Medicaid

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Health Care Bills Would Expand Medicaid Eligibility

KFF Health News Original

Both the House and Senate health care proposals would expand Medicaid eligibility to about 133 percent of the federal poverty level. Although the measures would help the states cover the costs, governors are worried that the additional federal money simply won’t be enough. KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey offers her insight.

For One Senior, Medicaid Provides Model Care

KFF Health News Original

When Gracie Scarrow, 94, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure she didn’t have the money to pay for the care she needed. With her daughter Lela’s help, Gracie turned to Medicaid. The program pays for her nursing home, and they couldn’t be happier with the care.

Arizona Faces ‘Financial Tsunami’ Over Medicaid

KFF Health News Original

While Washington lawmakers are discussing an expansion of Medicaid, Arizona is having trouble paying for the program at its current level. The state has one of the highest Medicaid rates in the country, with about 1 out of every 5 residents covered by the program for the poor. This story comes from our partner NPR News.

Get Medicaid Out Of The Long-Term Care Business

KFF Health News Original

While states and the federal government struggle to update Medicaid though a maze of waiver programs and patches to an increasingly outdated law, their efforts are a little like trying to add disc breaks and electronic ignition to a 1965 Plymouth. It is, in the end, still a 1965 Plymouth.

Blue-Dog Deal Dogs Health Overhaul Effort

KFF Health News Original

An agreement between the House leadership and conservative Democrats sparked protests from states worried about higher Medicaid costs and liberals upset about the paring back of subsidies.

“Partnership” Policies for Long-Term Care Hold Promise–and Pitfalls

KFF Health News Original

To encourage people to buy long-term care insurance, more states are starting programs that allow people to keep some assets if they exhaust insurance benefits and need to go on Medicaid. Without such an arrangement, they would have to “spend down” assets to qualify for Medicaid. But, experts warn, the policies need strong inflation protections.

Medicaid: True Or False?

KFF Health News Original

Medicaid is front and center in the debate on overhauling the U.S health system and expanding coverage to the uninsured. With 60 million enrollees, Medicaid dwarfs other insurance programs, including its cousin, Medicare, which covers 44 million elderly and disabled people. Here’s a chance to test your knowledge of Medicaid.

Boosting Home Care: An Uphill Battle

KFF Health News Original

Once a senior begins receiving long-term care services, she and her family often are in for two shocks. The first is that Medicare won’t pay beyond perhaps a few months after a hospitalization. The second is that while Medicaid, the state-federal program for the poor, may help, chances are it will only do so for nursing home residents.

A Group of Health CEOs Wants To End Medicare Fee-For-Service Payments

KFF Health News Original

Some CEOs of America’s largest health care providers called Friday for an end to fee-for-service payments under Medicare and incentives to create administrative efficiencies to lower costs to help pay for America’s try at health care reform.