The Bush administration plans more Medicaid rule changes. Earlier this week, CQ Weekly reported that the administration plans to shift more Medicaid costs to the states, prompted by Government Accountability Office studies that show states have used “questionable” practices to gain more federal dollars. (Kaiser Network)
From the report (emphases added):
The first regulation, to be issued March 3, would end payments for ancillary services provided under case-management plans. The administration considers these services, which can include assistance finding housing or paying utility bills, outside the scope of Medicaid. The second regulation, to be issued May 25, would limit how much states could pay health care providers; end Medicaid reimbursements for medical intern and resident salaries; end reimbursements to schools for busing Medicaid-eligible students; and limit the range of services that could be considered “rehabilitation” for Medicaid patients.
The administration seems to be taking an aggressive approach to curbing Medicaid waste. If a Democrat wins the White House in November, however, these Medicaid funding cuts could be rescinded or scaled back.
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