By Steven F. Rubin, DO, FACOFP dist.
February 8, 2008
President’s 2009 Budget Outlines Cuts for CMS
On February 4, the President sent his final budget proposal to Congress. The Fiscal Year 2009 Budget outlined several cuts in “entitlement spending” including Medicare and Medicaid. The Administration’s fiscal 2009 proposal lowers Medicare spending by $178 billion over five years through legislative action and by another $5 billion through administrative changes.
Such cuts, totaling $183 billion, would slow the annual growth rate for Medicare spending from 7.2 percent to 5 percent. Additionally, the budget proposal would trim $17.4 billion from Medicaid spending over five years through legislative changes and $800 million through administrative changes. Thus, combined Medicare and Medicaid legislative and administrative changes in the budget would shave $200.9 billion from federal spending over five years.
The president’s budget also requested only $110 million for both Title VII and VIII of the Public Health Service Act, compared to $350 million in Fiscal Year 2008. Various Title VII programs are being completely eliminated under the President’s proposal. House and Senate committees alike are hosting an array of hearings to review the budget over the next few weeks.
ACOFP Convention Deadlines!
The 2008 Convention is quickly approaching. Book your hotel room before the February 15th deadline.
Other Deadlines in February…
February 15th deadline for Poster Abstract
Students, Family Practice Residents and Faculty Members are encouraged to present their research for this scientific poster session. The Osteopathic Clinical Research Committee will review submissions and prizes will be awarded. This year Poster Presentations will be accepted via e-mail “only” all information must be typed directly on the forms and you are required to submit the forms including your Abstract to residencyprograminfo@acofp.org.
Resident Spouses’ Lottery Deadline: February 15
The Auxiliary to the ACOFP is offering the spouses of the residents who will be taking the Certification Board Exam a chance to win $300. If you are planning to attend the ACOFP 45th Annual Convention & Exhibition, March 12 – 16 in Denver, Colorado you could be one of seven winners of this $300 “Resident Spouses’ Lottery” stipend. To win, residents must be currently enrolled in an AOA-approved Osteopathic Family Practice Residency and registered to take the Certification Board Exam in Denver. Please fill out the form and return it no later than February 15, 2008.
Support Casino Night!
At the 2008 ACOFP Annual Convention in Denver, the Auxiliary will be presenting “Casino Night”, a new fundraiser. Casino Night will be on Thursday, March 13, 2008 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm and will be located in the same room as Fun Night. An evening of fun and casino gaming, with fantastic and leading state-of-the-art raffle prizes to be won. Help make this fundraising event a success by providing a donation or sponsorship. The deadline for sponsorship is February 27, 2008. All proceeds will fund student scholarships, as well as student and resident programs.
Reminder - Fill Out the ACOFP Survey in Support of 2008-2010 Strategic Plan
To support the development of the new ACOFP Strategic Plan and to assess the operations of the ACOFP, the Board of Governors seeks your input and guidance on the services and functions that you value as a result of your ACOFP membership, the extent to which ACOFP is meeting your needs and expectations, and your interest in and support for potential future initiatives.
ACOFP’s Fit for Life
CNN’s Accent Health says “Wear a helmet when biking or rollerskating.”
Back to Campus
TOURO-California University College of Osteopathic Medicine ACOFP Student Chapter sponsored Dr. Jerald Kram of the California Center for Sleep Disorders to discuss sleep physiology and disorders…a must for all sleep deprived med students. It was a great way to incorporate the clinical importance of sleep with the physiology.
Make your opinions known! Send an email to me and ACOFP. Share your thoughts, make comments, and tell us what you have been doing in regards to osteopathic family medicine.
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