On Tuesday, Feb 26, the full Senate passed the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007 (S 1200), which contained an amendment that would prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from issuing Medicaid Targeted Case Management Regulations until 2009.

House companion legislation (HR 1328), sponsored by Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., is not yet through the committee process. Pallone said Tuesday he is not looking to make major changes to the Senate bill, but might try to strike some of what he views as “non-germane” amendments. In addition to the moratorium on case management regulations, the bill contains some hot button amendments involving abortion and gun ownership. Pallone did not mention which amendments he will be looking to strike.

Even if the legislation passes both houses of Congress, President Bush has indicated that he will likely veto. Despite this, the Senate vote for approval of the amendment is a critical win because it helps to bring attention to case management services in Congress.  

The National Council thanks members who contacted their Senators in support of this amendment. Look for updates on this important topic in future editions our Public Policy Update weekly e-newsletter.

Public Policy Team
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
Web: www.TheNationalCouncil.org  
Email: Policy@thenationalcouncil.org  
301.984.6200