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  • Virginia Medicaid recipients on edge as GOP weighs cuts • Virginia Mercury


    With President Donald Trump back in the White House and congressional Republicans eying Medicaid cuts, Virginia Democrats are moving to safeguard the state’s health care safety net.

    Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, a veteran of 32 years in state government, called the 2018 Medicaid expansion one of the “most meaningful” votes in his career. At the time, the Democrats struck a compromise with Republicans, agreeing to a “trigger” that would automatically roll back the expansion if federal funding were cut. 

    Now, Deeds and Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, are pushing to remove that trigger, introducing budget language to keep the expansion intact. The House and Senate money committees will unveil their proposals Sunday, but for now, Deeds said, “we’re going to keep the pressure on our federal representatives to do the right thing.” 

    Medicaid, a federal program that helps low-income earners and people with disabilities access health insurance, was expanded in Virginia to cover more residents. If Congress slashes funding, roughly 630,000 people could lose their coverage automatically. 

    If the state budget amendment passes but Congress cuts Medicaid, lawmakers would need a special session to figure out a way to keep the program afloat, Deeds warned.

    “If they were to roll it back 50%, that’s a $2.5 billion price tag for Virginia,” he said. 

    With Virginia sitting on a $2 billion surplus, Deeds acknowledged competing priorities but signaled that saving Medicaid could be a consideration. 

    “We’re going to have a lot of figuring out to do and it’s really going to be a struggle to do that,” he said. 

    For Richmond resident Katina Moss, Medicaid isn’t just health insurance — it’s what allows her to care for her aging parents while continuing her self-employed work without the crushing burden of medical bills. 

    “If the federal government drops funding by even 1%, my health coverage, my safety net and my ability to pursue my self-employed work while caring for my parents would be gone in a flash,” she said. 

    Advocates warn that the potential cuts would force many Virginians into impossible choices. 

    Ashley Kenneth, president of The Commonwealth Institute, and Julia Newton, a Service Employees International Union member, emphasized how Medicaid gives workers the security to prioritize basic needs without choosing between “putting food on the table,” paying rent, or seeking medical care. 

    Medicaid has been in Republicans’ crosshairs before. On his first day in office in 2017, Trump issued an executive order targeting the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, which allowed states to expand Medicaid. He later celebrated a repeal effort that passed the House before failing in the Senate, and in 2020, he supported a lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court that sought to dismantle the ACA. 

    More recently, a Trump administration memo outlining a proposed federal funding freeze pointedly excluded Medicare and Social Security but was silent on Medicaid, sparking concern from Democratic lawmakers. The administration later rescinded that memo, but uncertainty remains.

    Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, who supported Virginia’s Medicaid expansion in 2018, could not be reached for comment.

    With state budget negotiations approaching the final stretch of the 2025 legislative session, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s stance on protecting Medicaid remains unclear. The Mercury asked whether he had been in contact with Trump or congressional Republicans about the issue but did not receive a response before publication.

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    As the GOP in Virginia considers potential cuts to Medicaid, recipients of the program are feeling on edge about the potential impact on their healthcare coverage. Medicaid plays a crucial role in providing healthcare services to low-income individuals, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

    These cuts could have significant consequences for those who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs. Many recipients are worried about losing access to essential services such as doctor visits, prescription medications, and specialist care.

    The uncertainty surrounding the potential cuts has left many Virginia Medicaid recipients feeling anxious and unsure about the future of their healthcare coverage. Advocates for Medicaid recipients are urging lawmakers to consider the impact these cuts could have on vulnerable populations and to prioritize the health and well-being of those who rely on the program.

    As discussions about potential cuts to Medicaid continue, it is important for recipients to stay informed about any changes that may affect their coverage and to advocate for their healthcare needs. The Virginia Mercury will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Virginia Medicaid
    2. GOP cuts
    3. Medicaid recipients
    4. Virginia Mercury
    5. Healthcare in Virginia
    6. Medicaid coverage
    7. Virginia politics
    8. Medicaid funding
    9. Republican party
    10. Medicaid concerns

    #Virginia #Medicaid #recipients #edge #GOP #weighs #cuts #Virginia #Mercury

  • Trump’s Return Sparks Worry About Cuts To Medicaid, Disability Services


    Disability advocates are preparing to fend off potentially seismic cuts to Medicaid and community-based services now that President Donald Trump is back at the White House and Republicans are in control on Capitol Hill.

    Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are reportedly circulating a “menu” of possible options to slash more than $5 trillion in spending in order to fund tax cuts and other Trump priorities. Options outlined in a document obtained by Politico show that up to $2.3 trillion could come from Medicaid.

