Latest Morning Briefing Stories
When Home And Health Are Just Out Of Reach
Health insurance doesn’t pay for housing, but sometimes that is what a patient needs most. A Medicaid experiment, called Money Follows The Person, helps some elderly and disabled people move out of institutions into their own homes.
How A State’s Choice On Medicaid Expansion Affects Hospitals
In negotiating the creation of the Affordable Care Act, hospitals took a big gamble, with the expectation that they would soon have millions of new Medicaid customers. In states that expanded Medicaid, the bet paid off. Sarah Varney of Kaiser Health News reports on financial gains made by some hospitals as more patients are able to pay their bills, and the heavy price being paid by hospitals in states that opted against expansion.
As Docs Face Big Cuts In Medicaid Pay, Patients May Pay The Price
The health law offered a two-year pay raise for primary care doctors who see Medicaid patients to entice them to participate, but that expires Dec. 31.
Medicaid Privatization May Pose Risk To Those With Complicated Health Needs
Florida’s decision to privatize government-subsidized healthcare for more than 3 million Medicaid recipients will lower costs and improve care, state leaders say. But the new managed care system is also exposing some Floridians in Medicaid, the state/federal insurance program for children, the poor and disabled, to the uncertainties of the private market for the first […]
Alaska’s New Governor Sets Sights On Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Bill Walker, an Independent, campaigned on Medicaid expansion and now he has to pitch it to a reluctant Republican legislature.
Nearly 9 Percent Of Medicaid Births Delivered Early For No Medical Reason
Study finds that early elective delivery rates are declining but authorities say they are still too high, leading to worse health outcomes for mothers and children.
Medicaid Expansion By Any Other Name May Fly For Florida Lawmakers
Coalition, which includes some prominent Republicans, pushes “free market” alternative.
Former HHS Official Calls For ‘Smarter’ Networks That Deliver Cost-Effective Care
Gary Cohen, a former deputy administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, says the challenge for regulators and insurers is to create networks that not only save money but also deliver better patient outcomes.
Most Illinois Medicaid Patients Denied New Hepatitis C Drugs
Spending for the medications dropped from $1 million per week to about $200,000 per week after the state imposed restrictions.
California’s Managed Care Project For Poor Seniors Faces Backlash
Nearly half of those eligible for a combined Medi-Cal and Medicare program are opting out.
As California Expands Medicaid To New Beneficiaries, Many Others Are Dropped
Previous enrollees in the program for low-income residents must reapply and many are finding the new applications too onerous to complete, advocates say.
Perry-Appointed Board Backs Health Coverage Expansion
Panel recommends that the state negotiate a Texas-specific agreement with the federal government to expand health coverage to the poor.
Florida Hospitals Could Lose Billions Without Medicaid Expansion, Group Warns
Federal funding cuts made by the ACA and other programs will hit safety net hospitals hard.
Millions Of Medicaid Kids Missing Regular Checkups
Administration improves screening rates, but needs to do more to ensure that poor children get recommended health care, says HHS inspector general.
More States Expected To Expand Medicaid In 2015
Texas and Florida, with their large uninsured populations, are not expected to offer coverage to many low-income patients.
Missouri Primary Care Doctors Face Substantial Medicaid Cut
The health care law boosted payments for two years to primary care doctors who treat Medicaid patients. But that boost is set to expire, leaving some providers and their patients in a tough spot.
Rate Of Premature Births Fall As Health Law Provisions Begin To Take Effect
March of Dimes official says one key factor was early implementation of the Medicaid expansion in some states.
Republican Gubernatorial Victories Make Medicaid Expansion Unlikely In 5 States
Advocates hope Republican governors in other states will move to expand coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
Medicaid Expansion Could Be In Play In Georgia After Election Day
Gov. Nathan Deal, a Republican, opposes the program’s expansion and signed a law giving final say to the Republican-controlled Legislature. But Democratic challenger Jason Carter, a state senator, says that if he were elected governor, he would seek a “creative solution” with state lawmakers.
Reno Finds Medicaid Expansion Tough Hand To Play
The community saw its Medicaid enrollment nearly double under the health law, and many new enrollees are experiencing long waits for care.
