Medicaid & Uninsured
Trump Administration Clears Way To Force Some Medicaid Enrollees To Work
By Phil Galewitz
Allowing states to mandate that non-disabled Medicaid enrollees work as a condition for coverage would mark one of the biggest changes to the program since it began more than 50 years ago. A decision on the first of the state requests could come within days.
Trump’s Work-For-Medicaid Rule Puts Work On States’ Shoulders
By Phil Galewitz and Pauline Bartolone
States that opt to change their Medicaid program must figure out how to delineate who is covered by the new mandate, how to enforce the rules and how to handle the people seeking exemptions.
Kentucky Is First State Granted Approval For Medicaid Work Requirements
By Phil Galewitz
The program will also set monthly premiums for Medicaid coverage and penalties for those who don’t make the payments.
Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ Should You Work For Your Medicaid Coverage?
In this episode of “What The Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Sarah Kliff of Vox.com, Joanne Kenen of Politico and Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times discuss possible new work requirements for Medicaid recipients and the latest on renewing the Children’s Health Insurance Program, plus Rovner interviews Princeton health historian Paul Starr.
With CHIP Funds Running Low, Doctors And Parents Scramble To Cover Kids’ Needs
By Phil Galewitz and Emmarie Huetteman
Doctors are advising patients to be sure to fill medication orders now or are giving away drugs to make sure children have enough if their insurance disappears.
Giving Medicaid Enrollees Something To Smile About
By Emily Bazar
More than 7 million California adults enrolled in Medi-Cal regained coverage for critical dental care, including crowns and partial dentures, this month.
Listen: How A ‘Hippie Clinic’ In San Francisco Inspired A Medical Philosophy
By Carrie Feibel, KQED
The Haight Ashbury Free Clinic still serves people living on the fringes in San Francisco. This radio story recounts its 51-year history.
Maine Voters Chose Medicaid Expansion. Why Is Their Governor Resisting?
By Sarah Varney
Even though voters in Maine decided to expand Medicaid through a ballot measure, the law's fate is still unclear. Gov. Paul LePage says the Legislature must find funds for it without raising taxes. Advocates say the law is on their side and expansion must be implemented.
From Retirement To The Front Lines Of Hepatitis C Treatment
By Julio Ochoa, WUSF
This doctor came out of retirement with the goal of treating every patient at high risk for hepatitis C he encounters. The problem is finding them.
Dangling A Carrot For Patients To Take Healthy Steps: Does It Work?
By Anna Gorman
Many medical groups and state Medicaid programs are offering gift cards, cash and other rewards to low-income patients if they agree to get preventive screenings and make healthier lifestyle choices.
Whistleblower: Medicaid Managed-Care Firm Improperly Denied Care To Thousands
By Chad Terhune
An explosive report prepared by a SynerMed executive alleges the California firm, which oversaw care for 1.2 million patients, fabricated documents and violated state and federal regulations for years. The state says it left low-income patients on Medicaid managed care in “imminent danger.”
Massachusetts Grabs Spotlight By Proposing New Twist On Medicaid Drug Coverage
By Shefali Luthra
In an effort to reduce drug costs and increase efficiency, Massachusetts is seeking federal approval to implement a new approach to how the state’s Medicaid program covers prescription medications.
Medicaid Expansion Takes A Bite Out Of Medical Debt
By Alex Smith, KCUR
Medical debt is down across the country. In states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, the reduction is sharper.
Enriched By The Poor: California Health Insurers Make Billions Through Medicaid
By Chad Terhune and Anna Gorman
Medicaid is rarely associated with getting rich. But some insurance companies are reaping spectacular profits off the taxpayer-funded program in California, even when the state finds their patient care is subpar.
Chasing Millions In Medicaid Dollars, Hospitals Buy Up Nursing Homes
By Phil Galewitz
The strategy has been used mostly in Indiana, where many county-owned hospitals purchased or leased nursing homes to take advantage of a wrinkle in Medicaid payment rules and augment federal reimbursements.
On Back Roads Of Appalachia’s Coal Country, Mental Health Services Are As Rare As Jobs
By Vickie Connor
Long commutes and scarcity of providers make it hard for patients who need counseling or psychiatric care.
10 Ways Medicaid Affects Us All
Medicaid was created in 1965 as a program for the poor. Today, it helps 74 million people — more than 1 of every 5 people in the U.S. You or someone you know likely benefits.
Hepatitis C Drug’s Lower Cost Paves Way For Medicaid, Prisons To Expand Treatment
By Michelle Andrews
The drug, sold under the name Mavyret, can cure all six genetic types of the liver disease in eight weeks at a cost of $26,400, well below other options.
Why Glaring Quality Gaps Among Nursing Homes Are Likely To Grow If Medicaid Is Cut
By Jordan Rau
Medicaid covers about two-thirds of nursing home residents, but it pays less than other types of insurance.