Medicaid

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Texas’ Struggling Rio Grande Valley Presses for Medicaid Expansion

KFF Health News Original

Health providers and patients in Brownsville make do with one of the nation’s highest uninsured rates. With billions in federal funding on the line, Texas counties along the border with Mexico plead their case to Gov. Rick Perry.

Feds Make It Easier For States To Enroll Poor Under Health Law

KFF Health News Original

States will have the option to use data from food stamps, other programs, to enroll adults in Medicaid. Officials say the changes are geared to states that are expanding the program next year, but they may also be adopted by others.

The Arkansas Medicaid Model: What You Need To Know About The ‘Private Option’

KFF Health News Original

Arkansas has broached what could be a deal-making compromise for states in a stalemate over whether or not to expand Medicaid. The Arkansas model gives Washington the increased coverage for the poor it wants, and Republicans something that looks less like government and more like business.

Obama Administration Mulls Rule To Give Home Health Aides Better Wages

KFF Health News Original

In 2011, the president called for a change in the Fair Labor Standards Act to provide minimum wage and overtime guarantees for these workers. But the proposal has been strongly opposed by some industry and disability groups.

Oregon’s Dilemma: How To Measure Health

KFF Health News Original

The federal government has allocated $2 billion to Oregon to test ideas for coordinating care given by doctors, nurses, and hospitals. Now, the state has to figure out how it will measure its success

Hospitals Press States To Expand Medicaid

KFF Health News Original

With billions at stake, hospitals are lobbying hard for Medicaid expansion in Columbus, Tallahassee and other state capitals where state legislators oppose the extension of the program.

As Refugees Settle In, Health Care Becomes A Hurdle

KFF Health News Original

Dr. Ashenafi Waktola relies on his own experience as a refugee from Ethiopia to shape his practice in Silver Spring, Md. where almost 50 percent of his patients are refugees. The 76,000 new arrivals from troubled countries who come to the U.S. each year qualify for government health care for eight months, but they often face language barriers and a confounding system when that special status elapses.

Tavenner Fields Questions on Leaks, Premium Costs, Future Of Medicare

KFF Health News Original

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., set the tone for a very-supportive Senate Finance Committee hearing on Marilyn Tavenner’s nomination to head the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. But others questioned Tavenner, who is acting administrator, on a variety of other issues. Here are video excerpts of the hearing.