Catholic Healthcare News & Newsletters:
On August 4, 2010 the Senate cleared the way for passage of the FMAP extension. The House is expected to confirm this vote in September.
Support for FMAP
On June 24, 2010, Catholic hospitals within the Department on Health Affairs issued a letter of support for continued funding for the enhanced federal matching rate for Medicaid (FMAP). The letter was sent to Senator Voinovich.
Catholic Conference of Ohio Action Alert Supporting FMAP
Ohio High Risk Health Insurance Pool
Enrollment for Ohio’s high risk pool started on August 1st. The federal health care reform law called for the creation of temporary health insurance programs for individuals with pre-existing conditions. These high risk pools will last until 2014, when full federal reforms take effect. Ohio has designated Medical Mutual of Ohio as the entity to administer the program.
Applications are available at http://www.ohiohighriskpool.com/ or by phone at 1-877-730-1117. Hard copy application packets will also be available at the One-Stop and Benefit Bank sites throughout the state.
Medical Mutual will offer plans with deductibles of $1,500 or $2,500. Coverage summaries and rate sheets for both plans, along with additional information about the program, are also available at http:// www.ohiohighriskpool.com/
Ohio is expected to receive approximately $152 million to operate this high risk pool until 2014. It is estimated that this will provide funding to cover approximately 5,500 individuals, while about five times that many are eligible. For this reason, applications will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
Why Catholic Health Care Matters. Article by Sr. Judith Ann Karam, CSA, Universe Bulletin, December 11, 2009
Bishops clarify ethical directive on artificial nutrition, hydration. December 1, 2009
Q & A Regarding the Revision of Directive #58 in the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. CHA Ethics Staff, November 23, 2009
Catholic Health Association's Comment Regarding Revision to Directive 58 of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. November 18, 2009
5th Edition, Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, November 17, 2009
MOLST- Medical Orders For Life Sustaining Treatment- legislation, HB 241 (Garland) is not expected to have hearings until after the November 2010 elections. Representatives from the Catholic Conference of Ohio's Health Affairs Department are active participants in negotiations and consensus building.
Health Care Reform
Catholic Conference of Ohio Page on Health Care Reform
CLICK HERE for Health e-NEWS, Ohio Hospital Association
New Proposed Rules.
CLICK HERE for all pending Rules, Ohio Department of Health
CLICK HERE for the July 2009, IRS Blanket Group Exemption Letter for Institutions listed in The Official Catholic Directory.
CLICK HERE for CHA's 12 Steps to Prepare for the New 990
CLICK HERE for tax information for churches and religious organizations
Legislative Contact Information
CLICK HERE for Information on Contacting your Public Officials
CLICK HERE for E-Advocacy, Catholic Health Association
CLICK HERE for Information and Background on Catholic Faith & Politics
Resources:
Ohio Hospital Comparisons Ohio Department of Health 1/08 - 1/09
CLICK HERE for Catholic Health Ministry Vision for Health Care Reform
Medical-Moral Issues
Resources
6/23/2010. Distinction between Direct Abortion and Legitimate Medical Procedures. USCCB Committee on Doctrine
12/12/08. Vatican releases Instructions related to certain Bioethical Questions, including in vitro fertilization, stem cells, human cloning and use of certain vaccines: Instruction Dignitas Personae on Certain Bioethical Questions
Religious & Ethical Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. Fifth Edition, 11/2009
Advanced Directive Forms
CLICK HERE for Living Will, Healthcare Durable Power of Attorney and Donor Registry forms
CLICK HERE for Do-Not-Resuscitate Information and Form
Meetings/Department Information:
CLICK HERE for a listing of Catholic Hospitals/Systems throughout Ohio. Updated 2/10
Links
Hospitals Caring for Communities, American Hospital Association
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Statements and Alerts regarding Health Issues
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Office of Pro Life Activities
National Catholic Bioethics Center
For more information contact:
Jim Tobin,
jtobin@ohiocathconf.org
or
Carolyn Jurkowitz
cjurkowitz@ohiocathconf.org
614-224-7147