US Congress makes changes in Medicaid health for poor

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http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2005-12-19T190432Z_01_N19258943_RTRIDST_0_BUDGET-CONGRESS-MEDICAID.XML

WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (Reuters) - The spending bill approved by the House early on Monday and awaiting a Senate vote could increase the out-of-pocket costs of many of the poor people who rely on the joint federal-state program for their health care.

The legislation also tightens eligibility rules for long-term care. Medicaid pays for roughly half of nursing home bills.

The mostly Republican backers of the bill say the changes are necessary to preserve a financially beleaguered social program that has not been updated to keep up with the changes in U.S. health care.

Mostly Democratic critics say it shreds the health safety net for the most vulnerable Americans. The AARP is among the interest groups opposed to the health care legislation.

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