Parson Names Health Director
08 Tuesday Feb 2022
08 Tuesday Feb 2022
23 Friday Jul 2021
Posted Healthcare, Missouri General Assembly
in“Listen to the people” “Medicaid expansion is good for Missouri’s health” [July 1, 2021, Jefferson City, Missouri]
Yesterday:
Crystal Quade @crystal_quade
My statement on the Supreme Court upholding the Medicaid expansion amendment:Today’s unanimous Missouri Supreme Court decision is a complete vindication for those who have worked to expand health care access and a thorough rejection of those willing to defy Missouri voters
[….]
1/2
12:22 PM · Jul 22, 2021
Crystal Quade @crystal_quade
…and ignore the rule of law to stop it from happening. We expect the trial judge will follow the Supreme Court’s clear direction and promptly order the state to begin providing Medicaid services to the expanded population as mandated by the Missouri Constitution.2/2 #MoLeg
12:22 PM · Jul 22, 2021
In the Missouri Constitution:
IV Section 36(c). MO HealthNet expansion — eligibility — state plan amendments — maximization of federal participation — limitation on burdens or restrictions. — 1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, beginning July 1, 2021, individuals nineteen years of age or older and under sixty-five years of age who qualify for MO HealthNet services under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII) and as set forth in 42 C.F.R. 435.119, and who have income at or below one hundred thirty-three percent of the federal poverty level plus five percent of the applicable family size as determined under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(e)(14) and as set forth in 42 C.F.R. 435.603, shall be eligible for medical assistance under MO HealthNet and shall receive coverage for the health benefits service package.
2. For purposes of this section “health benefits service package” shall mean benefits covered by the MO HealthNet program as determined by the department of social services to meet the benchmark or benchmark-equivalent coverage requirement under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(k)(1) and any implementing regulations.
3. No later than March 1, 2021, the Department of Social Services and the MO HealthNet Division shall submit all state plan amendments necessary to implement this section to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
4. The Department of Social Services and the MO HealthNet Division shall take all actions necessary to maximize federal financial participation in funding medical assistance pursuant to this section.
5. No greater or additional burdens or restrictions on eligibility or enrollment standards, methodologies, or practices shall be imposed on persons eligible for MO HealthNet services pursuant to this section than on any other population eligible for medical assistance.
6. All references to federal or state statutes, regulations or rules in this section shall be to the version of those statutes, regulations or rules that existed on January 1, 2019.
——–
(Adopted August 4, 2020)
Yesterday, from the Missouri Supreme Court:
SUPREME COURT OF MISSOURI
en bancSTEPHANIE DOYLE, et al., Opinion issued July 22, 20212 No. SC99185
Appellants,
LUKE BARBER and CHRISTINE )
CHANEY,
Appellants,v.
JENNIFER TIDBALL, et al.,
Respondents.APPEAL FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COLE COUNTY
The Honorable Jon E. Beetem, JudgePER CURIAM
Stephanie Doyle, Melinda Hille, and Autumn Stultz, three Missourians who are eligible for MO HealthNet coverage under article IV, section 36(c) of the Missouri Constitution, (“Plaintiffs”) brought suit challenging the refusal by the Department of Social Services (“DSS”) to provide that coverage because the General Assembly failed to appropriate adequate funding. The circuit court rejected Plaintiffs’ claims because it found the ballot initiative that enacted article IV, section 36(c) violated article III, section 51 of the Missouri Constitution, which prohibits initiatives from appropriating money without creating revenue to fund the initiative. Because article IV, section 36(c) does not appropriate money and does not remove the General Assembly’s discretion in appropriating money to MO HealthNet, the circuit court erred in declaring article IV, section 36(c) constitutionally invalid. The circuit court’s judgment is affirmed in part and vacated in part, and the cause remanded for the circuit court to enter judgment for the Plaintiffs, which includes determination of the appropriate injunctive relief.
[….]
