Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Sweeping Medicaid Managed Care Rule Sent To OMB For Review
Modern Healthcare: OMB Receives CMS Rules Overhauling Medicaid
The CMS has sent a sweeping finalized rule that will overhaul the managed Medicaid program to the Office of Management and Budget for review. The 653-page proposed version of the rule suggested the biggest changes in Medicaid managed-care regulations in more than a decade. It would cap insurer profits, require states to more rigorously supervise the adequacy of plans' provider networks, encourage states to establish quality rating systems for plans, allow more behavioral healthcare in institutional settings and encourage the growth of managed long-term care. (Dickson, 2/19)
Reuters: Medicaid Premium Hikes May Leave Many Children Uninsured
Premium increases for Medicaid, the government health program for the poor, may leave many U.S. children uninsured, a new review suggests. Higher premiums for the national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which also provides coverage to low-income kids, may have a similar result. (Rapaport, 2/19)
Reuters: Excluding Transport From Medicaid Affects Poorest Patients
States that expand their Medicaid programs without covering non-emergency transportation for new enrollees could disadvantage the poorest patients, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The report looked at Indiana and Iowa, which have already expanded Medicaid without providing non-emergency transportation, and Arizona, which has sought permission from the Department of Health and Human Services to do so. (2/19)
