Pilot Programs To Improve Care For Elderly Or Disabled Poor Patients Stumble

The experiments -- mandated by the health law -- are designed to reduce spending and boost the quality of care for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, but they have failed to attract much enrollment. Also in the news, a study finds gender differences among patients taking advantage of new Medicare rules for screening colonoscopies.

The Wall Street Journal: New Health Programs For Elderly Poor Make Rocky Start

A federal experiment to curb health spending and improve care for disabled and elderly poor people is off to a rocky start, with enrollment falling short of expectations as patients prove reluctant to switch to the new programs. The struggles experienced by the pilot plans, which aim to streamline care for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, come despite a growing national urgency about caring for the aging impoverished. (Kamp and Levitz, 12/23)

Kaiser Health News: Medicare Payment Changes Lead More Men To Get Screening Colonoscopies

Men are getting more screening colonoscopies since the health law reduced how much Medicare beneficiaries pay out of pocket for the preventive tests, a recent study found. The change, however, didn’t affect women’s rates. (Andrews, 12/24)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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