Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ Should You Work For Your Medicaid Coverage?

KFF Health News Original

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.

Trump Administration Clears Way To Force Some Medicaid Enrollees To Work

KFF Health News Original

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.

Maine Voters Chose Medicaid Expansion. Why Is Their Governor Resisting?

KFF Health News Original

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.

Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ 2017: The Year In Health Policy

KFF Health News Original

In this episode of “What The Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico, Alice Ollstein of Talking Points Memo and Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times discuss this week’s news, including health issues in the just-passed tax bill and a look back on the year in health policy.

Dangling A Carrot For Patients To Take Healthy Steps: Does It Work?

KFF Health News Original

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

KFF Health News Original

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.”

Puertorriqueños desplazados enfrentan obstáculos para tener seguro médico

KFF Health News Original

Más de 140,000 puertorriqueños llegaron a la zona central de Florida desde que el huracán María devastó la isla. En muchos casos, los planes médicos que tenían en Puerto Rico no funcionaron en el continente.

Massachusetts Grabs Spotlight By Proposing New Twist On Medicaid Drug Coverage

KFF Health News Original

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.

Displaced Puerto Ricans Face Obstacles Getting Health Care

KFF Health News Original

Many have complicated questions about whether their Medicaid or Medicare coverage can shift to their new homes. And for those seeking private insurance, using the ACA’s insurance marketplaces will likely be a new experience.

Trump Administration Plan to Add Medicaid Work Requirement Stirs Fears

KFF Health News Original

The recent announcement by a top administration official that the federal government will entertain requests to implement work requirements for many adult Medicaid enrollees has raised concerns among advocates for the program.

Some States Roll Back ‘Retroactive Medicaid,’ A Buffer For The Poor — And For Hospitals

KFF Health News Original

The retroactive payments provide protection for poor patients who can be enrolled in Medicaid after becoming seriously ill. That enrollment process takes time, and the look-back provision helps guarantee coverage they would have been entitled to if they had enrolled earlier.