Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Feds Make It Easier For States To Enroll Poor Under Health Law
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.
Oregon’s Medicaid Lottery: A Participant’s View
Amid the cacophony of expert views about the implications of a landmark study, a Medicaid beneficiary weighs in on the values and shortcomings of public health assistance.
Florida Legislative Session Ends Without Deal On Medicaid Expansion
The question of whether Florida would expand its Medicaid program to cover more low-income people has been answered, and it’s a “no” – at least for now.
State-By-State: A Progress Report On Medicaid Expansion
As of May 1, 16 states plus the District of Columbia have approved the expansion or are headed in that direction, 27 have rejected it or about to and seven states could still go either way.
The Arkansas Medicaid Model: What You Need To Know About The ‘Private Option’
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
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
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
Senate President Lays Blame With Sebelius If Florida Fails To Expand Medicaid
Kaiser Health News sat down with Florida Senate President Don Gaetz in his office in Tallahassee last week to discuss the debate over expanding Medicare in the Sunshine State.
With Time Running Out, Florida Medicaid Expansion Is In Doubt
House GOP leaders question whether feds can deliver on $50B promise to cover poor residents.
Hospitals Press States To Expand Medicaid
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
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
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.
‘Remarkably Friendly’ Hearing For Acting Medicare Chief
Marilyn Tavenner, the acting head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and President Obama’s nominee to keep the job, found both Democratic and Republican support during a Senate Finance Committee hearing today. KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey talks with Jackie Judd about the hearing and when the Senate could vote on the confirmation.
Medicaid Expansion Will Open Doors To Care for Ex-Convicts
Extending benefits to ex-offenders will provide health coverage to a group that is generally in worse health than the overall population. Researchers say it could also keep some from sliding back into crime.
Connecticut Races To Reach Uninsured, Open Health Insurance Marketplace
Officials hope to ‘make history’ by signing up two-thirds of those without coverage after the marketplaces launch nationwide Oct. 1.
Ohio, Arkansas May Provide New Model For Insuring Low-Income Residents
Other states are watching as the federal government appears likely to allow the two states to use federal Medicaid dollars to purchase private coverage on their insurance exchanges.
From The State Capitals: The ACA At Three
Reporters on the ground in Colorado, Florida and Minnesota discuss the most significant developments to happen in their states since the law’s passage and what future challenges they see ahead.
In Florida, Medicaid Expansion May Be Dead, But Expanding Coverage Isn’t
Chances for the Florida Legislature approving an alternate plan that would accomplish the same goals are looking up.
Health Insurers See Big Opportunities In Health Law’s Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid managed care plans prepare for as many as 10 million new members in 2014– and billions in additional revenue.
Medicaid Expansion Divides Florida GOP
House speaker talks about his family’s reliance on “safety net” help when he was young, but he still opposes health law’s new Medicaid funding.
