Wyoming Inches Toward Medicaid Expansion
The Republican governor and lawmakers in the GOP-controlled legislature are expected to seek a deal with the federal government that would allow an estimated 17,600 low-income residents to gain coverage. Meanwhile, advocates worry that nearly half the children in California are covered by the state's Medicaid program, which is falling short in several key areas.
The Washington Post:
Wyoming Headed Toward Medicaid Expansion
Lawmakers in Wyoming are working toward an agreement that would allow the state to accept hundreds of millions of federal dollars to expand the state’s Medicaid program. Members of the Republican-dominated legislature will meet Wednesday to craft a compromise between two competing measures that would allow an estimated 17,600 low-income Wyoming residents to gain coverage. (Wilson, 1/28)
Kaiser Health News:
With Half of California’s Kids On Medicaid, Advocates Worry About Service
California’s Medi-Cal program has grown to cover nearly half of the state’s children, causing policymakers and child advocates to question the ability of the taxpayer-funded program to adequately serve so many poor kids. In the past two years alone, the program has added nearly 1 million young people up to age 20, including those newly eligible for Medi-Cal coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The increase brings the total number of young people on Medi-Cal to 5.2 million, more than ever before. (Ostrov, 1/29)