Washington Post Profiles HHS Secretary Thompson’s ‘Warp Speed’ Moves to OK Medicaid Waivers

The Washington Post on July 10 reports that HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson is "determined" to "make life simpler" for governors across the nation by approving CHIP and Medicaid waiver requests quickly. Since his confirmation as HHS secretary, Thompson says he has "push[ed] through" Medicaid waiver requests at "warp speed"; as of July 4, about "800 requests" have been approved since Thompson took office. Speaking recently before the Senate Finance Committee, Thompson said, "I have authorized these changes because people with immediate needs cannot wait for a rumbling bureaucracy to plod along." The Post reports that the "exemptions will help to expand or revamp programs that provide health care to 36 million poor and disabled people" and that while many of the waivers "are minor paperwork adjustments," others "should help provide care to millions." The Post reports that Florida, for example, "recently received approval to add dental care to its children's health program" and that "a total of 10 states have gained permission to use Medicaid money for a new National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program" (Connolly, Washington Post, 7/10). Under the Breast and Cervical Cancer Act of 2000, states can offer uninsured patients with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level, or $44,125 for a family of four, treatment for the two cancers through Medicaid. Medicaid covers the costs of any surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, follow-up care and medication for patients whose condition is discovered through a free screening program operated by the CDC. The CDC has offered free screenings since 1990 at health centers, clinics and hospitals through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, but previously the costs of treatment were not covered (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 1/5). A HealthCast of the Senate Finance Committee hearing is available online.