Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Iowa Lawmakers Launch Oversight Effort Regarding State's Medicaid Privatization Plan
The Des Moines Register: Will Medicaid 'Oversight' Ignore Past Issues?
Legislators will meet Tuesday to launch a watchdog effort behind Iowa’s plan to privatize Medicaid, but it is uncertain whether some of the biggest controversies that have surrounded the effort will be the subject of the group’s review. The reason: The group was set up to focus on the plan’s possible Jan. 1 launch and ongoing operations. A separate legislative committee might take up the past problems at a meeting on Nov. 18. (Clayworth, 11/2)
The Des Moines Register: Medicaid Communications Frequent During 'Blackout' Time
A far more extensive network of communications between former lawmakers, sitting legislators, the governor’s staff and companies vying for lucrative contracts to manage Iowa’s $4.2 billion Medicaid program was further revealed Friday in a case that threatens to derail the largest government privatization effort in state history. Many of the revelations emerged during the final day of a court hearing in which emails showed former House Speaker Christopher Rants was engaged in communications with a key member of Gov. Terry Branstad’s staff during a so-called blackout period meant to restrict contact with decision makers during the competitive bidding process. (Clayworth, 11/2)
California Healthline: $6 Billion Waiver Gets Federal Approval
CMS officials on Saturday agreed in principle to a five-year, $6.2 billion waiver for California's Medicaid program. That was good news for California health officials, who plan to use the money mainly for Medi-Cal delivery system and payment reforms -- the next big steps in implementing the Affordable Care Act. The state also will get money for its whole-person pilot project and a revamp of its Medi-Cal dental system. (Gorn, 11/2)
The Columbus Dispatch: Proposed Medicaid Cuts Worry Ohio Families In Need
An injury at age 5 cost Jadon Wade his ability to talk or move his arms and legs, but not his infectious laugh. Jadon delights in “knock-knock” jokes. Now 12, he’s happiest swinging in a hammock alongside his grandmother and legal guardian, Nancy Richardson, at their Delaware home. But if the Ohio Department of Medicaid follows through with its plan to stop funding 68 hours of nursing care for Jadon each week at home, Richardson fears that her grandson might have to move to an institution. (Sutherly, 11/2)