    If such cuts were to become reality, that would represent nearly a third of projected Medicaid spending over 10 years, according to KFF, a nonprofit that conducts health policy research.

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    That’s raising major concerns for disability advocates who have been pushing for years to see greater investment in Medicaid home and community-based services, the nation’s primary system of supports for people with developmental disabilities.

    “It would be hard to overstate how serious these threats are,” said Zoe Gross, director of advocacy at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. “Medicaid is a lifeline program for our community — we need to make it clear that it should be expanded, not looted to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.”

    Advocates have been warning for years that the Medicaid home and community-based services system is under extreme pressure. A recent survey of hundreds of disability service providers nationwide found that 69% turned away new clients and 39% closed programs or services in the previous year and over a third said they were considering additional program cuts.

    Among the options that Republicans are reportedly weighing is shifting Medicaid to a “per-capita cap system.” Currently, the federal government provides matching grants to states to help pay for the cost of care for anyone eligible for Medicaid, no matter how expensive. But, under a per-capita cap system, the government would provide a set amount of money for each enrollee leaving states to make up any difference in cost.

    The draft document also lists lowering the matching funds that the federal government provides states for Medicaid, implementing work requirements for the program and other options to squeeze savings.

    “We have concerns that when federal Medicaid funding is reduced, states must find new funding to balance the shortfall in state budgets. If new funding cannot be found, optional services like community-based services for people with IDD are often reduced, leading to longer wait lists for (home and community-based services) and higher rates of unnecessary and expensive institutionalization,” said Elise Aguilar, senior director of federal relations at the American Network of Community Options and Resources, or ANCOR, which represents disability service providers across the nation.

    All of this has advocates experiencing déjà vu from Trump’s first term as president when Republicans in Congress tried to switch Medicaid to a per-capita cap system.

    “Some of the proposals that we are hearing about are eerily similar to what was proposed in 2017, like fundamentally changing the structure of Medicaid,” said Nicole Jorwic, chief of advocacy and campaigns at Caring Across Generations, an organization advocating for caregivers and people who rely on them. “This would put access to home (and) community-based services at extreme risk, increase waiting lists and further exacerbate the direct care workforce crisis.”

    A broad coalition of over 200 groups representing people with disabilities, family caregivers, seniors and care workers came together this month in a letter to leaders of the House and Senate to push back against any cuts to Medicaid.

    “We are deeply concerned about recent statements from some Congressional leadership supporting proposals that would deeply cut Medicaid funding. Medicaid is already lean and efficient,” reads the correspondence organized by The Disability and Aging Collaborative and the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities. “We strongly oppose per-capita caps, block grants, work requirements, restrictions on eligibility, barriers to enrollment and any other cuts or harmful changes to the Medicaid program. The result is the same: taking away coverage from people with disabilities, older adults, and others who cannot otherwise afford health care and long-term services and supports.”

    Advocates now say they’re meeting with lawmakers and activating their members to speak up about the importance of Medicaid to this population.

    “Whether the cuts come in the form of a work requirement (or) per-capita cap it all means lowering of the federal dollars going into Medicaid and there is not a state budget that could account for that loss,” Jorwic said. “People with disabilities and their caregivers should be tuned into any changes and cuts to Medicaid, as well as threats to special education services and prepared to share how any cuts would be detrimental.”



    As rumors swirl about former President Donald Trump’s potential return to office, many are expressing concern about the implications for crucial social programs like Medicaid and disability services.

    Throughout his presidency, Trump proposed numerous cuts to Medicaid, a program that provides health coverage to millions of low-income Americans. These cuts would have drastically reduced access to vital healthcare services for some of the most vulnerable members of society.

    Additionally, Trump’s administration made efforts to roll back protections for individuals with disabilities, such as attempting to weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act and cutting funding for programs that support disabled individuals.

    With Trump potentially making a comeback, advocates for Medicaid and disability services are worried that these essential programs could once again be on the chopping block. It is crucial for lawmakers and citizens alike to stay informed and vocal about the importance of protecting these critical services for those who depend on them.

    Tags:

    1. Trump’s Return
    2. Medicaid cuts
    3. Disability services
    4. Trump administration
    5. Healthcare policy
    6. Social welfare programs
    7. Government funding
    8. Public health concerns
    9. Political implications
    10. Impact on vulnerable populations

    #Trumps #Return #Sparks #Worry #Cuts #Medicaid #Disability #Services

  • Republicans reportedly ready to cut Medicaid funding to pay for Trump plans | Republicans


    Republicans are reportedly prepared to cut Medicaid funding to pay for Donald Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration and to fund tax cuts that would mostly benefit the wealthy.

