Phil Galewitz

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pgalewitz@kff.org
@philgalewitz

Tenn. Block Grant Experiment Would Boost Federal Funding, State Medicaid Chief Says

KFF Health News Original

In a Q&A with Kaiser Health News, Tennessee Medicaid Director Gabe Roberts says state officials are requesting a modified block grant from federal officials because it would save money and allow the state to keep some of that savings.

Walmart To Give Workers Financial Incentives To Use Higher-Quality Doctors

KFF Health News Original

The program, which will roll out next year in three parts of the country, seeks to encourage workers on the company’s health plan to choose doctors that have been identified as providing “appropriate, effective and cost-efficient care.”

Millions Of Diabetes Patients Are Missing Out On Medicare’s Nutrition Help

KFF Health News Original

Health experts say the little-used benefit represents a lost opportunity for older adults to improve their health — and for the program to save money by preventing costly complications from diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

To Save Money, American Patients And Surgeons Meet In Cancun

KFF Health News Original

The patient is from Mississippi. The surgeon is from Wisconsin. They meet in a Mexican resort for knee replacement surgery. Because the care costs so much less than in the U.S, the patient’s health plan pays her $5,000.

Trump Administration ‘Open For Business’ On Drug Imports From Canada

KFF Health News Original

HHS secretary announces a preliminary plan Wednesday to allow Americans to import certain lower-cost drugs from Canada. Manufacturers were quick to criticize the plan, saying it does not guarantee the safety of drugs coming into the country.

Using Obamacare Authority, Trump Aims To Shift Dialysis Care To Patients’ Homes

KFF Health News Original

Only about 12% of dialysis patients get their treatment at home and the initiative aims to dramatically increase that number and move patients out of costly dialysis centers. It would also add provisions to boost the annual number of kidneys available for transplants.

How To Get A Cheaper Prescription Before Leaving The Doctor’s Office

KFF Health News Original

A pricing tool embedded in their electronic health record and prescribing system lets doctors see how much patients will pay out-of-pocket based on their insurance and the pharmacy. But doctors have been slow to adopt the technology, which has limitations.

Study: Arkansas Medicaid Work Requirement Hits Those Already Employed

KFF Health News Original

More than 95% of the Arkansas residents targeted by the state’s Medicaid work requirement were already working or met the criteria to be exempted from the mandate, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Why Some CEOs Figure ‘Medicare For All’ Is Good For Business

KFF Health News Original

While national business groups fight the single-payer concept, the founder and CEO of a large Pennsylvania picture frame manufacturer tries to convince other employers that it’s the only way to control costs and fix the U.S. health system.