Nothing in article IV, section 36(c) deprives the General Assembly of its discretion and requires it to appropriate a specified amount for MO HealthNet services and benefits. The General Assembly maintains the discretion to decide whether and to what extent it will appropriate money for MO HealthNet programs. 4 Even though it is highly possible the General Assembly appropriated less money than MO HealthNet programs are estimated to cost in FY 2022, the consequences of failing to fund MO HealthNet fully at the outset or even with a supplemental appropriation are not before this Court because they are not relevant to whether article IV, section 36(c) violates article III, section 51. Because article IV, section 36(c) does not expressly appropriate money for MO HealthNet nor deprive the General Assembly of discretion and require it to appropriate money for its purposes, it does not violate article III, section 51.
[….]
The General Assembly chose to appropriate funds for the MO HealthNet programs for FY 2022. This was one of presumably thousands of difficult decisions made each year during the appropriation process. But, having made this decision, DSS and MO HealthNet are bound by article IV, section 36(c) concerning which individuals are eligible to enroll when it spends the appropriated funds. Consequently, DSS has appropriation authority to provide services for all individuals eligible for MO HealthNet, including individuals eligible for coverage and services pursuant to article IV, section 36(c).
Conclusion
For the reasons set forth above, the circuit court’s judgment is affirmed only insofar as it overruled the Proposed Intervenors’ motion to intervene. In all other respects, the judgment is vacated, and the cause is remanded to the circuit court to enter judgment for the Plaintiffs, which includes determination of the appropriate injunctive relief.
All concur.
“All concur”.
01 Thursday Jul 2021
Posted Healthcare, Missouri Governor
inLate this morning in Jefferson City around one hundred fifty supporters of Medicaid expansion in Missouri rallied in front the Governor’s Mansion. If the right wingnut controlled General Assembly had honored the wishes of voters and the explicit language they approved for inclusion in the Missouri Constitution access to health care for hundreds of thousands of Missourians would have started today.
The rally organizers were aware of a press event at the Missouri Department of Transportation building with Governor Mike Parson (r). The supporters of Medicaid expansion marched on the sidewalk the short distance to the building and continued the rally there, waiting for the governor to exit the building.
The rally and march was sponsored by Missouri Health Care for All, Missouri Jobs with Justice, and Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri.
Previously:
So, why hasn’t Medicaid Expansion happened in Missouri? (March 31, 2019)
Because Medicaid expansion is “too expensive” (October 28, 2019)
Medicaid Expansion Rally – Clinton, Missouri – April 17, 2021 (April 17, 2021)
Medicaid expansion? What Medicaid expansion? (May 3, 2021)
So it begins (May 21, 2021)
26 Saturday Jun 2021
Tags
Denny Hoskins, Federal Reimbursement Allowance, FRA, General Assembly, John Rizzo, Medicaid, missouri, social media, Special Session, Twitter
During the latest regular legislative session the right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly failed to continue the legislation enabling the previously non-controversial Federal Reimbursement Allowance [FRA] program for Missouri.
There is a looming deadline for legislation to implement the program before it impacts Medicaid and forces cuts in other general revenue funded areas.
Governor Mike Parson (r) called a special session of the General Assembly in attempt to deal with the mess. The General Assembly is now in that special session.
Senator John Rizzo (D):
J O H N R I Z Z O @JohnJRizzo
The MO Senate has passed a 3yr FRA. This version has NO LANGUAGE banning birth control & NO LANGUAGE defunding providers. Good work by all involved, especially the Senate Women who removed the list of birth control from the final bill.
1:18 AM · Jun 26, 2021
Early this morning, From the Senate Journal [pdf]:
Journal of the Senate
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
FIRST EXTRA SESSION
FOURTH DAY—SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021
[….]
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEESSenator Hough, Chairman of the Committee on Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight, submitted the following report:
Mr. President: Your Committee on Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight, to which was referred SS No. 3 for SB 1, begs leave to report that it has considered the same and recommends that the bill do pass.