    The GOP in the House and Senate have floated a series of ideas – many of which would target lower-income Americans – to cover the cost of extending tax cuts passed by Trump in 2017, the New York Times reported.

    Among the proposals is a plan to reduce access to Medicaid, the government scheme which provides health insurance to low-income Americans, in a move which would cause 600,000 people to lose access to healthcare.

    Trump has touted the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as a key achievement of his first term. The legislation, which reduced the top corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, is set to expire at the end of 2025, and the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated extending it would add $4.6tn to the deficit.

    On the campaign trail Trump repeatedly promised to make the 2017 tax cuts permanent, but with the 2025 deadline looming, Republicans are scrambling to find a way to fund that pledge – along with the money required for Trump’s desired crackdown on immigration.

    Along with the Medicaid cut, which would introduce work requirements that would effectively strip 600,000 people of their healthcare coverage, Republicans are considering ending Medicaid for non-US citizens, and repealing Biden-era tax credits which are designed to reduce health costs, the New York Times reported.

    A 50-page document being circulated among congressional Republicans also proposes taxing income from scholarships and fellowships, rolling back climate change efforts passed under the Biden administration, and raising taxes on people who can use a free gym in the workplace.

    Another proposal outlines changes to the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, which would reduce coverage for some lower-income Americans, Newsweek reported.

    The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center reported in July that households making about $450,000 or more would receive nearly half of the benefits of the extended tax cuts. The median household income in the US is $80,610, and 95% of American households make less than $400,000 a year.

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    Biden had promised to extend the tax cuts only for families making $400,000 or less a year.



    in Congress are reportedly considering cutting Medicaid funding in order to pay for President Trump’s proposed plans. This move has sparked outrage among Democrats and advocates for low-income Americans, who argue that cutting Medicaid would harm the most vulnerable members of society.

    The proposed cuts to Medicaid come as part of a larger effort by Republicans to offset the costs of Trump’s ambitious agenda, which includes tax cuts, military spending increases, and infrastructure investments. Medicaid, which provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families, is a major target for budget cuts due to its high cost.

    Critics of the proposed cuts argue that slashing Medicaid funding would leave millions of Americans without access to essential healthcare services, including preventive care, prescription drugs, and long-term care. They also warn that cutting Medicaid would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

    Republicans argue that reducing Medicaid spending is necessary to rein in the federal budget deficit and ensure the long-term sustainability of the program. They also claim that cutting Medicaid funding will encourage states to find more efficient ways to deliver healthcare services to low-income residents.

    As the debate over Medicaid funding continues to intensify, it remains to be seen how Congress will ultimately address the issue. Advocates for low-income Americans are urging lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable members of society and protect Medicaid from drastic cuts.

    Tags:

    • Republicans
    • Medicaid funding
    • Trump plans
    • Healthcare
    • Budget cuts
    • Government policy
    • Healthcare reform
    • Political news
    • Republican party
    • Medicaid program

    #Republicans #reportedly #ready #cut #Medicaid #funding #pay #Trump #plans #Republicans

  • Rural Kansans depend on Medicaid at beginning and end of life. D.C. proposals threaten program. • Kansas Reflector


    In the public debate over Medicaid expansion in Kansas, a critical fact often gets lost: Large numbers of residents already depend on the program.

    What’s more, despite racist stereotypes, those benefiting from the program live mostly in rural areas.

    A new report from Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families sketches the present system and makes clear the threat of potential Medicaid cuts from Congress. A menu of potential spending reductions from U.S. House Budget Committee chair Rep. Jodey Arrington slashes $2.3 trillion — yes, that’s with a “t” — from the program covering low-income Americans, Politico reported.

    “Medicaid is really the backbone of so many aspects of our health care system, from birth to long-term care, and many stops in between,” said Joan Alker, executive director and cofounder of the center. According to surveys, “this is literally the last thing voters want — voters of all political parties.”

    As lawmakers in Washington, D.C., prepare a massive tax cut and spending bill, it seemed worthwhile to learn about what Medicaid means to rural areas. It also seemed worthwhile to learn about what it means for Kansas. Again: The program already covers Kansans of all ages. Alker and Benjamin Anderson, the president and chief executive officer of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, joined me on the Kansas Reflector podcast to sort through the issues.

    Anderson told me the program is absolutely vital.

