Libby Medicare program expands

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus made his final trip to Libby on Saturday as a sitting senator and in doing so, announced the expansion of the Libby Pilot Program to 18 additional counties in Montana, Idaho and Washington.

The program provides medical services for those affected by asbestos-related diseases caused by the W.R. Grace Mine.

“The Libby Pilot Program brought specialized healthcare only to folks in Lincoln and Flathead counties, but now, with the expansion of the pilot program, those who have moved away from Libby will get the healthcare they need and deserve,” Baucus said.

The Pilot Program, which previously only covered Flathead and Lincoln counties, will be expanded to include Glacier, Lake, Mineral, Missoula and Sanders counties. The expansion will also include six counties in Washington and seven counties in Idaho.

Late last August, Baucus came to Libby with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, and Baucus apprised her about the asbestos plight in Libby.

At the time, Baucus visited with residents, toured Libby Cemetery to see gravesites of those who had died as a result of asbestos-related diseases, had lunch with residents and then toured the CARD Clinic and the Northwest Community Health Center.

“It has been a long fight to make sure the people of Libby get justice,” Baucus said. “But it was a fight worth fighting. I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish together. Libby has a bright future and I look forward to seeing it prosper.”

When Baucus was trying to convince Tavenner to visit Libby, he presented her with a photograph of Lester Skramstad, one of the Libby Amphibole Asbestos whistleblowers, the same image Baucus has framed behind his office desk on Capitol Hill. The photo of Skramstad, who died of an asbestos-related cancer in 2007, serves as a daily reminder for Montana’s senior senator of the health risks affecting Libby residents and those who once lived here.

For Tavenner, the photo of Skramstad was a reminder to her of the Libby plight.

Skramstad’s gravesite was one of the many Tavenner visited while in Libby. She said at that time she anticipated expanding the Pilot Program.

Libby residents have come to know Baucus, almost personally, as he has been instrumental in making sure that Libby residents with asbestos-related diseases were able to receive Medicare benefits under the health reform law.  Also included in healthcare reform was the Libby Pilot Program, which provides medical services not normally covered by Medicare. These services are tailored to specific health needs resulting from asbestos exposure such as long-term care and special types of medication.

Baucus was also honored during today’s event for his work on behalf of Libby and the CARD Clinic. CARD Clinic staff and board members were on hand to dedicate a wing of the clinic to Baucus as well as to unveil a wall of appreciation

 “I am deeply humbled by this honor. Fourteen years ago, I made a promise to the people of Libby, and by working together, we were able to achieve a CARD Clinic that is worthy of the people of Libby and make good on that promise. Libby will always hold a special place in my heart,” Baucus said.

 “We’ve faced some tough times in Libby over the last few decades. But, were it not for Senator Baucus’ tireless advocacy for the health and well-being of the people of Libby, we would not be where we are today. We truly owe Max a debt of gratitude,” said Dr. Brad Black, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of the Libby CARD Clinic. “His work has granted hope to Libby. For that, we are thankful.”

Baucus’ healthcare reform requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a permanent pilot program in and around Libby to provide medical services not normally covered by Medicare. These services are tailored to specific health needs resulting from asbestos exposure.  Such services include long-term care, special types of medication, and transportation to and from sites of medical services.

 Previously, those suffering from asbestos-related diseases and living outside of Flathead or Lincoln counties were eligible for Medicare, but could not enroll in the Libby Pilot Program. However, with the expansion of the pilot program, several counties in Montana, Idaho and Washington are access the additional services offered under the pilot program.  The expansion will cover 80 percent of people affected by the disaster in Libby. As of August 2013, 847 individuals had enrolled.

CARD is a community based non-profit organization established in 2000 that is committed to providing asbestos screening and healthcare related to the Libby asbestos exposure. They currently are seeing over 5500 patients with 2,780 diagnosed with an Asbestos Related Disease (ARD).

Baucus has secured over $1 million for expanding and renovating the CARD Clinic.