CDC: Private health care coverage at 50-year-low Jul 3, 2009
However, public coverage of adults is rising in some states, due to programs like Medicaid expanding eligibility. So not all the adults without private coverage are uninsured, Thorpe said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Private Healthcare Coverage At 50-Year Low; Texas Leads In Uninsured Jul 3, 2009
However, public coverage of adults is rising in some states because of programs like Medicaid expanding eligibility. The CDC also reported on insurance coverage in the 20 largest states, and found the percent of uninsured people ranged from 3 percent in Massachusetts to 23 percent in Texas. (KWTX.com, TX)
Medicaid patients sue JFS Jul 3, 2009
Five Medicaid recipients filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on Thursday seeking to block Medicaid from forcing them to change their health care providers ... In March, Phillips was notified that her Medicaid Managed Care Plan, Buckeye Community Health Plan, would no longer pay for her to get treatment at University Hospital, where she sees four doctors ... Federal and state law require Ohio to let disabled Medicaid residents transfer from one managed care plan... (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Far fewer need health insurance than Obama believes Jul 3, 2009
After that, you can remove the 10 million who are not U.S. citizens, and should not get free health care, and the 11 million who are eligible for the state children s health insurance program and Medicaid but for some reason (lazy, ignorant, don t have TV or read) have not signed up for those programs. So, that leaves only 10 to 15 million among the long-term uninsured. (Missoulian, MT)
St. Anthony Hospital splits from parent Jul 3, 2009
More than 50% are covered by Medicaid, the state-run health plan for the indigent and disabled. What do you think. (Crain's Chicago Business)
McCain takes on Obama on health reform Jul 3, 2009
However, the total cost of legislation will rise considerably once provisions are added to subsidize health insurance for the poor through Medicaid ... The government's costs would be covered by a combination of higher taxes and cuts in projected Medicare and Medicaid spending. (AZCentral -- News)
Forum: A health-care greeting - Welcome to Wal-Mart Jul 3, 2009
Five percent were on Medicare, and 3 percent on Medicaid or other state-run plans. And 4 percent were insured through their parents or school. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Conway announces $2 million settlement with Baxter Healthcare Jul 3, 2009
-based Baxter published inflated average prices for its IV solutions, at times exceeding 1,300 percent more than the real price, which caused Kentucky Medicaid to pay substantially more than it should have. The Kentucky Medicaid program relies on published average wholesale prices to calculate the reimbursement rate when it reimburses suppliers ... Taxpayers are footing the bill for these inflated drug prices, and my office is seeking to recover the money the Medicaid program lost as a result of... (Louisville Business First, KY)
Socialized medicine takes away freedom Jul 3, 2009
EDlive wrote on Jun 29, 2009 8:47 AM:" If brevity is the soul of whit...Don't change one difficult situation for a disasterous one:Social SecurityMedicareMedicaidUSPSFEMA (as per FedUp above)DMVDOTOSHADept. of Homeland SecurityEct... " ... conservativeUS wrote on Jul 1, 2009 6:53 PM:" oh, there it is. cross says prove it, because he 'seriously' doubts it. wow. you seriously doubt it. like double dog dare ya doubt it?cross, in his liberal oped retort gives the VA and medicaid as his examples of... (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Nebraska judge strikes down Medicaid rule Jul 3, 2009
The ruling nixes a controversial state policy that required a single parent with one or more children younger than 6 years old, for instance, to work at least 20 hours a week to retain the Medicaid benefits. With the exception of the main plaintiff, damages likely will not be awarded to the more than 400 people denied Medicaid benefits ... "It can be argued that conditioning receipt of Medicaid on compliance with a self-sufficiency contract is consistent with the policy of the state," she wrote.... (Sioux City Journal)
Other views: Smokers, pay up Jul 3, 2009
Wednesday was the day Florida smokers added another $1 per pack of smokes, an increase estimated to bring $900 million in revenue into the state, and earmarked for cancer research and Medicaid expenses. This is one of those taxes that, ideally, wont bring in all the expected income thats anticipated because some smokers will or may back off from their habit. (Florida Today)
"Affordable" health care means someone else makes decisions Jul 3, 2009
About 20 percent of the nation is employed by federal, state and local governments, while Medicare, Medicaid and other programs fill up the rest. The "access" part of the debate intends to provide free health-care for those who don't either pay for it themselves, have an employer who pays it on their behalf, or have it paid through a government program. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Jul 3, 2009
Schwarzenegger told Leavitt and Bush that he opposes proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and a children's health insurance program that could make it harder for California to achieve its plans for universal coverage. California also would be severely affected if Bush's annual push to eliminate a program that reimburses states for the cost of jailing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes is eliminated. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Gingrich: Obama Disingenuous on Heathcare Jul 3, 2009
