California AG Urges SCOTUS to Uphold Health Care Act
[AG Kamala Harris] – California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today led 10 states in filing a friend-of-the-court brief in the U.S. Supreme Court urging the high court not to invalidate the federal health care reform law in its entirety if that court decides the minimum coverage provision is unconstitutional.
“States have begun to implement substantial portions of the Act, such as prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage to children with preexisting conditions, allowing States to better regulate insurance rates, and helping States establish high risk pools for their citizens. Today, these reforms are bringing real relief to States, medical providers, and families across the country. The reforms are also helping all States grapple with the serious problem of the high number of uninsured citizens. While the minimum coverage provision unquestionably advances the Congressional goal of comprehensive health care reform in general and private health insurance reform in particular, the minimum coverage provision operates independently of the vast majority of the Affordable Care Act,” the amicus brief states.
In August 2011, a divided United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s minimum coverage provision, which in 2014 will require that adults maintain adequate health insurance, is unconstitutional. The United States government appealed that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will hear oral arguments in the matter in March.
Attorney General Harris, joined by 10 other attorneys general, argued in a brief filed today in the U.S. Supreme Court that the minimum coverage provision is constitutional. If, however, the court decides the minimum coverage provision is unconstitutional, the remainder of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – including measures that have already been implemented – should remain intact.
Connecticut Low Income Health Insurance - News
[AG Kamala Harris] – California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today led 10 states in filing a friend-of-the-court brief in the US Supreme Court urging the high court not to invalidate the federal health care reform law in its entirety if that court
By CHRISTOPHER WEAVER And ANNA WILDE MATHEWS The nation's second-largest health insurer is shaking up its approach to paying doctors, putting a major investment behind the idea that spending more for better primary care can save money down the road.
By Mariana Lopez-Rosas Starting this year, Connecticut will no longer rely on private insurance companies to manage its low-income health care programs. On Jan. 1, Connecticut assumed direct financial responsibility for its Medicaid, HUSKY and Charter
(ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO) By Lauran Neergaard ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — Recent headlines offered a fresh example of how the health care system subjects people to too many medical tests — this time research showing millions of older women don
Moody's also pointed to reliance on high-income taxpayers, low reserves, high-debt ratios and low pension funding levels. The latest report includes all of these except the first one, but adds instead "fixed costs for debt, pension and other
Free dental care for low-income Connecticut Children ... - Current Blog
“Give Kids A Smile is about preventing dental disease before it begins,” said Dr. Elise Cozzi, CSDA Give Kids A Smile Chair. “We are proud of the accomplishments of the program and Give Kids A Smile serves as a reminder of the importance of oral health.”
For a list of some of the upcoming Give Kids A Smile programs taking place throughout the State visit, http://www.csda-public.com/CharitableCalendar/CharitableCalendar.html.
“Connecticut state agencies and the dental community have done a lot of work to increase the dental services that are offered to the children throughout the state. Give Kids A Smile is just one small way dentists are helping protect our children’s oral health and raise awareness of the continued need for dental care,” says the Connecticut State Dental Association.
“Oral health is integral to overall health. Untreated dental disease is painful and affects a child’s physical, emotional and social development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 4 children between the ages of 2 to 11, has untreated cavities in their baby teeth. While poor diet and oral hygiene certainly play a role, cavities are actually caused by a disease called caries, which is five times more common than asthma.”
“Dental disease is preventable. Brushing, flossing, eating a balanced diet, regular dental visits and having access to fluoride and sealants are ways to prevent dental disease. Ultimately, the money spent on prevention saves a lot more money down the road in dental treatment.