Three Editorials Examine Changes To States’ Medicaid Programs
The following is a summary of three editorials examining changes to states' Medicaid coverage:
- Akron Beacon Journal: With Ohio Gov. Bob Taft (R) saying Medicaid is no longer "off limits" for budget cuts, the program could prove a "deceptive target" for state lawmakers, the editorial says. But the state "cannot deny services to contain costs," the editorial says, adding that the "surest way to keep caseloads and costs low" is a "strong economy." The editorial maintains, "The point is that the state is not simply being nice extending health services to the poor, the elderly and disabled. The coverage ensures they get timely care before illnesses develop into more serious conditions that require treatment" in more expensive settings, such as emergency rooms and nursing facilities. The editorial concludes, "As legislators search for ways to reduce spending, they should be aware that taking the ax to Medicaid could prove penny wise and pound foolish"(Akron Beacon Journal, 6/6).
- Boston Herald: Proposed preferred drug lists under Massachusetts' Medicaid program are not a "matter of generics vs. patented drugs, rather [they are] a matter of how much bang the state gets for its bucks," the editorial states. The new "approaches to holding down costs ... will not please the pharmaceutical companies," but the drug makers "cannot expect states to pay for [medications] unquestioningly without making sure [states] are getting the best prices they can"(Boston Herald, 6/6).
- Kansas City Star: Responding to the loss of dental benefits for adult Medicaid beneficiaries in Missouri beginning July 1, the editorial says that "regular dental care is as important to good health as medical care" for adults. With the state facing a shortage of dentists who will treat Medicaid patients, the cut in benefits will "compound the difficulty" adult beneficiaries already encounter in receiving oral health care. The editorial concludes, "[Lawmakers] didn't just cut spending, they cut services to needy Missourians who will have to suffer the consequences" (Kansas City Star, 6/4).