THIRD READING OF SENATE BILLS
SS No. 3 for SB 1, introduced by Senator Hegeman, entitled:
SENATE SUBSTITUTE NO. 3 FOR
SENATE BILL NO. 1An Act to repeal sections 190.839, 198.439, 208.152, 208.437, 208.480, 338.550, and 633.401, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof seven new sections relating to MO HealthNet. Was taken up.
On motion of Senator Hegeman, SS No. 3 for SB 1 was read the 3rd time and passed by the following vote:
YEAS—Senators
Arthur Bean Beck Bernskoetter Brown Cierpiot Crawford
Eigel Eslinger Gannon Hegeman Hough Luetkemeyer May
Mosley O’Laughlin Razer Rehder Riddle Rizzo Roberts
Rowden Schatz Schupp Washington White Wieland Williams—28NAYS—Senators
Brattin Burlison Koenig Moon Onder—5Absent—Senators—None
Absent with leave—Senator Hoskins—1
Vacancies—NoneThe President declared the bill passed.
On motion of Senator Hegeman, title to the bill was agreed to.
Senator Hegeman moved that the vote by which the bill passed be reconsidered.
Senator Rowden moved that motion lay on the table, which motion prevailed.
[….]
Previously:
“The buck stops…somewhere over there” (June 22, 2021)
On the mark (June 22, 2021)
Now what? (June 22, 2021)
Denny Hoskins (r): sleeping through school as an aspirational model for life (June 23, 2021)
If you take the health care out of Medicaid, is it still Medicaid? (June 25, 2021)
19 Thursday Nov 2020
Posted Healthcare, social media, US Senate
inIowa Senator Chuck Grassley (r):
ChuckGrassley @ChuckGrassley
I remain symptom free & in isolation. I continue to feel good Thx for all the messages of encouragement & prayers
1:58 PM · Nov 18, 2020
Some of the responses:
I’m guessing you are getting the good stuff already. Sorry the two people who just died in my small Montana county and who probably voted R were not as lucky. How does it feel to chop those grasping hands off the lifeboat so you can survive? It it all you dreamed it to be?
Unfortunately, 246,000 Dead #American Families don’t feel so good that the republicans Politicians Mislead constitutes
Undermined Health Experts, COVID19 restrictive measures & enabling the deaths of thousands of more #Americans by not allowing the peaceful transition of power
While you are quarantining, spare a thought for the millions in increasingly dire straits without pandemic relief. Maybe look at the aerial footage of the shockingly long bread lines? Senators like you are their only hope at this point.
Trust me I didn’t send any good wishes or prayers
You’ve got to get back and do the peoples’ business of confirming unqualified judges and quacks to the Federal Reserve
Hope you get well soon. And that this experience informs you of the importance of passing a bill that enables people to stay home without undue financial hardship and that gives every medical facility and essential worker in the country what they need to be safe
Not going to happen.
Must be nice to still get a pay check while you’re in quarantine.
Good, but let’s not forget:
Days it took the GOP to confirm Amy Coney Barrett: 30
Days it took them to pass a $1,900,000,000,000 tax cut for the super-rich: 51
Days since they let expanded unemployment benefits expire for millions of Americans: 99 and counting…
You are complicit in the deaths of tens of thousands. How do you feel about that?
Happy for your family that you aren’t sick. However, how about the families of the 1,700+ Americans who died today? Anything you want to say to them? Besides sorry you didn’t get the same drugs……
Hope for you that this opens your eyes to go the route of caring for your planet and fellow humans vs always siding with greed and power.
Your maker knows the difference.
Nah. If he’s supposedly asymptomatic, I wouldn’t hold my breath for a change of heart. Plus as everyone else has mentioned, it’s super easy to act like covid is no sweat when you’ve got top quality socialized healthcare, exclusive drugs, unlimited PTO and a steady paycheck.
