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Ban on Telemedicine Abortions to Become Law
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Missouri law will now require a physician to be physically present when administering the initial dose of an abortion drug, such as RU-486. Governor Nixon this week chose to take no action (sign or veto) on HB 400 so the bill becomes effective as state law on August 28.
The Missouri Catholic Conference worked closely with Missouri Right to Life, Campaign Life, and other organizations to secure passage of the bill.
The new law will ensure that Missouri does not follow the example of Iowa, which allows telemedicine abortions. Such "remote control" abortions belie the claims of the abortion industry that the safety of women comes first. The best medical practice would be to have no abortions whatsoever, but if an abortion is to take place the doctor should be present in order to respond to any complications that might arise.
The new HB 400 law is another positive step toward creating an abortion-free society where both mothers and their unborn children are protected and cared for. |
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Governor Signs Veterans' Court Bill
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This week Governor Jay Nixon signed into law SB 118 which authorizes the creation of veterans' courts. These courts, which are based on the drug court model, will dispose of criminal cases involving substance abuse or mental illness of current or former military personnel. The charges or penalty against the participant may be dismissed, reduced or modified based on the successful completion of the program. The MCC advocated for the bill because the U.S. Bishops have long supported efforts to confront the pervasive role of addiction and mental illness in crime. The first veterans' court was established in New York in 2008 to address the unique challenges facing military personnel. Since then over 70 courts have been established nationwide and more are in the works. |
Senate Medicaid Committee Gets to Work
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This week an interim committee of the Missouri Senate began to examine the state's Medicaid program to see how it can be reformed and possibly expanded to cover more of the uninsured. On Monday, the Missouri Senate Research staff provided a PowerPoint presentation - Medicaid 101 - that offered a broad overview of the program. On Tuesday, public testimony was taken from citizens and organizations. Some of the witnesses urged the committee to expand Medicaid, while others suggested reforms to the current program. Erin Brower with Partnership for Children encouraged the Senate panel to expand Medicaid to cover poor working parents because when parents have health care their children are more likely to have better health outcomes as well. Joanie Gilliam, a health representative that assists the disabled, told the committee that the Medicaid asset limit needed to be raised so that more of her clients could remain at home instead of in a skilled care setting. Dr. Mark Bradford, a psychologist from Springfield, recommended that the Medicaid reimbursement rates for psychological services be raised and that mental health services should not be included in any managed care plans. Andrea Routh with the Missouri Health Advocacy Alliance highlighted current statistics on the state's uninsured and noted that by expanding Medicaid to 138% of the federal poverty level more Missourians would have access to health care services. Joel Ferber, a policy analyst with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, urged the committee to expand Medicaid, but advocated for reforms that would bring more flexibility, cost sharing and better delivery of services to the medically needy. Committee members took advantage of the expertise of the witnesses by asking questions to become better informed on health care delivery in Missouri. The Senate committee plans another public hearing in August. |
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Understanding Medicaid:
Main Funder of Nursing Home Care
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Many see Medicaid as simply that government health care program for the poor. What is overlooked is the extent to which Medicaid pays for nursing home care. Nursing care is expensive and it doesn't take long to exhaust the savings of even middle class families. That is when Medicaid kicks in and covers the cost. Here are some facts of interest concerning nursing home care in Missouri:
- Over 60% of occupied beds are paid by Medicaid;
- 23,387 average monthly users in fiscal year 2012;
- 8.3 million days of care provided;
- Average per diem rate of $138.37
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New MCC Medicaid Page
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We have developed a page on the MCC website that provides much more information and links on Medicaid. We will be adding new research as it emerges. Check it out at MCC Medicaid Page. |
More Legal - Less Illegal - Immigration
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If Congress ends up enacting a version of immigration reform similar to what the U.S. Senate passed, then legal immigration will rise while illegal immigration falls. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office believes the enhanced border security measures could cut illegal immigration by one-third to one-half.
Meanwhile, more visas would be available to allow workers to legally enter the country. Under present law about 1 million people obtain green cards granting permanent residence each year. With changes made by the Senate bill that figure could rise to 1.7 million or more.
The MCC has taken a look at some of the research that merits consideration as Congress considers immigration reform. Click MCC Commentary to read this analysis.
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Your State Government:
Summer Food Service Program
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During the summer months many people, especially children, may find themselves hungry. It is during those months when qualifying low-income individuals can benefit from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The program provides nutritious meals to low-income children age 18 years old and under during the summer months when school lunch and breakfast programs are not available. The program also provides meals to individuals over age 18 who a state educational agency determines to be mentally or physically disabled, and who participate in a school program for the mentally or physically disabled.
There were 264 sponsors serving 948 SFSP sites in Missouri during the summer of 2012. The majority of the sites were in Kansas City, St. Louis and the southern portion of the state. Lola Phillips, associate chief for Community Food and Nutrition Assistance with the Department of Health and Senior Services, said, "Rural Missouri poses unique challenges as there are fewer potential sponsoring organizations per capita coupled with the barrier created by the need for transportation to a food service site."
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Deadline Near for Citizen Recognition
Award Nominations
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One individual from each of the four dioceses in Missouri will be awarded the Citizen Recognition Award at the MCC Annual Assembly on Saturday, September 28, 2013. The award will be presented by the Bishops of Missouri in the House Chamber of the Missouri State Capitol.
This is an opportunity to recognize someone in your parish who promotes gospel values that reflect respect for Catholic teaching. This could be someone who takes an active role in legislation; advocates for participation in, or improvement of, existing government services; initiates parish or community action; or responds to the MCC's call to action.
For an award nomination form click here or call (573) 635-7239. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 19, 2013.
For a list of past award winners click here.
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Annual Assembly Workshop Feature:
Meet St. Francis of Assisi
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 St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. Have you ever wanted to know more about this patron saint of animals and the ecology? Then you will want to participate in the "Meet St. Francis of Assisi" workshop at the MCC Annual Assembly on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Jefferson City. In this workshop, Fr. Thomas Nairn, a Franciscan priest, will discuss the life and vision of St. Francis of Assisi. Fr. Nairn will detail the conversion of St. Francis from a young ambitious son of a wealthy cloth merchant to his becoming the "little poor man" who sought to "rebuild the Church." This workshop will also explore how the vision of St. Francis has influenced the Church and still has relevance for Catholics today. To learn more details about the Annual Assembly visit our website. |
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