care gap" through programs that he says would increase access to health care and boost funding for research and programs to combat health disparities for minority and low-income populations. He said his bill will expand health coverage to the uninsured through tax credits, provide grants to promote broad local health awareness and prevention programs and expand the mission of HHS' Office of Minority Health.

KERRY WOULD EXPAND HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) says his health care proposal would "dramatically expand" access to health insurance while trying to control growing health costs. Under Kerry's plan, the federal government would assume states' share of costs for covering children enrolled in Medicaid. Further Kerry said he would end legal provisions allowing drug companies to block generic medications from entering the market.

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HOW SHALL OUR LIVES BE MEASURED?
Caregiving is essentially spiritual. It is ministering to the spirits of our brothers and sisters in their time of great need. Every religion places supreme importance on this holy mission, yet in the daily rush of trying to do more with less, our spiritual fires can sometimes flicker. Reignite your inner flame with the latest title in the & Thou Shalt Honor video library -- Spiritual Caregiving, just released in VHS. See a preview and order your copy now.
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ARKANSAS FUNDS "COMING HOME" PROGRAMS
Federal grants will be used to fund two assisted living facilities for the impoverished elderly in Arkansas. Another 900 housing units will be created for low-income workers. In an unusual twist, the program is administered partly by the state's economic development authority, which says that the state's impoverished areas will not attract new jobs until there is adequate housing for workes.