Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Ark. Governor Expected To Ask Lawmakers To Trim Eligibility For Medicaid Expansion Program
Arkansas Online: 4-Year Savings Put At $66M If State Cuts Medicaid Rolls
A plan to move about 60,000 Arkansans off the state's expanded Medicaid program will save the state at least $66 million over the next four years while increasing premiums in the state's market for individual insurance plans by as much as 1.7 percent, state Department of Human Services officials said Wednesday. The savings would come from limiting eligibility in the state's Medicaid program to adults with incomes of up to the poverty level, instead of 138 percent of the poverty level. (Davis, 4/27)
Arkansas News: Official: Medicaid Changes Could Save $93 Million Over 5 Years
Changes Arkansas is seeking for its Medicaid expansion program could save the state up to $93 million over the next five years while causing a “minimal” number of people to lose health insurance, state Department of Human Services Director Cindy Gillespie said Wednesday. Gov. Asa Hutchinson is expected to call a special session next week to ask lawmakers to approve legislation authorizing DHS to make changes to the program formerly known as the private option and now known as Arkansas Works. Hutchinson has said that if his proposed changes get legislative approval, he will seek waivers from the federal government to allow their implementation. (Lyon, 4/26)
Miami Herald: Work Requirements For Florida Medicaid Recipients Move Forward In House
Some low-income people who rely on Medicaid may have to meet new work requirements to keep their healthcare under legislation passed by the Florida House on Wednesday. Medicaid recipients who are able to work would have to prove to the state that they are working, actively seeking work or enrolled in a job-training program. (Auslen, 4/26)