com - Gingrich: Obama Disingenuous on Public Health Option. Thursday, July 2, 2009. (Newsmax)
Universal health care not all its cracked up to be Jul 2, 2009
Uncle Jed wrote on Jun 28, 2009 2:16 PM:" All the money from Illegal Aliens scamming Gov. programs and medicaid/medicare fraud, would pay for good Americans who can't afford insurance. Doctors get rich and the scammer foreigners steal the American dream. " ... They were against Medicare and Medicaid [created in the 1960s ... jp wrote on Jun 26, 2009 10:16 AM:" If Doctors are already turning away Medicaid, and medicare patients, because they can't seem to get paid in a timely manner, or even the... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Uninsured health-care ranks rising in Miss. Jul 2, 2009
"I've tried to get Medicaid, but you have to have kids or be disabled. And you can't make more than $8 an hour." ... Mississippi's perpetual problems with funding Medicaid could toss even more people into the ranks of the uninsured, she said ... They would like to see the expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid as a number of states have done, said Roy Mitchell, director of the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program. (The Clarion-Ledger)
A powerful anniversary Jul 2, 2009
New GAO Report Shows Unequal Access to Medicaid for Breast Cancer Treatment ... more than a dozen states have left in place restrictions to Medicaid coverage for breast and cervical cancer screening that effectively eliminate all but a small fraction of low-income women, leaving the rest with few, if any, options for assistance. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Related: 5 keys to getting health care deal Jul 2, 2009
And the Medicaid expansion may not be as large as once hoped. . (Yahoo News)
PMC plans records link Jul 2, 2009
She added that incentives will be available through Medicare and Medicaid for hospitals and providers that can demonstrate having meaningful use of electronic health records. This document was originally published online on Thursday, July 02, 2009. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
'Public Option' Spells Catastrophe for Health Care Jul 2, 2009
Enraged that Americans are not in prostrate appreciation over the opportunity to fork over and be herded into a Medicaid for the middle class, the president and his crew have harsh words for Americans who cling to their private plans ... Medicare and Medicaid budgets are 10 times original predictions. (ABC News)
Obama confronts skeptics on healthcare, pledges action Jul 2, 2009
Unable to work because of her kidney cancer and ineligible for Medicaid or other government health benefits, Debby Smith told the president, she had no way of paying for treatments. I get food stamps, but that s it. (Boston Globe)
Medicaid cuts payments to Colo. docs Jul 2, 2009
Medicaid cuts payments to Colo ... Medicaid cuts payments to Colo ... Doctors in Colorado began to see reductions in their reimbursements from the Medicaid program on Wednesday as an effort to fill financial gaps in the state s budget. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Georgians are great at being overweight Jul 2, 2009
It s especially troubling as the Baby Boomer generation heads toward Medicare and Medicaid rolls. Levi said 70 percent of health care costs are associated with chronic disease, much of which can be traced to obesity. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Accountability key to ABCs of health care problem Wednesday, July 1, 2009 Jul 2, 2009
I propose we bring health care and Social Security together, and not just those two, but also other insurance and entitlement programs such as worker s compensation, unemployment insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. All the entitlement programs would become one. (Missoulian, MT)
Socialized medicine takes away freedom Jul 2, 2009
EDlive wrote on Jun 29, 2009 8:47 AM:" If brevity is the soul of whit...Don't change one difficult situation for a disasterous one:Social SecurityMedicareMedicaidUSPSFEMA (as per FedUp above)DMVDOTOSHADept. of Homeland SecurityEct... " ... conservativeUS wrote on Jul 1, 2009 6:53 PM:" oh, there it is. cross says prove it, because he 'seriously' doubts it. wow. you seriously doubt it. like double dog dare ya doubt it?cross, in his liberal oped retort gives the VA and medicaid as his examples of... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Patrick signs $27B budget Jul 2, 2009
The $54 million in vetoes to MassHealth, the state s Medicaid program, cut mostly from provider payment accounts, aides said. In his supplemental budget, which requires legislative approval, Patrick sets aside $70 million to offer health insurance to 30,000 legal immigrants, coverage slashed by the Legislature. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
HANYS official displeased with Albany Jul 2, 2009
Sisto detailed how the association helped beat back billions in proposed state Medicaid cuts and taxes, most recently with $586. 6 million restored for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, despite $420. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Jul 2, 2009
Schwarzenegger told Leavitt and Bush that he opposes proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and a children's health insurance program that could make it harder for California to achieve its plans for universal coverage. California also would be severely affected if Bush's annual push to eliminate a program that reimburses states for the cost of jailing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes is eliminated. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Baucus, White House in deal with drug industry Jul 2, 2009
