Resources and Guidance for Provisions in the Deficit Reduction Act Of 2005

Updated March 2008

NCSL 's policy has urged congress to amend federal Medicaid law to give states greater flexibility in administering their individual state programs. The enactment of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 presents states with an opportunity to implement some of the initiatives they otherwise would have been prohibited from trying. S. 1932 was signed by President Bush on February 8, 2006 and became Public Law No. 109-171. The following provides links to resources and information on the health provisions in the act.

OVERVIEW: DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT OF 2005 (S. 1932) (4/18/2007)

MEDICAID PRESCRIPTION DRUG REFORMS
LONG TERM CARE REFORMS /TRANSFER OF ASSETS
LONG TERM CARE REFORMS /HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED CARE
ELIMINATING FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE
FLEXIBILITY IN COST-SHARING AND BENEFITS
STATE FINANCING
FAMILY OPPORTUNITY ACT PROVISIONS
STATE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE

HURRICANE KATRINA ASSISTANCE

Holdharmless For Katrina Impact (Sec. 6053(B))
Targeted Medicaid Relief For States Affected By Hurricane Katrina (Sec. 6201)

HHS Office of Minority Health Press Release: HHS Releases First Round of Katrina Aid to 32 States to Help with Evacuee Health Costs.

STATE HIGH RISK POOL FUNDING
LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
MEDICAL CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
MEDICARE

Link to DRA Cover Page

For further information, please call NCSL staff Joy Johnson Wilson, Health Policy Director at 202-624-8689 or Rachel Morgan RN, BSN, Senior Health Policy Specialist at 202-624-3569.