Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
With Medicaid A Chopping-Block Favorite, Advocates Look To Humanize Program
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Health Groups Put "A Face To Medicaid" In National Anti-AHCA Campaign Kickoff
Lajuan Black was one of a handful of local residents who shared their stories during a public comment period at the national kickoff of a campaign health groups are leading against current healthcare reform efforts. ... In its current form, the AHCA would reduce Medicaid spending by roughly $839 billion over 10 years, according to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office. Republicans say the plan will force states to more efficiently run the program, which some conservatives see as an "open-ended entitlement." (Christ, 6/16)
In other Medicaid news —
KCUR: State Officials Seek Feedback On KanCare, But Few Attend First Public Meetings
Given all the controversy about KanCare – Kansas’ privatized Medicaid program – it would be reasonable to expect big crowds at public hearings about renewing the program. But that wasn’t the case Wednesday when relative handfuls of health care providers and consumers turned out in Topeka for the first in a series of forums scheduled across the state. The sparse turnout disappointed state officials and legislators who attended. (Mclean, 6/15)
The Oregonian: Oregon House Passes $550 Million Tax Bill To Fund Medicaid
Lawmakers in the Oregon House voted Thursday to pass a $550 million health care tax plan they said was necessary to prevent cuts to the state's Medicaid program. The legislation, which now goes to the Senate, includes a tax increase on hospitals and new taxes on health insurance plans. Gov. Kate Brown supports the bill, and said last week it's among her three top priorities for lawmakers to approve before going home by July 10. The Democrat-majority chamber also turned down an effort by Republicans to authorize only one year of funding, instead of the normal two, for the state health authority because it hasn't been able to verify tens of thousands of Oregonians' eligibility for Medicaid. (Borrud, 6/15)
