In Comments On Ark. Medicaid Revisions, Groups Object To Plan To End Retroactive Coverage
The change would leave poor residents with more medical debt and make it harder for doctors to collect for services, according to the responses, which will be forwarded to federal officials who will have to approve any changes to the state's Medicaid program. Also in the news, Indiana and federal officials are tussling over reviewing that state's Medicaid system, and Louisiana ends one group's work with Medicaid.
Arkansas Online:
Health Groups Air Views On Medicaid Changes
Several groups, including Arkansas' largest health insurer, have critiqued components of the state's plan to seek federal approval for a revised version of the private option and a waiver extension through 2021. The state Department of Human Services received nine written comments prior to Friday's public comment deadline. The commenters, including private residents and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, attacked a provision that would eliminate retroactive coverage for enrollees to "better align" the program with commercial insurance coverage. Currently, Medicaid covers up to 90 days of medical expenses incurred before the date an enrollee applied. (Field, 6/20)
Indianapolis Star:
Indiana Battling Feds Over Medicaid Review
Indiana remains at odds with the federal government over how to evaluate the state’s unique Medicaid program, a standoff that affects not only Indiana, but also other states looking to adopt Indiana’s model. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services gave Indiana a deadline of June 17 to finalize a data-sharing agreement on the jointly funded health care program for the poor. Instead, Indiana responded in a letter Friday that the federal government hasn’t satisfied the state’s concerns about data safety. (Groppe, 6/20)
New Orleans Times Picayune:
State Terminates Alternative Livings' Medicaid Contract After Indictment
The state Department of Health said today that it is throwing the New Orleans nonprofit Alternative Livings Inc. off the state Medicaid program after three family members who run the organization were charged in a federal indictment. (Litten, 6/20)