Medicaid

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Medicaid Expansion Now Could Save Some States Money

KFF Health News Original

Starting April 1, the first federal funding from the health overhaul law becomes available to expand coverage of Medicaid programs. Some states are seeking to use that money in current programs that cover low-income people who do not qualify for Medicaid.

Dental Coverage Cuts Leave California’s Poor In Pain

KFF Health News Original

While the recession may be easing, California and other states across the country continue to face eye-popping budget deficits. As a result, states are cutting deep into public health programs, and dental benefits for Medicaid recipients top the list.

Millions More Children Added To Medicaid, CHIP Rolls In 2009

KFF Health News Original

A new study shows that, compared to last year, an additional 2.6 million children are now enrolled in the federal-state coverage programs, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Government Health Spending To Top Private Sector By 2012

KFF Health News Original

A new study by federal officials finds that state, local and federal health spending has steadily increased. And, the nation’s health spending as a share of the economy jumped in 2009 by 1.1 points to 17.3 percent.

It’s Time To Coordinate Care For The Disabled And Frail Elderly

KFF Health News Original

Since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid nearly 45 years ago, the government has separated acute medical care from personal assistance and long-term care, placing many of the most vulnerable people in the nation at risk. An obscure provision of the Senate health bill attempts to crack that barrier.

The Unresolved Question Of Medicaid Reimbursements

KFF Health News Original

Over the next few weeks, as the House and Senate forge a compromise between their respective health care reform bills, most of the attention will be on the high-profile issues like abortion and taxes. But there are myriad other issues that, although less visible to the public, could go a long way towards determining the success of health care reform. High on this list is the seemingly technical question of what Medicaid pays primary care physicians.

The CLASS Act: A Flawed But Powerful Game-Changer for Long-Term Care

KFF Health News Original

Pay attention to the CLASS Act. It can not only provide better long-term care for those who so desperately need this assistance, it can also become a new way to help those in need in an era of $1 trillion-plus budget deficits. But only if it is done right.

Health Reform Sparks Debate On Future Of Children’s Health Program

KFF Health News Original

Some say moving kids from the Children’s Health Insurance Program to health exchanges would add stability, but others fear they could lose benefits and their families could face higher co-payments for coverage.

How The House Abortion Restrictions Would Work

KFF Health News Original

Legislation approved by the House Saturday would bar insurers from selling policies that cover abortion if purchased with federal subsidies. There are already states that have similar policies.

Injury Upon Injury: Californians Losing Jobs Find State Health Safety Net Is Badly Frayed

KFF Health News Original

With the pressure of a severe budget crisis, California officials have made tough cuts to health services once deemed vital. Funds for dental clinics, foot and eye care, hearing aids, mental health care and other services long covered under the state’s Medicaid program have been slashed.

Lawmakers, White House Consider Bipartisan Route To Bend Health ‘Cost Curve’

KFF Health News Original

With growing signs that health reform bills would do little to “bend the cost curve,” Sens. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., want a bipartisan commission to control future Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security costs.

Health Reform Proposals Enhance Children’s Dental Care

KFF Health News Original

All of the Democratic health proposals would expand children’s dental care – a serious need. Currently about twice as many children are without dental coverage as those without medical coverage. At the same time, some insurance experts worry that the legislation may have unintended consequences, disrupting adult coverage.