CQ's Carey looks at genetic anti-discrimination approval, debate over Medicaid regulations, lLegislation to treat substance abuse among veterans

Mary Agnes Carey, associate editor of CQ HealthBeat, examines the House's approval of genetic nondiscrimination legislation, debate over a measure to place a moratorium on proposed Medicaid regulations by the Bush administration and House-passed legislation concerning veterans' substance abuse treatment in this week's "Health on the Hill from kaisernetwork.org and CQ."

According to Carey, the House approved legislation that would prohibit employers and insurers from using any genetic screening test results when making employment or coverage decisions and has sent it to President Bush, who is expected to sign it. Sponsors of the bill hope that it will encourage U.S. residents to take advantage of genetic research for treatment and prevention of an array of diseases.

Carey also discusses Senate debate over legislation that would stop the implementation of several new Medicaid regulations proposed by the Bush administration. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) tried to pass the legislation by voice vote, but Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) objected, arguing that the rules could help rein in Medicaid spending. While negotiations are ongoing, Carey says it is unclear whether a Bush administration proposal to postpone implementation of two regulations will break the Senate logjam on this measure. Democrats might include the legislation in a measure to fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and previous approval of the bill in the House indicates that the chamber could override a promised veto from Bush.

Lastly, Carey examines a House committee's approval of a measure that would pay for drug screening, detoxification, relapse prevention and counseling for veterans. It also would authorize $3 million to create a two-year, online pilot program designed to treat substance abuse among veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The committee also approved measures that would revise the disability benefits claims processing system and require the Department of Veterans Affairs secretary to reimburse veterans receiving emergency treatment in nondepartment facilities until they are transferred to VA facilities. Another bill also would direct VA to provide comprehensive health care to children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, Carey says (Carey, "Health on the Hill from kaisernetwork.org and CQ," 5/5).

The complete audio version of "Health on the Hill," transcript and resources for further research are available online at kaisernetwork.org.