Harm to Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes

02/27/2006

As a volunteer with the American Diabetes Association and an individual who has had diabetes for 11 years, I want to thank U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad for his vote to oppose the so-called Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 when it came before the U.S. House of Representatives on Feb. 1. His vote tried to reject legislation that will do significant harm to Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes.

While the bill ultimately passed by a vote of 216-214, Ramstad put forth a courageous effort to stand up to keep health care accessible, affordable and comprehensive. Unfortunately, the bill’s passage jeopardizes the health care needs of millions. Among other harmful items, this legislation imposes severe cost sharing upon the lowest-income Americans while simultaneously allowing severe benefit reductions for them. Such changes will make it even more difficult for beneficiaries with diabetes to access critical care services, medication and equipment.

Currently, over 20 million Americans have diabetes and that number is growing at 8 percent a year. Millions of these Americans rely on Medicaid for their vital health care needs. Successful diabetes management requires consistent medical care, including self-monitoring of blood glucose levels as well as access to vital prescription drugs, lab tests, X-ray services and visits to health care specialists. Limiting the health coverage of patients with diabetes ultimately will lead to a dramatic rise in serious and costly complications due to diabetes, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputations.

President Bush signed the Deficit Reduction Act into law on Feb. 8, but the fight to protect health care for Medicaid beneficiaries must continue. As Congress debates the budget for the next fiscal year, I hope Ramstad and the 213 other members of Congress who voted against this bill will remain committed to protecting our nation’s most vulnerable and work to keep health care accessible, affordable and comprehensive.

JIM HOSETH, MINNETONKA