New Seniors

In the first half of 2010 the battle between the federal government and individual states has risen to a fever pitch. First health care legislation. Then immigration. And, most recently, the oil spill. These disputes have grown in size and intensity. More states are expected to enter the fray, plus other problems may arise that compound the differences between priorities as viewed by the states versus the way the Washington sees things.

Virginia has been joined by a dozen other states in challenging the constitutionally of the health care bill pushed through by Congress. This legislation, which adds 32 million to the roles of medical insurance is highly unpopular with the citizens. Today, two-thirds of Americans polled are not in favor of the bill the way it is currently structured.

Besides having concerns about the $500 million to be cut from Medicare, those 65+ see slower and lower quality care resulting from this so-called reform. The man nominated in April of this year to head up Medicare and Medicaid Services indicated in an earlier interview that he is a supporter of the British system, which rations care. The budget numbers have been revisited and indicate that some of the costs may not have been included when the CBO did its analysis several months ago. Added costs could lead to rationing, faster than anticipated.

Another health care factor to consider is the costs this bill adds to the states. In essence, the cost of Medicaid is shared by the states and the feds on a 50-50 basis. Most states are in deep financial trouble and paying for these services becomes a burden that must be paid for by residents of each state. The new legislation, by covering those previously uninsured, will depend on Medicaid to pay for the medical care for about half of the 32 million recipients. The states cannot afford these extra costs nor can the tax payers, but the federal government will mandate this or the states will lose needed funding. We may be hit with more state taxes in order to pick up the tab for additional Medicaid costs.

Arizona has an illegal immigration problem that was out of control. The millions of people who crossed over the border, plus the drug smuggling and the kidnappings and murders that accompanied this influx have been ignored by Washington. Construction of the fence across our southern border has stopped, ICE is ineffective and local police had their hands tied. So the state legislators passed a law, consistent with US law, to give police the right to determine if people breaking a law were here legally. This has meet with strong resistance by the administration and civil rights groups. Again, two-thirds of Americans approve of what Arizona did and other states are considering similar laws.

Louisiana’s wetlands and marshes face severe oil damage coming from the rig that exploded in the Gulf on April 20th. The governor wants to build protective berms, but the feds will only let him test the concept. By the time this test is evaluated it may be too late. This slow reaction to local needs could result in similar Gulf and Atlantic coast problems later this year, thereby affecting many states. Isn’t it time for the states to unite in an effort to let Washington know that most local problems require local solutions?

-NewSeniors Editorial

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