You are fortunate. No ventilator. No struggle to breathe. No family members who must watch you on facetime take your last breath. Perhaps you can show respect for those who wish they had your outcome by encouraging masks on the Senate floor.
How’s that socialized healthcare. I bet they even give you the good medicine. Good thing you’re not a meat packer, you would be forced to work w/o ppe. Relax and enjoy your checks on a regular basis.
It has to be said. But he doesn’t give one good goddamn.
And somehow he doesn’t get it that this is exactly why people should wear their masks. He is asymptomatic, so he has been spreading it to other people around him. What a monster.
Also free of compassion for the huddled masses yearning to breathe free or breathe at all lately
So what you’re saying is that everything is under control and republicans should continue to spread the virus and refuse to wear masks?
He’s shown us time and time again that he doesn’t care. He’s complicit in family separations, forced hysterectomies, and the spread of COVID—just to name a few.
You could have at least ended your tweet with, “Please, Wear a Mask!” But you guys can’t even do that.
No. He doesn’t care about people, just power.
You didn’t get one from me. Btw thanks for missing that vote yesterday. It gave us the opportunity to sink that Fed garbage you wanted installed.
You’ll be fine. Only the good die young.
We could have been like New Zealand.
Just imagine if you were quarantining and you were BROKE and had a couple of kids, with no hope in sight of help from the government who promised to protect you. Because two sides can’t figure out how to come together a lot of people are suffering. Glad to hear you’re fine, tho.
That DC strain obviously does not work on evil politicians. You lucked out.
Is it real yet or no?
Lucky you have socialized health care.
Now talk about the people you possibly infected.
Tots and pears. Tell your president to concede already.
I like the upbeat regular updates. Herman Cain did those too.
A grown man who down played the virus and the advise of scientist, now wants to thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Sorry you are not getting them from me. You are to blame for so many dying.
I think, people who are struggling to live should protest at Senators houses on Thanksgiving! Since they can’t pass a damn stimulus to help people, but, they can question social media CEO’s and confirm another judge
Grassley was last at the Capitol on Monday, when he spoke on the Senate floor. He made a brief speech about the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he was not wearing a mask while he spoke.
Stay healthy while killing people, please! Remember: virus is a hoax, don’t pass expensive relief to those in dire need, save it for the 0.1 percenters, and come out of isolation since straining hospitals and endangering 1st responders is a personal choice. Freedom!
Possibly sarcasm.
Maybe Sherrod Brown had a point when he implored Senators to wear masks? Did you check with Ted Cruz?
Yep, 2020.
20 Sunday Sep 2020
Posted Healthcare, Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Senate
inTags
Judy Baker (D) has an ad on the air in the 19th Senate District:
In times like these every Missouri family needs good healthcare
at a price they can afford.As the director of a major healthcare group I managed over six hundred doctors. I reduced cost and improved access to health care for mid-Missouri families.
I’m Judy Baker. As your senator I won’t take money from insurance or drug companies and I’ll never let them deny you healthcare because of a pre-existing condition.
Because when it comes to your family I’ll always be on your side.
05 Wednesday Aug 2020
Posted Healthcare, social media
inThe initiative for Medicaid expansion in Missouri passed. Too damn close.
State of Missouri – Primary Election, August 04, 2020
Unofficial Results
as of 8/5/2020 6:34:43 AMConstitutional Amendment No. 2 [Medicaid expansion] 3575 of 3575 Precincts Reported
YES 672,967 53.250%
NO 590,809 46.750%Total Votes: 1,263,776
[emphasis added]
State of Missouri – Primary Election, August 04, 2020
Unofficial Results
as of 8/5/2020 7:21:08 AMConstitutional Amendment No. 2 3575 of 3575 Precincts Reported
County YES NO
Boone 23,697 11,891
Clay 26,467 18,008
Greene 27,772 25,343
Jackson 41,233 25,528
Kansas City 49,350 6,938
Platte 12,567 7,810
St. Charles 40,363 38,171
St. Louis 181,501 67,906
St. Louis City 65,214 8,556Iron 64 70
[emphasis added]
Different takes:
Blue Girl the Tenacious Teacher @BGinKC
Congratulations out-state sister-fuckers. Y’all wouldn’t vote to keep your local health centers open, you just figured you’d keep doing what you’ve been doing…coming to the city, showing up in the ER knowing we have to treat them because of EMTALA.So we did it for you.
