Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Advocates Mourn Kansas Legislature's Failure To Pass Medicaid Expansion With Memorial Service At Capitol
The Topeka Capital-Journal: Medicaid Expansion Supporters Hold Memorial Service At Kansas Statehouse
Marsha Cox worries about the well-being of waiters at restaurants and baggers at the grocery store. She wants legislators who stood in the way of Medicaid expansion to look those low-wage, uninsured employees in the eye the next time they eat out or get groceries and explain the willingness to let them get sick and die. Cox, of Topeka, took part in a demonstration Wednesday at the Statehouse to mourn the Legislature’s failure to pass Medicaid expansion before finishing work for the session. (Smith, 5/8)
The Associated Press: Wisconsin Republicans To Vote On Killing Medicaid Expansion
Wisconsin Republicans planned to scrap expanding Medicaid, legalizing medical marijuana, raising the minimum wage and a host of other priorities of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday, as they begin dismantling his two-year budget plan. Evers and Democrats remain defiant, saying the public is on their side in support of expanding Medicaid. They ran on their promise to expand the health program for the poor and believe their victories in 2018 were due in large part to that position. Polls also show broad public support. (5/9)
Des Moines Register: Iowan To The Medicaid Director Over UnitedHealthcare Departure: "You Can't Calm Our Fears"
Iowa’s Medicaid director sought to reassure Iowans Wednesday that UnitedHealthcare’s exit from the giant health-care program would not cause major disruptions. “The first thing I want to emphasize is no one is losing benefits,” Mike Randol told more than 50 Medicaid members in the first of six town hall meetings he’s scheduled around the state. “…There are going to be bumps in the road, but we’re going to do everything we can to make it as seamless as possible.” (Leys, 5/8)
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Trump Official Appears Open To Georgia Medicaid Waiver
Georgia may be in line to forge a new path in the way the nation funds Medicaid expansion for the poor, potentially putting the state in line for millions of additional dollars from the federal government, a Trump administration official told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday. If it bears out, it’s a victory for Gov. Brian Kemp’s health care plans for the state, and a blow to Democrats who argued against his plan. And it’s just one way in which Georgia’s proposal might serve as a national model for more stringent Medicaid guidelines that the Trump administration favors, according to remarks from the official, Seema Verma. (Hart, 5/8)
New Hampshire Public Radio: Budget Hearing Draws Health Care Advocates, And Busloads Calling For More School Aid
At a public hearing on the state budget Tuesday, senators heard testimony in support of increasing funding for public schools and health care workers. Many spoke in support of a bill that would boost state aid for health care programs, address worker shortages, and increase Medicaid reimbursements. Kara Nickulas, executive director of Crotched Mountain Community Care, which helps adults with illnesses and disabilities remain in their homes, testified that keeping people out of nursing homes is often the best, most affordable option, but only when there are enough home health care workers. (Gibson, 5/7)
