What's New from CCF
2011
(12/23/11)
Defining Essential Health Benefits
Last week, HHS released a bulletin to give some indication of its
approach to defining the essential health benefits and to request
continued comment. Joe Touschner goes over it on Say Ahhh!.Blog: HHS Suggests States Will Have Choices on Essential Health Benefits • The Bulletin
(12/7/11)
New Reports Find Florida’s Medicaid Waiver Threatens Children’s Coverage
Georgetown researchers release two new briefs that investigate changes to Florida’s Medicaid Program. The work is supported by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and the Winter Park Health Foundation.Brief 1: Looking Ahead to 2012, What Changes Are In Store for Florida's Medicaid Program? • Brief 2: Proposed Medicaid Premiums Challenge Coverage for Florida’s Children and Parents • Press Release
(12/5/11)
CCF & Urban Institute Release Report on Projected Impact of Affordable Care Act on Children and Families
An estimated 3.2 million children could gain health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act, according to a joint report by the Urban Institute and CCF appearing today in the journal Health Affairs. Funded through The Atlantic Philanthropies’ KidsWell initiative, the new analysis provides the first in depth estimates of the expected impact of the ACA on the nation’s children.Improving Coverage for Children Under Health Reform Will Require Maintaining Current Eligibility Standards in Medicaid and CHIP • Blog: Health Reform Could Cut the Uninsured Rate for Children by Another 40% • Press Release
(11/29/11)
Despite Bad Economy, More Children Have Health Insurance
The number of children in poverty has increased significantly, yet the
number of uninsured children decreased nationally from 6.9 million in
2008 to 5.9 million in 2010. CCF’s latest brief finds that 34 states saw
a statistically significant decrease in the rate of uninsured children
during the same time period. A state-by-state analysis shows Florida had
the largest gains in coverage and Minnesota lost the most ground.
Despite Economic Challenges, Progress Continues: Children’s Health Insurance Coverage in the United States from 2008-2010 • Press release • Press Coverage
(11/21/11)
CCF Hosts Blog Carnival
To highlight the importance of connecting uninsured kids with affordable
health care coverage, Moms Rising and Georgetown University's Center
for Children and Families Say Ahhh! hosted a blog carnival. Visit the
blog carnival to see what your friends and colleagues have to say about
outreach, enrollment and retention strategies.Blog: Moms Rising and CCF Host Blog Carnival to Connect Kids to Coverage
(11/15/11)
Implementing Health Reform for Millenials: What Can States Do?
The Young Invincibles recently released a state guide with recommendations on how to best implement provisions of health care reform for young adults.Blog: Implementing the Affordable Care Act for Millennials: What Can States Do?
(11/14/11)
New Poll Provides Outreach and Enrollment Insights
A recent survey by Lake Research Partners refreshes our knowledge of the
barriers to enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP. The survey was
commissioned by CMS for its "Connecting Kids to Coverage" initiative.Updated Research Gives Fresh Clues to Reaching Uninsured Children • Medicaid & CHIP Approval Rating Higher than Employer Coverage Among Parents
(10/31/11)
CCF Submits Comments on Proposed Eligibility Rules
CCF submitted comments on three proposed rules relating to the
eligibility and enrollment of individuals into health coverage under the
ACA.Combined comments on Medicaid and CHIP eligibility and eligibility determinations for Exchange participation • Comments on health insurance premium tax credits enacted by the ACA • Guidance and Regulations
(10/26/11)
Letter to HHS: Don’t Allow CA to Circumvent Cost-Sharing Rules
In a letter to HHS last week, CCF and 10 national organizations voiced strong concerns about California’s request to waive federal limitations on cost-sharing and impose mandatory copayments on Medi-Cal beneficiaries.Blog: National Groups Oppose CA Request to Circumvent Cost-Sharing Protections • Read the letter • Medicaid and CHIP Waivers
(10/26/11)
New CCF Memo on Proposed ACA Rules
The latest CCF memo looks at the implications for children and families of the three proposed rules relating to the
eligibility and enrollment of individuals into health coverage under the
Affordable Care Act.Memo: Major Implications for Children and Families of the Proposed Affordable Care Act Rules on Eligibility and Enrollment Systems
(9/29/11)
New CCF Report on Impacts of Arizona's CHIP Enrollment Freeze
CCF’s latest issue-brief investigates the enrollment freeze in Arizona’s
CHIP Program, KidsCare. There are over 100,000 children on the waiting
list for KidsCare and the program has declined by more than 60 percent.The Arizona KidsCare CHIP Enrollment Freeze: How Has it Impacted Enrollment and Families? • Blog: How Has Arizona's CHIP Enrollment Freeze Impacted Kids? • Press Coverage
