MAP Advocate Vol. 6 No. 4

[an error occurred while processing this directive] MAP Advocate Vol. 6 No. 4 [an error occurred while processing this directive]

MAP Advocate

AIDS Advocacy Update
Vol. 6 No. 4 (March 3, 2000)

House Bill Could Cut Health Coverage for HIV
The Surplis Grows; Invest in STD Prevention
Braced for Attacks on Minors Consent Law
Standby Custody Bill Advances
CARE Act Reauthorization Bill Introduced in US Senate
Health Department Sanctions Media
Take Action! Attend Your Precinct Caucus

House Bill Could Cut Health Coverage for HIV

Rep. Fran Bradley (R-Rochester) introduced a bill (HF3824) that would prohibit the state from paying for health coverage for people with HIV through Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA). MAP is working to educate Rep. Bradley that the patients affected are not eligible for coverage with other programs, and do not have access to other forms of health insurance. In the event the bill progresses, MAP is prepared to defeat it.

The Surplus Grows; Invest in STD Prevention

The projected state surplus has grown to $1.8 billion. MN lawmakers can't say we do not have the resources to break the link between STDs and HIV. SF2505 will likely be heard in the Sen. Don Samuelson's (DFL-Brainerd) health finance committee the week of March 6. The possibility of a hearing for HF2853 in the house health finance committee, chaired by Rep. Kevin Goodno (R-Moorhead) is less certain. Keep letting your lawmakers know that less than one-half-of-one-half-of-one-half percent is not too much to invest in young people's health through STD prevention.

Braced for Attacks on Minors Consent Law

Attacks on the Minors' Consent Law are expected yet this legislative session. No amendment was introduced on February 28 as some predicted, when the so-called "baby drop-off bill" (SF2615) was considered by the Senate,. MAP and the Sex Education for Life Coalition will continue to monitor likely vehicles for minors consent amendments in the future, such as the Health Date Privacy Bill (SF 2886).

Standby Custody Bill Advances

The "standby custody" bill (SF3018/HF3318) introduced by Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls) and Rep. Darlene Luther (DFL-Brooklyn Park) is advancing in both houses. The bill proposes ways for parents to choose who will be responsible to care for their children in the event of serious illness or death. MAP coordinated hearing presentations for both House and Senate committees. Questions? Contact MAP legal staffer Caroline Palmer. 612-341-2060, 800-243-7321 or cpalmer@mnaidsproject.org.

CARE Act Reauthorization Bill Introduced in US Senate

MN Senator Paul Wellstone (DFL) is among the introducers of a bill in the US Senate to reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act. The Senate's health committee held a hearing on the bill March 2. MAP worked Sen. Wellstone's staff to advise bill drafting and prepare for hearing testimony. CARE Act advocacy will heat up as the bill advances through the Congressional review process.

Health Department Sanctions Medica

The Department of Health sancationed and fined Medica for not following provisions of the Patient Protection Act when it dropped the Doctors' Clinic as a provider in its Medicare plan. The sanction was based on a MAP-advanced complaint. MAP is working aggressively to advance bills this session to prevent similar actions that are harmful to people with HIV and other serious disabilities by toughening and expanding patient protections.

Take Action! Attend Your Precinct Caucus.

Letters, phone calls and e-mails are one thing. But, lawmakers listen closely to those they know are active in the political process. Make sure they listen to you. Attend your precinct caucus. Express your concerns, including those you have about HIV prevention and care. Use the following to find out when and where your local caucus will be held.

Tuesday, March 7, 7 p.m.
MN Republican Party Caucus
www.gop-mn.org
651-222-0022
MN Reform Party Caucus
www.reform-mn.org
507-387-2657

Saturday, March 11 or
Sunday, March 12
MN DFL Party Precinct Meetings
www.dfl.org
651-293-1200
800-999-7457

Last Updated: Friday, March 30, 2007
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

[an error occurred while processing this directive]