In particular, officials said drug companies would likely wind up paying pay higher rebates for certain drugs under Medicaid, the program that provides health care for the poor. Those funds would be used to help pay for legislation expanding health insurance for millions who now lack it. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Walmart health care stance may change national reform debate Jul 2, 2009
Critics, such as the AFL-CIO, have argued that uninsured Walmart employees turn to state Medicaid programs and that the cost of their health care ultimately is born by the taxpayers ... That number dropped to 1,680 employees in 2008, but the company continues to have the largest number of workers enrolled in the state's Medicaid program ... Nationwide, Walmart acknowledged that about 36,000 of its employees continued to be enrolled in state Medicaid programs. (AZCentral -- Business)
Walgreens halting Delaware Medicaid prescriptions Jul 2, 2009
Walgreens, the largest pharmacy chain in Delaware, says it will stop filling Medicaid prescriptions at all of its drugstores in the state because of a change in reimbursement rates. The drugstore chain operator said Thursday that as of July 6 it will stop filling Medicaid prescriptions in all 66 of its Happy Harry's stores serving Delaware residents. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Obama feels your pain on healthcare Jul 2, 2009
"'It can't be done.' And the naysayers are already starting to line up and finding every excuse and scare tactic in the book for why reform is not going to happen ... And what I say to these critics is, well, what's your alternative? Is your alternative just to stand pat and keep on watching more and more families lose their healthcare, more and more families with higher out-of-pocket costs for less insurance, businesses who are not able to compete internationally, a Medicare and a Medicaid... (Salon)
TBJ poll slams health insurers, lawyers Jul 2, 2009
and Medicare and Medicaid round out the list at 4 percent. The poll drew a large number of comments offering a wide range of opinions. (Triangle Business Journal)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Jul 2, 2009
Attorney Vince Brown said the group is concerned the state may be illegally discouraging needy families from applying not only for welfare, but federal entitlement programs such as food stamps and Medicaid, the national health insurance program for the poor. "We are really trying to balance the budget on the backs of the people who are most vulnerable," Brown said. (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
Troubled Youth May Be Ultimate Victims Of Funding Repeal Jul 2, 2009
-- Medicaid has been pulled from funding state centers where violent teenagers were being treated, leaving officials scrambling to pick up the tab so the patients are not discharged without a plan. State managers said Medicaid managers alerted them Friday of the changes, which take effect Wednesday. (7 KETV Omaha)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Jul 2, 2009
In a series of hearings, they rattled off a list of their objections: More than $100 billion to be sliced from projected Medicare and Medicaid spending ... At a time when the president is trying to engage Democrats in a politically risky effort to restructure Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, Rangel told Paulson, the budget represents a "missed opportunity." ... "Seven out of 10 uninsured children qualify for either Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program but are not yet... (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
Father Who Ditched Nine Kids Via Safe Haven Law Has Twins on the Way Jul 2, 2009
Kathie Osterman, a spokeswoman for Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services, said the Staton family had received more than $995,000 in government aid as of last fall, including an estimated $600,000 in food stamps and more than $100,000 in Medicaid. Safe Haven laws have been passed in all 50 states since 1999, according to the National Safe Haven Alliance. (Fox News)
First, reform the technology Jul 2, 2009
-based parent of estimated 50 percent of the savings would go to hospitals and doctors, 20 percent to the federal government s Medicare and Medicaid programs, and 30 percent to commercial payers. But UnitedHealth believes the government could institute policies to take a larger share to help pay for reform programs. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Patrick cuts WIC, special education Jul 2, 2009
By Jim O'Sullivan and Michael Norton. Wed Jul 01, 2009, 06:39 AM EDT. (Burlington Union, MA)
Paid caregiving options worth a look Jul 2, 2009
In many states, programs are available through Medicaid or directly through the state that compensate a senior for home health services, which he in turn can pay a family member to perform ... If the parent, spouse, or other person you re caring for is eligible for Medicaid or may be close to Medicaid eligibility, its Cash and Counseling or other-named program could provide direct payments to your family member who could then turn around and pay you ... A few other states have similar programs... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
New state Medicaid program for childless adults (30) Jul 2, 2009
New state Medicaid program for childless adults ... Instead he is waiting for the start of a new state Medicaid program, which will provide insurance for low-income residents ages 19 to 64 without children ... It s an expansion of the state s approximately $6 billion Medicaid program, which is funded 60 percent federally, said Wisconsin Medicaid Director Jason Helgerson. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
