For Some Areas, Medicaid Expansion Propelled A Radical Transformation — But At A Cost
The Wall Street Journal examines the impact in Klamath Falls, Ore., of the health law's expansion of coverage for low-income people. Meanwhile, in Iowa, state officials release reports about consumer complaints with the new Medicaid managed care system.
The Wall Street Journal:
Medicaid Expansion Transformed A Community—Now The Bill Is Coming Due
The Republican Party’s revamp of the U.S. health-care system is heading toward a showdown over Medicaid. This region [of Klamath Falls, Ore.], a patch of red in a largely blue state, saw more changes than most from the 2010 Affordable Care Act’s expansion of the health-insurance program for low-income people. Its uninsured rate fell sharply. Its sole hospital nearly tripled its Medicaid revenue, helping finance an expansion. ACA funds fueled health-care hiring and provided work for contractors. At the same time, the cost to Oregon proved hard to handle. (Evans and Fuller, 5/9)
Des Moines Register:
Complaints About Iowa's Privatized Medicaid Are Spiking
Centered largely on allegations of terminated or reduced health services, complaints about Iowa’s privatized Medicaid program have spiked in recent months, according to information presented to state officials Tuesday. State quarterly reports show grievances and appeals filed with the three companies managing Iowa's Medicaid program have spiked by almost 270 percent — from 343 to 1,268 — in the latest three-month report published in March. (Clayworth, 5/9)