(9/22/11)
State Level Census Data Released
The Census Bureau released estimates for the 2010 American Community
Survey (ACS), which provides detailed state-level data, including health
insurance coverage.Blog: State Level Data Now Available on a Census Website Near You
(9/20/11)
President’s Deficit Reduction Plan Includes Blended Match Rate Proposal
This week, President Obama announced his deficit reduction plan and
warned Congress that he would not support a "one-sided deal that hurts
the folks that are the most vulnerable.” The plan calls for a balanced
approach but does include cuts in health care spending - including a
blended-match rate for Medicaid. Joan Alker takes a look at the plan on
Say Ahhh!.Blog: President Obama Unveils Deficit Reduction Plan
(9/19/11)
CCF Sends Comments to HHS on Exchange Reg
Georgetown CCF has drafted a set of comments to HHS Secretary Kathleen
Sebelius asking that several essential steps be taken to strengthen the
regulation to ensure that children, youth, and their parents receive the
care they need when families purchase insurance through the exchanges.Blog: Common Sense Standards Would Help Exchanges Be Consumer Friendly
(9/15/11)
Support for Medicaid Growing
Medicaid is the least popular option for deficit reduction, according to
a recent Bloomberg National Poll. Read Say Ahhh! for more details.Blog: Support for Medicaid Growing
(9/13/11)
New Census Data Released
The release of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Income, Poverty and Health
Insurance Coverage in the United States (2010) report revealed a
disturbing portrait of the economic circumstances for America's children
and families. It also revealed the important role Medicaid and
Children's Health Insurance Programs have played in protecting children
during difficult times and that we can come together and effectively
address the challenges our children face if we choose to.CCF Statement • View the full report • Blog: Rising Health Care Costs, Rising Underinsurance • Blog: Census Data Released: A Few Data Notes
(8/31/11)
Will Medicaid Survive the Super Committee Intact?
Whether or not Medicaid will continue to be a reliable friend that is
there in our time of need is one of the most critical questions facing
members of the Super Committee, writes Cathy Hope on “Say Ahhh!”. Their
decisions will have a far-reaching impact on those who may need a
helping hand to cover important care for a sick child, assistance to an
elderly woman unable to care for herself in her own home or health care
coverage for those who lost their jobs in the recession or due to a
natural disaster.Blog: We're Stronger Together
(8/30/11)
States of Innovation Blog Series Visits Dr. Brenner in Camden
The States of Innovation joint blog series by Community Catalyst and CCF
takes a deeper look at the work of Dr. Jeffrey Brenner and his
colleagues in Camden, New Jersey. They have shown that by providing more
primary care and better-coordinated care, we can drive down costs and
create better outcomes for patients. The key is offering the right
incentives to providers so they can work as a team to coordinate care
for the patient.Blog: A Team Approach to Care
(8/22/11)
New Transparency Rules Would Help Consumers
Thanks to proposed new rules for individual and group health plans that
require insurance companies to disclose critical information about
benefits and out-of-pocket costs, the “Wild West” of the insurance
marketplace is about to be tamed according to Sabrina Corlette on Say
Ahhh!.Blog: New Transparency Rules Will Help Consumers Compare Health Insurance Plans
(8/22/11)
Efforts to Connect Kids with Coverage Continue
CMS released its second round of $40 million in grants for Medicaid and
CHIP outreach, enrollment and retention activities. HHS Secretary
Kathleen Sebelius and Education Secretary Arne Duncan also sent a joint
letter encouraging Governors to boost enrollment through back-to-school
and ongoing school-based outreach activities in their states. Tricia
Brooks covers these efforts on Say Ahhh!.Blog: Outreach Push Continues to Cover Eligible Children in Medicaid and CHIP
(8/18/11)
New CCF Report Investigates Aligning Coverage for Children and Parents in Medicaid
CCF’s newest report, co-authored with the National Women’s Law Center,
looks into current state efforts to align and simplify coverage for
children and parents in Medicaid and how the ACA moves states toward a
more coordinated system of family-based coverage.Fulfilling the Promise of 2014: Aligning and Simplifying Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment for Children and Parents • Blog: ACA Propels States to Adopt Best Practices in Simplification and Alignment
(8/12/11)
Proposed Rules on Eligbility Released
CMS and the IRS issued three Notices of Proposed Rulemaking regarding
the eligibility and enrollment components of the Affordable Care Act.