State needs to consider new ways of determining budget Jul 1, 2009
We could use wages and salaries paid to employees in the private sector, plus government transfers to individuals (Social Security, welfare, Medicare, Medicaid, and certain pensions), plus nonfarm proprietors' income (minus their contributions to social insurance programs). This nameless sum declined by 0. (The Daily Journal)
Health Dept. clinics win federal status Jul 1, 2009
The designation means that the clinics will receive full reimbursement for Medicaid and Medicare clients, and discounted prescription pricing, according to a news release. It could also help the city of Cincinnati receive federal health-care stimulus funds. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
It Could Be Worse Jul 1, 2009
Nixon's vetoes mean reduced funding for a new emergency responder radio system, ethanol plant subsidies and a Medicaid rate increase for dentists. Nixon will also delay funding for $91. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Health Care Reform Could Harm More Than It Helps Jul 1, 2009
Not leaving employers out of the picture, the bill places a similar mandate on all medium and large businesses forcing them to provide coverage and it expands Medicaid to cover people with incomes up to 150 percent of the poverty level ($16,245 for an individual and $33,075 for a family of four). The end result is that the already ballooning deficit will expand beyond any comprehensible level and private insurance will be crowded to the periphery. (Townhall.com)
Massachusetts Health Care: A Model Not to Copy Jul 1, 2009
The Massachusetts plan incorporates a system of middle-class subsidies called Commonwealth Care to help pay for insurance for families with incomes up to 300 percent of poverty level ($66,150 for a family of four) and also expanded eligibility for Medicaid. The Massachusetts Connector, a new bureaucracy that was supposed to increase patient choice, has become an overbearing regulatory arm of government that has decreased competition by prescribing benefits insurance must offer. (Townhall.com)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Jul 1, 2009
Attorney Vince Brown said the group is concerned the state may be illegally discouraging needy families from applying not only for welfare, but federal entitlement programs such as food stamps and Medicaid, the national health insurance program for the poor. "We are really trying to balance the budget on the backs of the people who are most vulnerable," Brown said. (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
The One Thing Jul 1, 2009
You say, "But Glenn, aren't many states pushing to scale back or kill proposals to expand Medicaid?". Maybe, but do you really think that's going to happen. (Fox News)
House, Senate send Medicaid bill to gov. Jul 1, 2009
Medicaid bill goes to gov. ... Lawmakers sent a Medicaid reauthorization plan to Gov. Haley Barbour hours before the new fiscal year began today, along with dozens of other funding bills intended to keep state government running smoothly ... Lawmakers worked late to pass a separate overall funding bill for Medicaid, but other agencies' funding remained in limbo. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Universal health care not all its cracked up to be Jul 1, 2009
Uncle Jed wrote on Jun 28, 2009 2:16 PM:" All the money from Illegal Aliens scamming Gov. programs and medicaid/medicare fraud, would pay for good Americans who can't afford insurance. Doctors get rich and the scammer foreigners steal the American dream. " ... They were against Medicare and Medicaid [created in the 1960s ... jp wrote on Jun 26, 2009 10:16 AM:" If Doctors are already turning away Medicaid, and medicare patients, because they can't seem to get paid in a timely manner, or even the... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
EXCLUSIVE: Jim DeMint's Formula for Saving Freedom Jul 1, 2009
Government already controls 50% of the health industry with Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP and other programs but pay doctors and hospitals less than the full value of their services, and Americans with private plans are forced to pay the difference in higher premiums. Washington gives health tax breaks to businesses, but nothing to individuals who try to buy their own plan. (Human Events Online)
The Trojan Horse That’s Killing Healthcare Reform Jul 1, 2009
3) Reforming public programs like Medicare and Medicaid to root out fraud, cut waste and reward quality. 4) Empowering individuals with the information and financial resources they need to be better, more-informed consumers. (Human Events Online)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Jul 1, 2009
Schwarzenegger told Leavitt and Bush that he opposes proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and a children's health insurance program that could make it harder for California to achieve its plans for universal coverage. California also would be severely affected if Bush's annual push to eliminate a program that reimburses states for the cost of jailing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes is eliminated. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
The Family Doctor: A Remedy for Health-Care Costs? Jul 1, 2009
The furthest along was started by Community Care of North Carolina almost six years ago, with 870,000 Medicaid recipients and 97,000 children enrolled. CCNC pays primary-care physicians in the experiment a premium of only $2. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