    “A disproportionate share of seniors, of moms and and children in our area receive health care through Medicaid, and some of them represent the working poor,” he said. “We are a state that has not expanded Medicaid, but children in in Kansas, it is a significant source of access for them. And so, when parents have a sick kid who can’t access health care, those parents can’t work, and when they can’t work, then we see economic impacts for that as well. It’s an essential partner, specifically around maternal child health, and then also with caring for seniors.’ ”

    The report, based on information from the Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey, stresses several key findings to bolster that perspective:

    • Of kids in small towns and rural communities, almost 41% receive coverage through Medicaid. In metro areas, 38% do.
    • Of adults under age 65 in small towns and rural communities, about 18% receive coverage through Medicaid. In metro areas, the figure is 16%.
    • In areas with large numbers of tribal residents (American Indian or Alaska Native), those of all ages are likelier to be covered by the program.

    In Kansas, 32.3% of kids in rural areas are covered by Medicaid or CHIP, compared to 28.7% of metro-area kids. Also, 11.9% of seniors in rural areas are covered by Medicaid, while 11.3% of seniors in metro areas are covered.

    “From birth to seniors, Medicaid is a vital source of health insurance to our residents, covering more Kansans in rural communities,” said April Holman, executive director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, on the report. “Additionally, this report makes clear that Medicaid is an important stable revenue source for hospitals and providers in rural Kansas, ensuring that we can access health care when and where we need it.”

    Anderson spoke about his experience at Kearny County Hospital in Lakin. More than half of the births at the hospital were covered by Medicaid. Without that safety net, mothers wouldn’t have had access to prenatal care. Without prenatal care? Untold numbers of mothers and babies would suffer.

    The effects on the elderly are similarly far reaching.

    “They essentially deplete their resources before the end of their life,” Anderson said. “And these are people that diligently save, but people are living longer than they have, and just circumstances come up where that’s happened. And Medicaid is the backstop for skilled nursing. When we start compromising that infrastructure, and they can’t get into skilled nursing, they end up in our emergency department. There is well-documented evidence that among those vulnerable populations, over 50% of the health care spent in that person’s life is in their last six months. If we think we’re going to save by cutting this, we have a rude awakening coming.”

    Taking a broader view, that means that Medicaid cuts have a negative multiplier effect, Alker said. If the federal government carves trillions out of the program, states will be forced to fill the gap. No one wants to see old people or children dying in the streets. But that means other services will suffer.

    “This is going to impact education. It’s going to impact transportation, roads, law enforcement, everything in the state’s budget, because states will be left holding the bag,” she told me. “And it’s an absolutely untenable situation. They simply can’t manage their way out of this.”

    Anderson characterized himself as a right-of-center conservative concerned about the deficit. But given his knowledge of the health care sector, he said, these types of cuts simply won’t have their intended effect.

    “We’re only going to send people into the (emergency department) and spend more federal money in Medicare to offset it,” he said.

    “There are ways to incentivize work,” he added. “There are ways to incentivize healthy families. This ain’t it, to use a west Kansas phrase.”

    My discussion with Alker and Anderson proves a point that I’ve made repeatedly. Officials in Kansas and Washington, D.C., have to find ways to separate partisanship from policy. While Medicaid might not be perfect — we chatted about various reforms that could strengthen the program — it serves an invaluable role in the same rural communities that voted for the new president.

    We all have a duty to care for those in need during their darkest hours. That duty transcends creed or party. It goes to the very core of what makes us human.

    Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.



    Rural Kansans depend on Medicaid at beginning and end of life. D.C. proposals threaten program. • Kansas Reflector

    The Medicaid program plays a crucial role in providing healthcare coverage for rural Kansans, particularly during the most vulnerable times in their lives. From prenatal care to end-of-life services, Medicaid ensures that individuals in rural communities have access to the necessary medical support they need.

    However, recent proposals in Washington D.C. threaten to dismantle the Medicaid program, putting the health and well-being of rural Kansans at risk. As policymakers debate the future of Medicaid, it is essential to consider the impact on those who rely on this program for essential healthcare services.

    Rural Kansans deserve access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income or zip code. Medicaid is a lifeline for many in these communities, and any cuts or changes to the program could have devastating consequences. It is imperative that we advocate for the protection and expansion of Medicaid to ensure that all Kansans, especially those in rural areas, have access to the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

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  • Fraud Detection and Deterrence in Medicare and Medicaid (Health Care Issues, Costs and Access)

    Fraud Detection and Deterrence in Medicare and Medicaid (Health Care Issues, Costs and Access)


    Price: $190.00 – $89.87
    (as of Dec 28,2024 15:11:40 UTC – Details)



    Fraud Detection and Deterrence in Medicare and Medicaid: A Critical Component in Ensuring the Sustainability of Health Care Programs

    Health care fraud is a pervasive issue that not only wastes taxpayer dollars but also undermines the integrity of vital programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated $68 billion is lost annually due to fraud, waste, and abuse in these programs.

