Former Ky. Governor Urges Successor To Avoid ‘Back Room Deals’ In Medicaid Makeover
In an increasingly acrimonious debate, former Gov. Steve Beshear, a Democrat, presses Gov. Matt Bevin, a Republican, to make clear to the public his plans to change the Medicaid expansion that Beshear implemented. Elsewhere, outlets report on Medicaid expansion news from Kansas and Utah.
Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal:
Beshear Urges No 'Back Room' Medicaid Deals
Demanding an end to "back room deals," former Gov. Steve Beshear is calling on Gov. Matt Bevin to include the public in his plans to reshape the state's expanded Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act. Beshear, in a joint letter to Bevin and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, also asks the federal government, which funds the majority of Kentucky's Medicaid costs, to disclose any changes sought through a "waiver" the federal agency must approve. (Yetter, 5/9)
The Associated Press:
2 Kentucky Governors, Past And Present, In Acrid Public Feud
While peaceful transitions of power are a longstanding U.S. tradition, the handoff in Kentucky from Democrat Steve Beshear to Republican Matt Bevin has been ugly. The two men have argued loudly over health care, voting rights, pensions and even the appointment of Beshear's wife to a state commission. Things were so tense recently that Bevin and Beshear both claimed the FBI was investigating the other. ... Ten days after Bevin was elected, Beshear held a news conference criticizing Bevin's plans to dismantle Kentucky's health insurance exchange and replace its expanded Medicaid program, both cornerstones of Beshear's legacy. (Beam, 5/10)
The Kansas Health Institute News Service:
Medicaid Expansion Advocates Set Sights On Elections
After another legislative session with no action on Medicaid expansion, advocates in Kansas are turning their attention to the upcoming state elections and urging voters to become more vocal on the issue. (Marso, 5/9)
Wichita (Kan.) Eagle:
Health Care Activists Slam Kansas Lawmakers For Failing To Expand Medicaid
A diverse group of activists gathered at the Capitol on Monday to chide Kansas lawmakers for failing to hold a hearing on Medicaid expansion before adjourning its 2016 session last week. ... “Can you imagine us turning down military funds, highway funds, some other federal funds to the tune of $1.1 billion?” asked physician Eric Voth, vice president for primary care at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka. Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita, who observed the event, said that unless the make-up of the Legislature significantly changes with the upcoming election, it’s unlikely efforts to expand Medicaid will gain more traction next legislative session. (Lowry, 5/9)
Topeka Capital-Journal:
Medicaid Expansion Proponents Launch New Campaign In Kansas
A coalition of business, faith and health interests convened Monday to launch an election-year campaign to build momentum for state approval of Medicaid expansion capable of delivering basic health care to 150,000 uninsured adults. Gov. Sam Brownback, House Speaker Ray Merrick and other Republican lawmakers have maintained a robust line of defense against attempts to extend a key Medicaid provision of the Affordable Care Act into Kansas. (Carpenter, 5/9)
Salt Lake Tribune:
Utah’s Plan To Expand Medicaid Now Up For Public Comment
The Utah Department of Health now is accepting public comments on a draft plan to expand Medicaid to 16,000 of the poorest Utahns. This small-scale Medicaid expansion, which targets the chronically homeless, mentally ill and those recently released from prison, takes effect Tuesday. However, the department doesn't expect to begin enrolling individuals until Jan. 1. The state's plan for expansion must be approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services before it is implemented. The department plans to submit the waiver by July 1, but is accepting public comment on the draft first. (Stuckey, 5/9)
