Shake-Up In S.D. Legislative Races May Dim Governor’s Efforts To Expand Medicaid
The success of several conservatives in the South Dakota Senate primary races over more moderate candidates could make it difficult for Gov. Dennis Daugaard's efforts to provide Medicaid coverage to more state residents. Meanwhile in Tennessee, the house speaker has unveiled a plan to broaden Medicaid, and Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin's plan to revamp that state's expansion efforts is hitting opposition.
The Associated Press:
Foes Predict Tough Politics For Medicaid Expansion In 2017
Opponents of Medicaid expansion in South Dakota say Gov. Dennis Daugaard's chances of broadening eligibility for the program have likely diminished since he announced he won't call a special legislative session to consider it. It's "very possible" the Republican will propose in the 2017 session to open the program to roughly 50,000 more low-income residents, the governor said. But expansion foes predict the Legislature will be less receptive after the November elections because several conservative Republicans triumphed over moderates in primaries for Senate seats, and an expansion would require majority support in both legislative chambers, which almost certainly will remain in Republican hands. (7/4)
The Tennessean:
TennCare Expansion Proposal: 5 Things To Watch
The TennCare expansion plan unveiled this week by House Speaker Beth Harwell's task force — hailed a "significant first step" to closing the Medicaid gap — is raising a lot of questions for industry observers as it moves into the review and negotiation phase. The plan, still light on details, takes a different approach to limit early enrollment and prioritizes outcomes. It does not include vouchers to help people pay for employer-sponsored coverage. (Fletcher, 7/1)
Modern Healthcare:
Should Medicaid Benefits Be Tied To Work Activities? Kentucky Critics Say No
Kentucky's new Republican Gov. Matt Bevin is under fire from healthcare providers and patients for proposing that Medicaid expansion beneficiaries be required to participate in job training, community service or wellness activities to continue receiving dental and vision care coverage. (Meyer, 7/1)
