Reports That Trump Administration May Allow States To Block Grant Medicaid Infuriates Hospitals
Hospital groups say that states already have flexibility under federal waivers to make changes to Medicaid so there isn't a need to install a block-grant program. CMS has not confirmed it is looking at a block-grant waiver program, but a spokesperson said that the CMS is open to giving states the option to adopt a block grant.
Modern Healthcare:
Medicaid Block Grant Waiver Reports Revive Hospitals' Funding Worries
Hospitals are furious that the Trump administration is reportedly exploring allowing states to convert their Medicaid programs into block grants, a policy the industry fervently fought when Congress tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act. If states take advantage of the block-grant flexibility, first reported in Politico, it would cap federal spending for Medicaid in those states and could leave them on the hook for any expenditures over that limit. States would either have to cut their Medicaid rolls or payments to disproportionate-share hospitals and nursing homes to curb spending, some experts said. (King, 1/16)
In other hospital news —
The Associated Press:
Need Hospital Care Or Tests? Some Ways To Get Cost Estimates
Want to know how much your hospital is going to charge for that knee surgery? U.S. hospitals are now required to post list prices for medical services online, under federal rules meant to help patients find affordable care and avoid hefty surprise bills. The spreadsheets, often thousands of lines long, will leave many patients overwhelmed. Procedures are described in medical jargon and abbreviations. That's if you can find the lists. (Johnson, 1/16)
The Star Tribune:
Minnesota Hospitals See Spike In Unpaid Bills
Unpaid hospital debt in Minnesota surged 25 percent in 2017, another sign that even patients with health insurance are struggling to pay high deductibles and co-payments for medical care. The increase is the biggest jump since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect in 2013, according to a report released Wednesday by the Minnesota Hospital Association. (Howatt, 1/16)
