- Obama administration suspends long-term care feature of health care reform. “The law that many Americans had hoped would transform the nation’s dysfunctional system of long-term care for the swelling ranks of people with disabilities and dementia quietly died this month, a victim of its own weaknesses, a toxic political environment and President Obama’s re-election campaign focus on jobs.” – New York Times
- Some states limit Medicaid hospital coverage. “Hawaii is going even further. In April 2012, it plans to cut Medicaid coverage to 10 days a year — the fewest of any state, experts say…Both efforts are pending federal approval, which state officials consider likely because several other states already restrict hospital coverage, among them Alabama (16 days), Arkansas (24 days), Florida (45 days), and Mississippi (30 days). Last year, Massachusetts started a 20-day per stay limit.” – Kaiser Health News
- Governors oppose shifting Medicaid burden from the federal government to the states. “The RGA noted two areas of agreement between the Republican and Democratic governors: Both are opposed to shifting cost burdens to the states, and both are in favor of ensuring that any cost savings resulting from reform of how people eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare are treated are shared by the states and the federal government.” – Washington Post
- Trouble in the Medicaid prescription drug program? “Not one of 14 states recently audited had adequate controls in place to ensure that all of its Medicaid drug expenditures complied with federal law, according to a new Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General report. The potential cost to state and federal taxpayers: almost $260 million.” – The Hill
- New managed care plan will reduce pharmacy reimbursements. “The plan, approved by the Legislature earlier this year, is expected to save the state $100 million over the next two years…Switching to managed Medicaid means pharmacy benefit managers will offer contracts to pharmacies with a lower dispensing fee that will replace the current $6.50 fee per prescription.” – Texas Tribune
