S.C. Lawmakers To Wrestle With Medicaid Costs, While Calif. Gets Waivers To Implement Reforms
The South Carolina Medicaid director says without more legislative funding, the state may have to cut services or reimbursements. In California, officials announced that the federal government has approved plans for some changes. Also, a key Kansas advocate for people with disabilities is retiring.
Charleston, S.C., Post and Courier:
Additional $129 Million Needed For Medicaid To Hold Off Cuts In Services, Reimbursements
Gov. Nikki Haley isn’t expected to release her proposed executive budget until mid-January, but the South Carolina Medicaid director already said his agency needs millions more from the General Assembly next year. If it doesn’t get the extra funds, the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services, which administers the low-income Medicaid program, will consider scaling back services or cutting reimbursement rates paid to doctors and hospitals. (Sausser, 1/4)
California Healthline:
Feds OK California's $6.2 Billion Waiver
CMS last week officially approved a five-year, $6.2 billion federal 1115 waiver for California, also known as Medi-Cal 2020. The waiver approval means California can move forward on four reform fronts over the next five years. (Gorn, 1/4)
Kansas Health Institute:
Disability Organization Leader To Retire During Medicaid Waiver Transition
A nonprofit group that represents service providers for Kansans with developmental disabilities will look for a new leader this year, during an important transition in how the state provides Medicaid coverage for those services. Tom Laing announced Monday that he will retire in September after 22 years as the executive director of InterHab in Topeka. (Marso, 1/4)
