Ariz. Governor Unveils Medicaid Proposal
Gov. Jan Brewer asks HHS to approve proposal that would cut some enrollees and increase their cost sharing.
Modern Healthcare: Ariz. Governor Seeks 5-Year Medicaid Waiver
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is asking HHS for a five-year waiver to reduce Medicaid rolls and increase member cost-sharing but also restore some organ transplant benefits. In a request to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius dated March 31, Brewer sought approval for a plan to freeze Medicaid enrollment for childless adults and parents. Her plan also includes eliminating emergency coverage to those who can't prove citizenship, and installing new co-payments for enrollees. She also is seeking to add a $50 annual coverage surcharge for smokers and adults with chronic conditions who don't stick to a care plan and meet goals to improve their health (Vesely, 3/31).
The Associated Press/Washington Post: Arizona Governor Proposes Restoring Funds For Medicaid Coverage Of Transplants
Brewer announced the change Thursday as part of a major revamp of the state's Medicaid program. The plan, which includes enrollment freezes, would help save a projected $500 million to help close a $1.1 billion shortfall in the state's overall budget (3/31).
The Wall Street Journal: Arizona Proposes Medicaid Fat Fee
Arizona's governor on Thursday proposed levying a $50 fee on some enrollees in the state's cash-starved Medicaid program, including obese people who don't follow a doctor-supervised slimming regimen and smokers (Adamy, 4/1).
