Latest KFF Health News Stories
More Governors Embrace Medicaid Expansion, But With Changes
Some advocates worry these changes could push Medicaid further away from its original purpose, which was to provide affordable health insurance for the needy.
Indiana Medicaid Expansion May Tempt Other GOP-Led States
A three-year agreement between Indiana and the federal government imposes cost-sharing on poor adults and uses a cigarette tax and a fee on hospitals to pay the state’s costs of expanding Medicaid — and could lead to other GOP-led states following suit.
Enrollees In Pa.’s Medicaid Expansion Locked Out Of Substance Abuse Services
An apparent glitch in enrolling Pennsylvania residents into that state’s Medicaid expansion, which was championed by former Gov. Tom Corbett, limits mental health and addiction services for enrollees.
Medicaid Pay Hike Opened Doors For Patients, Study Finds
Patients gained access to primary care doctors as a result of the health law’s pay increase, according to the analysis.
Arkansas Medicaid Plan Offers Mixed Lessons
An influential Texas group says Arkansas’ experiment using federal money to buy private insurance for the poor has cost more than expected and should not be emulated by other states.
High Court Weighs Whether Providers Can Sue States Over Medicaid Pay
The Idaho case is being closely watched by states that want to stop such lawsuits, as well as by patient advocates and providers who say patients’ access to care depends on fair rates.
Applying For Pa. Medicaid Expansion? Wait In Line
Only about a third of an estimated 150,000 people who applied for the program so far have been enrolled, say officials.
Supreme Court Battle Brewing Over Medicaid Fees
States say government should be able to set rates without courts stepping in. Patient advocates and providers say intervention is needed to improve access.
Medicaid’s Western Push Hits Montana
After sitting out the first full year of Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, lawmakers in Montana have moved on to arguing — not about whether — but about how much federal cash to pull down.
As Docs Face Big Cuts In Medicaid Pay, Patients May Pay The Price
The health law offered a two-year pay raise for primary care doctors who see Medicaid patients to entice them to participate, but that expires Dec. 31.
Nearly 9 Percent Of Medicaid Births Delivered Early For No Medical Reason
Study finds that early elective delivery rates are declining but authorities say they are still too high, leading to worse health outcomes for mothers and children.
Most Illinois Medicaid Patients Denied New Hepatitis C Drugs
Spending for the medications dropped from $1 million per week to about $200,000 per week after the state imposed restrictions.
Florida Hospitals Could Lose Billions Without Medicaid Expansion, Group Warns
Federal funding cuts made by the ACA and other programs will hit safety net hospitals hard.
Millions Of Medicaid Kids Missing Regular Checkups
Administration improves screening rates, but needs to do more to ensure that poor children get recommended health care, says HHS inspector general.
More States Expected To Expand Medicaid In 2015
Texas and Florida, with their large uninsured populations, are not expected to offer coverage to many low-income patients.
Republican Gubernatorial Victories Make Medicaid Expansion Unlikely In 5 States
Advocates hope Republican governors in other states will move to expand coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
Medicaid Expansion Could Be In Play In Georgia After Election Day
Gov. Nathan Deal, a Republican, opposes the program’s expansion and signed a law giving final say to the Republican-controlled Legislature. But Democratic challenger Jason Carter, a state senator, says that if he were elected governor, he would seek a “creative solution” with state lawmakers.
Reno Finds Medicaid Expansion Tough Hand To Play
The community saw its Medicaid enrollment nearly double under the health law, and many new enrollees are experiencing long waits for care.
Spike in ER, Hospitalization Use Short-Lived After Medicaid Expansion
Rates of hospitalization for the “highest pent-up demand” group also started high and dropped by almost 80 percent over the two-year period.
Many On Medicaid See Boost In Benefits As Economy Improves
With an improving fiscal climate, many states are increasing benefits for Medicaid recipients and paying their providers more.
