Key Republican Lawmaker Says Georgia Should Consider Medicaid Expansion
State Sen. Renee Unterman, who heads the Health and Human Services Committee, says she has changed her views on the prospect because of hospital closings in the state and problems that residents are having getting to see a doctor. But Georgia's Republican governor is believed to still oppose any expansion. News outlets also report on developments in Arkansas and Louisiana.
Modern Healthcare:
Georgia Eyes Medicaid Expansion
In an effort to better provide healthcare to Georgia's exploding population and as a way to balance the state's budget, conservative lawmakers are renewing temporary Medicaid payment increases and looking at expanding the program, according to a Republican state Senate leader. Sen. Renee Unterman, chairwoman of the Senate's Health and Human Services committee, said that while she's been critical of Medicaid expansion, she's seeing hospitals close and people waiting to see providers. Unterman added that she is not alone, and that she believes there is enough support in the Senate for a conservative expansion model, similar to the one in place in Arkansas. (Dickson, 5/18)
Arkansas Online:
1st Look Offered Of Arkansas Works
The Arkansas Department of Human Services on Wednesday opened for public comment a draft of the request it will submit to the federal government to allow changes to the state's private option Medicaid program and extend the waiver authorizing it through 2021. ... The proposed changes, which would take effect Jan. 1, include charging premiums of about $19 a month to enrollees with incomes above the poverty level, providing coverage to some enrollees through subsidized employer plans and offering an extra benefit, such as dental coverage, as an incentive for enrollees to pay premiums and receive annual wellness exams. The state would also eliminate retroactive coverage for enrollees to "better align" the program with commercial insurance coverage, according to the extension application. (Davis, 5/19)
The Associated Press:
Health Department Withdraws Ethics Request On Medicaid Plan
Louisiana’s health department is withdrawing a request for the ethics board to determine if donations helping to pay for the rollout of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Medicaid expansion comply with state ethics laws. While Health and Hospitals Secretary Rebekah Gee told lawmakers recently that no request had been made of the ethics board, a Jan. 25 letter posted on the Board of Ethics website shows the health department asked for the opinion. The request was revoked in a Feb. 1 letter, after the Department of Health and Hospitals received federal permission for the financial arrangement, which involves a private foundation collecting donations from health providers to help cover DHH’s administrative costs associated with the coverage expansion. (Deslatte, 5/18)