6:08 AM · Aug 5, 2020 from Kansas City, MO
Blue Girl grew up in rural Missouri, comes from a family with generations involved in farming, served in the military, and currently lives in Kansas City.
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) was passed by the US Congress in 1986 as part of the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA), much of which dealt with Medicare issues. The law’s initial intent was to ensure patient access to emergency medical care and to prevent the practice of patient dumping, in which uninsured patients were transferred, solely for financial reasons, from private to public hospitals without consideration of their medical condition or stability for the transfer….
And:
Lindsey Simmons @LynzforCongress
I’ve seen a lot of commentary from my fellow Missourians living in STL and KC discussing “rural Missouri voting against its interest.”Here’s the thing.
Y’all have to stop talking about us like we’re stupid. You’ve got to leave your bubble + come stand with us.
6:11 AM · Aug 5, 2020
Lindsey Simmons grew up in rural Missouri, comes from a family with generations involved in farming, is the spouse of an individual currently serving active duty in the military, and lives in rural Missouri.
Lindsey Simmons is the Democratic Party nominee running in the 4th Congressional District.
Still, the vote on Amendment 2 was too damn close. Ya’ll.
23 Thursday Jul 2020
Posted campaign finance, Healthcare
inTags
campaign finance, healthcare, imitiative, Medicaid expansion, missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission
Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission for the initiative to expand Medicaid on the August primary ballot:
190918 07/23/2020 Missourians for Healthcare The Fairness Project 1342 Florida Ave NW Washington DC 20009 7/21/2020 $150,000.00
C190918 07/23/2020 Missourians for Healthcare North Fund 1101 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 450 Washington DC 20036 7/21/2020 $350,000.00
C190918 07/23/2020 Missourians for Healthcare American Heart Association 460 N Lindbergh St Louis MO 63141 7/22/2020 $22,924.13
C190918 07/23/2020 Missourians for Healthcare North Fund 1101 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 450 Washington DC 20036 7/22/2020 $19,000.00
[emphasis added]
They’re not taking prisoners…
Previously:
Campaign Finance: they’re serious (July 12, 2020)
Campaign Finance: singular focus (July 15, 2020)
Campaign Finance: serious and more serious (July 20, 2020)
13 Monday Jul 2020
Posted campaign finance, Healthcare
inTags
campaign finance, healthcare, intiative, Medicaid expansion, missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission, right wingnuts
Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission for the right wingnut committee opposed to Medicaid expansion on the August 4th ballot:
C201344 07/13/2020 No on 2 in August Pelopidas, LLC 1034 S. Brentwood Blvd. Ste 1700 St Louis MO 63117 7/13/2020 $69,697.82
[emphasis added]
They’re consistent.
12 Sunday Jul 2020
Posted campaign finance, Healthcare
inTags
campaign finance, healthcare, initiative, Medicaid expansion, missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission
As should we all be.
Today at the Missouri Ethics Commission for the committee supporting Medicaid expansion on the August 4, 2020 ballot:
C190918 07/12/2020 Missourians for Healthcare Missouri Hospital Association PO Box 60 Jefferson City MO 65102 7/10/2020 $16,538.00
C190918 07/12/2020 Missourians for Healthcare North Fund 1101 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 450 Washington DC 20036 7/10/2020 $88,000.00
C190918 07/12/2020 Missourians for Healthcare North Fund 1101 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 450 Washington DC 20036 7/10/2020 $1,500,000.00
[emphasis added]
Yep, they’re serious.