July 17, 2009

Dear Partners,

We wanted to correct an error from yesterday's alert and inform you about a House amendment related to EPSDT services.

Correction

In the Action Step section of yesterday's alert, we stated that Medicaid was expanded to 150% FPL in the House bill.  It was actually expanded to 133% FPL. 

EPSDT Amendment

We recently received the great news that the House Education and Labor Committee passed an amendment that would guarantee children access to Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) services - the standard benefits package under Medicaid - as part of any government-approved, Exchange-participating health plan.  This is a priority that NEACH has been supporting throughout the health reform debate, and we are very happy to see that it will be included in the final House bill. 

Two moderate Republicans, Michael Castle (R - DE) and Todd Platts (R - PA), joined Democrats to approve the amendment by a vote of 31-17.  The amendment was introduced by Robert Scott (D - VA).  

Action Step

For MA, CT and NH partners, please call Representatives John Tierney (MA), Joe Courtney (CT), and Carol Shea-Porter (NH) and thank them for voting for this amendment.

Contact information for the New England delegation can be found here.

Thank you for your continued support of children in health care reform. If you have any questions, please contact me (617-275-2929, arosenthal@communitycatalyst.org) or Maia Fedyszyn (617-275-2871, mfedyszyn@communitycatalyst.org).

Sincerely,

Amy Rosenthal
Project Director