Louisiana Medicaid Expansion Offers Released Inmates A Lifeline
Without access to health care, many inmates often end up back in prison. While the Medicaid expansion offers this vulnerable population hope, many questions remain as the the July 1 expansion nears.
USA Today:
Louisiana, The U.S. Incarceration Capital, Prepares For Expanded Medicaid
Here in the state that imprisons more of its citizens per capita than any other, the long-awaited July 1 launch of expanded Medicaid coverage will give those leaving prison a chance to at least continue what many describe as spotty treatment for the conditions that plagued them while behind bars. These include Dolfinette Martin, who has been out of prison for four years with no health coverage or medications to control her bipolar disorder, and Maryam Henderson-Uloho, who spent more than 12 years in prison, and who says she and other inmates seldom sought medical treatment because prison officials would write them up for "malingering" when they did. (O'Donnell, 6/27)
New Orleans Times-Picayune:
Louisiana Hospitals, Health Department In Wait-And-See Mode
Louisiana's Department of Health and the privately operated safety net hospitals under contract with the state escaped a grueling legislative session with their funding mostly intact. But the hospitals and state Health Department officials say the funding is based on assumptions that are riddled with uncertainty about the Medicaid expansion and the 375,000 more people that will be eligible for charity care in the state. (Litten, 6/27)
The Advocate:
Louisiana In For Big Changes, Likely Bumpy Ride With Medicaid Expansion; Here's How We Got Here
Louisiana on Friday is set to become the 31st state to expand Medicaid under the federal health care law. About 375,000 people — mostly the working poor — are expected to get free health insurance coverage through the new program, which is mostly subsidized by the federal government. But the transition to having so many more people on Medicaid, rather than relying on Louisiana’s unique “charity” hospital system when they can’t afford health care, is expected to be bumpy — to put it lightly. “There’s going to be a journey we have of people learning what it actually means to have insurance and have primary care,” said Dr. Rebekah Gee, Louisiana Department of Health secretary. (Crisp, 6/27)
In other Medicaid expansion news —
Bloomberg:
Advocates Warn Against Medicaid Cuts In Ryan's ACA Replacement
Medicaid would face radical changes under House Speaker Paul Ryan's (R-Wis.) Affordable Care Act replacement plan, patient advocates tell Bloomberg BNA. The 37-page House Republican health-care plan would repeal all of the ACA's mandates and penalties while embracing some of the law's foundation: Americans should have a chance to buy health insurance regardless of whether they’re sick, and the government should have a role in setting some regulations and helping people pay for it. (Weixel, 6/27)
Marketplace:
What Are The True Costs Of Medicaid?
New research raises questions about the cost of expanding Medicaid – the health care program for low-income and disabled Americans. Some 19 states have yet to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act – often thanks to concerns about the sticker price. But Yale economist Amanda Kowalski said the price tag could be less expensive than what many have assumed. (Gorenstein, 6/27)
