Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Medicaid Sets Managed Care Rule Blocking Billions In Funding For Safety Net Providers
Modern Healthcare: Final Pass-Through Pay Rule Would Cost Hospitals More Than $3 Billion A Year
Bucking outcry from providers, the CMS has finalized a rule related to pass-through payments in Medicaid managed care. The rule would block billions in supplemental funding to safety net providers. The rule applies to all states with Medicaid managed care plans and are used to entice providers to see Medicaid beneficiaries. The CMS doesn't have exact numbers of providers that would be affected but it's estimated to be thousands of hospitals, doctors and clinics. (Dickson, 1/17)
Nashville Tennessean: Bill Would Smooth Tennessee Pursuit For Medicaid Block Grant If D.C. Signals OK
A new bill in the state legislature would help pave the way for Tennessee to pursue a Medicaid block grant if the incoming federal administration moves in that direction. The bill, SB0118 filed by Sen. Richard Briggs, would allow the Division of Health Care Finance and Administration to expand TennCare to include people up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line if President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican-led Congress move toward fewer federal regulations and block grants for Medicaid. Under a block grant, the state would get some fixed level of funding to provide care for eligible Medicaid enrollees. (Fletcher, 1/17)
Winston-Salem (N.C.) Journal: Federal Judge Agrees To Hear Motions On Expanding N.C. Medicaid
A federal judge has agreed hear legal complaints surrounding Gov. Roy Cooper’s attempt to expand the state’s Medicaid program. Judge Louise Flanagan said late Monday she will review by teleconference Friday an injunction request by Republican legislative leaders and the motions to dissolve the request that were made Monday by federal and state health officials. (Craver, 1/17)