LA State Medicaid faces cuts Jul 1, 2009
SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has until Tuesday to make a decision on the Medicaid cuts in proposed House Bill 881 ... "Medicaid is already limited to how much they will fund home health for patients and patients who are on home health at this time," Cammi Jorio of Stat Home Health said. (KSLA.com, LA)
Judge freezes $9 m contested NH funding Jul 1, 2009
In 2007, lawmakers directed the state to pay any surplus from its share of Medicaid nursing home reimbursement to the nursing homes. Citing a different law, Gov. John Lynch claimed the money last year to help balance this year's budget. (Concord Monitor)
Social Security worked before politicians borrowed funds Jul 1, 2009
paul wrote on Jun 30, 2009 5:22 PM:" Larry is correct when he blames the politicians for raiding the cash cow known as social security. thanks to the administration of L.B.Johnson and his successors, it has become nothing but a pile of IOUs. however, because of the excellent health care facilities this country has enjoyed since WW2, people are living much longer, collecting way more benefits than the program was ever designed to do. couple that FACT with the baby boomer generation, of which i am... (Missoulian, MT)
3rd Circuit Recognizes New Cause of Action for Civil Rights Violations at Nursing Homes Jul 1, 2009
"These provisions make clear that nursing homes must provide a basic level of service and care for residents and Medicaid patients," Nygaard wrote in an opinion joined by U.S. Circuit Judge D. Brooks Smith ... Prior to the FNHRA, Nygaard found, "only two sanctions were available against nursing homes for noncompliance with federal participation requirements. First, the secretary of Health and Human Services or the states themselves could decertify the facility and terminate the nursing home's... (Law.com)
Family Health Center to get $870,000 in stimulus funding Jul 1, 2009
really wrote on Jun 30, 2009 8:18 AM:" Small town girl, pretty sure the article wasn't about creating new jobs. I believe if you read the article it was about the health center obtaining funds to be able to help additional people receive health care. It would by the article create three jobs as stated by the hiring they would need. How would it save taxpayers money? Well maybe those people will stop using the emergency department for primary care and applying for medicaid when they can't foot... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Study suggests no foul play in funds for priests Jul 1, 2009
Last month, the archdiocese announced that it was cutting the stipends for priests who are unable to work for long periods of time, and now the archdiocese is circulating a draft policy on housing for retired priests that will end archdiocesan support for assisted-living facilities and nursing homes, helping priests instead to get Medicaid benefits. The archdiocese will encourage priests who do not live on their own or in rectories to live in Regina Cleri, a retirement home for priests that,... (Boston Globe)
Politicians who balk at health care for all aren't credible Jul 1, 2009
The bottom line is that it seems to be the people with private health insurance who are the most vocal about not needing a government program for the millions of working Americans who make too much to quality for Medicaid and too little to buy insurance on their own. Until all those senators and representatives who now receive health care insurance through the federal government voluntarily give it up and accept a voucher or tax credit instead, they have no credibility with me. (Anchorage Daily News)
Jefferson City boy leaves hospital after 2 years (2430) Jul 1, 2009
Miller, 32, estimated the family's out-of-pocket costs for her son's care at about 5,000, noting Medicare and Medicaid have covered the vast majority of Kyle's bills. "There's probably not a person in this hospital who doesn't know him. We're pretty attached," said nurse Andrea Balf. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Schumer outlines public health plan (2) Jul 1, 2009
In the meantime, organizations like the Hudson Center for Health Equity and Quality (Hcheq) have been trying to increase access to free and low-cost health insurance through a new Web site called Enroll NY. The site allows New Yorkers to quickly screen for public health insurance options Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid by answering four easy questions. While we ve seen online eligibility calculators before, this is the only application that actually sends the information to a... (Oswego Palladium-Times, NY)
UPDATE WITH VIDEO: Community reels at loss of Thomas; former player in custody writeLink("vid_id=1611&file=thomasreaction.flv"); Jul 1, 2009
Examples of health oversight agencies include the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Oregon Medical Assistance Program and state licensure agencies. Disclosure of PHI to an enforcement agency that is not a health oversight agency is permitted only to the extent that the request meets a three-part test: (1) de-identified information will not suffice, (2) the information sought is relevant to a stated and legitimate law enforcement inquiry, and (3) the scope of the request is no... (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Cuts, stimulus help states avert 'doomsday' crises Jul 1, 2009
The stimulus will provide $250 billion to states over two years, mostly for education and Medicaid. Even before the stimulus bill, education, health care and corrections were the programs most protected from spending cuts, says Scott Pattison, executive director of the National Association of State Budget Officers. (USA Today)
