New Va. Governor Renews Democrats’ Push For Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Ralph Northam set an agenda that includes Medicaid expansion, gun control legislation and protections for abortion rights, but Republican lawmakers showed no signs of compromise. News outlets report on other Medicaid news from Oregon, Iowa and Illinois.
Richmond Times-Dispatch:
Northam Tells Legislators Medicaid Expansion Is 'a Matter Of Basic Economic Justice'
Gov. Ralph Northam used his first speech to the General Assembly to seek common ground with Republicans on workforce training, education and economic development, but he also forcefully called for expansion of the state’s Medicaid program as “a matter of basic economic justice” and challenged them on hot-button Democratic political priorities. (Martz, 1/16)
The Associated Press:
Northam Asks Lawmakers To Pass Progressive Agenda In Address
Saying voters sent a clear message in last November’s election, new Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is asking the Republican-backed General Assembly to pass a progressive agenda that includes expanding Medicaid, stricter gun regulations and protecting abortion rights. (Suderman, 1/15)
The Oregonian:
Oregon Hospitals Spend Big On Campaign To Pass Health Care Taxes
Oregon's hospitals are the largest campaign contributor in the fight over taxes on insurance policies and hospitals to fund the state's Medicaid program. Their war chest, bolstered by money from unions and the Providence medical network, has enabled the pro-tax side to reach voters with a slew of TV and Internet ads and colorful mailers. (Borrud, 1/12)
Des Moines Register:
UnityPoint Health, Amerigroup Reach Agreement On Medicaid Contract
Amerigroup and UnityPoint Health on Friday night announced they have reached an agreement on a Medicaid health plan contract. The resolution means UnityPoint Health will continue to be part of the Amerigroup provider network in 2018, and people who are covered by the Amerigroup Medicaid plan do not need to change their doctors or health plans to continue their care with UnityPoint Health. (Nozicka, 1/13)
Reuters:
Illinois Nursing Homes Sue State Over Low Medicaid Rates
A handful of Illinois-based nursing homes sued the state's Department of Healthcare and Family Services on Friday, saying low Medicaid rates are jeopardizing their ability to provide adequate quality of care. In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, five groups that jointly operate more than 100 skilled nursing facilities across the state said Illinois' reimbursement rates and methodologies violated certain requirements under the Medicaid Act. (Rucinski, 1/12)