    To combat this problem, robust fraud detection and deterrence measures must be put in place to safeguard the sustainability of Medicare and Medicaid. These measures include advanced data analytics, enhanced provider screening, increased oversight and monitoring, and stronger penalties for fraudulent activities.

    By investing in these preventative measures, we can not only protect taxpayer dollars but also ensure that beneficiaries receive the quality care they deserve. It is imperative that we prioritize fraud detection and deterrence in Medicare and Medicaid to uphold the integrity of these critical health care programs.
    #Fraud #Detection #Deterrence #Medicare #Medicaid #Health #Care #Issues #Costs #Access

  • Fraud detection systems :Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services needs to ensure more widespread use : report to congressional requesters.

    Fraud detection systems :Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services needs to ensure more widespread use : report to congressional requesters.


    Price: $18.99
    (as of Dec 28,2024 01:29:32 UTC – Details)




    Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 13, 2017)
    Language ‏ : ‎ English
    Paperback ‏ : ‎ 50 pages
    ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1974499839
    ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1974499830
    Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5 ounces
    Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.12 x 11 inches


    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the healthcare system and protecting taxpayer dollars from fraud and abuse. However, a recent report to congressional requesters has highlighted the need for CMS to ensure more widespread use of fraud detection systems.

    Fraud detection systems are essential tools for identifying and preventing fraudulent activities within the healthcare system. These systems use advanced analytics and algorithmic technology to analyze claims data, identify patterns of fraudulent behavior, and flag suspicious activity for further investigation.

    Despite the importance of these systems, the report found that not all Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) – the entities responsible for processing and paying Medicare claims – are using fraud detection systems to their full potential. In fact, some MACs have not implemented fraud detection systems at all, leaving them vulnerable to fraudulent activity.

    The report also highlighted the need for CMS to provide better guidance and oversight to ensure that all MACs are effectively using fraud detection systems. This includes developing clear guidelines for the implementation and use of these systems, as well as conducting regular audits to ensure compliance.

    By ensuring more widespread use of fraud detection systems, CMS can better protect taxpayer dollars, reduce the prevalence of fraudulent activity within the healthcare system, and ultimately improve the overall integrity of Medicare and Medicaid. It is imperative that CMS takes action to address the findings of this report and strengthen its efforts to combat fraud and abuse in healthcare.
    #Fraud #detection #systems #Centers #Medicare #Medicaid #Services #ensure #widespread #report #congressional #requesters

  • How Medicaid Fails the Poor (Encounter Broadsides)

    How Medicaid Fails the Poor (Encounter Broadsides)


    Price: $5.57
    (as of Nov 27,2024 19:05:16 UTC – Details)




    Publisher ‏ : ‎ Encounter Books; 1st edition (November 12, 2013)
    Language ‏ : ‎ English
    Paperback ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
    ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1594037523
    ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1594037528
    Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
    Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.75 x 0.25 x 7 inches

    Customers say

    Customers find the content informative, concise, and well-documented. They say it’s well worth reading and a good account. However, some customers feel the work is a waste of time and skimpy on solutions.

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    How Medicaid Fails the Poor (Encounter Broadsides)

    Medicaid, the government program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals, is often touted as a lifeline for the poor. However, the reality is that Medicaid frequently fails the very people it is supposed to help.

    One of the main ways that Medicaid fails the poor is through its limited coverage and access to care. Many Medicaid recipients struggle to find doctors who will accept their insurance, leading to long wait times for appointments and subpar medical treatment. Additionally, Medicaid often does not cover important services such as dental and vision care, leaving many low-income individuals with untreated health issues.

    Another way that Medicaid fails the poor is through its complex and bureaucratic application process. Many individuals who are eligible for Medicaid are deterred from applying due to the extensive paperwork and documentation required. This leaves countless low-income individuals without access to much-needed healthcare.

    Furthermore, Medicaid often fails to adequately address the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect the poor. Issues such as food insecurity, inadequate housing, and lack of transportation can have a significant impact on an individual’s health, yet Medicaid does little to address these root causes of poor health outcomes.

    In order to truly serve the needs of the poor, Medicaid must be reformed to provide comprehensive coverage, streamline the application process, and address the social determinants of health. Until these changes are made, Medicaid will continue to fail the very people it is meant to serve.
    #Medicaid #Fails #Poor #Encounter #Broadsides

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