The proposed regulations are good news for consumers and will accelerate
state efforts in streamlining and coordinating coverage for children,
as well as their families.CCF Press Release • Medicaid Eligibility Reg • Subsidy Reg • Eligibility Determination Reg
(8/3/11)
CCF and Others Submit Letter to CMS on Utah Waiver
A new letter submitted to CMS by CCF and 17 other organizations asks the
agency to reject aspects of Utah's demonstration waiver proposal that
threaten to reduce children's coverage. Utah's waiver seeks to waive
Medicaid's EPSDT requirement and cost-sharing protections.Letter Submitted to CMS • Press Release: National Groups Urge the Obama Administration to Reject Utah Request to Cut Health Coverage for Children While Dramatically Increasing Costs to Families • Press Coverage
(7/20/11)
Number of Uninsured Kids Drops to Dramatically in Oregon
The number of uninsured children has dropped dramatically in less than two years - from 11.3% to 5.6% - thanks to the affordable, quality health insurance provided by the Oregon Healthy Kids initiative. This puts Oregon on the leading edge of efforts to connect kids with coverage and shows how a little forward thinking can create better outcomes for children.Blog: Some Good News in a Tough Year: Oregon's Child Un-Insurance Rate Cut in Half
(7/14/11)
New CCF Report Analyzes the Role of Medicaid for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
There is, perhaps, no group with more at stake in the current budget debates than children and youth with special health care needs. CCF’s newest report includes research and family interviews that underscore the vital role of Medicaid in the lives of these children.Medicaid and its Role for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN): A Family Perspective • Press Release: Children with Special Health Care Needs Have Much at Stake in Budget Talks • Blog: Children in the Dawn and Shadows of Life Should be a Top Priority in Budget Talks • Press Coverage
(7/8/11)
Medicaid is Very Good for Your Health
A new study by MIT and Harvard economists provides irrefutable evidence that Medicaid is essential to the physical, mental and financial health of the families it serves.Blog: Medicaid is Very Good for Your Health
(7/7/11)
Medicaid Helps Families in Times of Need Following Natural Disasters
The Medicaid program, under Administrations of both parties, has a strong record of helping states during times of crisis. One of the virtues of the Medicaid program is its flexibility in responding to unforeseen disasters -either natural or man-made. It is important to make sure that Medicaid continues to hold strong so it will be ready to help when the next disaster strikes, according to Wesley Prater and Cathy Hope on Say Ahhh!.Blog: Medicaid Helps People in Times of Need Following Natural Disasters
Kidswell Website Launched by Atlantic Philanthropies and Manatt
The Atlantic Philanthropies and Manatt Health launched www.kidswellcampaign.org this week. The website has a wealth of information about what is happening in the states and will be a great resource for child health advocates and everyone working towards full implementation of health care reform.Blog: KidsWell Campaign Launches Online Resource for Health Reform Implementation
Saving Money, Saving Lives: Maryland Paves the Way on Payment Reform
By improving how Medicaid and other health insurers reimburse hospitals, Maryland dramatically lowered its rates of costly, potentially avoidable events (PAEs) such as hospital-acquired infections. The Maryland pay for performance initiative is the focus of the first in our “States of Innovation” blog series produced in partnership with Community Catalyst.Blog: Saving Money, Saving Lives: Maryland Paves the Way on Payment Reform
(6/16/11)
Republican Governors Push Medicaid Block Grant & MoE Repeal
A group of Republican Governors stuck to their talking points and
characterized a Medicaid block grant as a call for more flexibility,
when in reality it would limit their flexibility to respond to
fluctuating needs. They also pushed for a repeal of the stability
protections (MoE provisions) stating that states can’t uphold their end
of the bargain. However, more than half of the states have now ended
their legislative sessions without this repeal and have found a way to
balance their budgets in other ways. Blog: Republican Governors’ Letter Calls for More Cost-Shifting to States and Local Governments
(6/14/11)
Exchange Implementation Work Moving Forward in Many States
While the national media has reported that states are moving "gingerly"
to implement the Affordable Care Act, in fact there's been a great deal
of activity of late, especially around exchanges. No fewer than 16
state legislatures have acted favorably on measures that contribute to
exchange implementation. Blog: Exchange Implementation Work Underway Across the Country
(6/13/11)
It’s Complicated to Be a Kid
Health reform creates many new options for children and families to
secure coverage; however, as more options become available, children
may face more complex coverage arrangements. In fact, recent estimates
suggest that 20 million children live in situations that may make
accessing coverage challenging due to differing eligibility status
within their families. Blog: It Can Be Complicated to Be A Kid
(6/8/11)
CCF Memo Looks at Effect of Proposed Spending Caps on Children's Health Coverage
CCF's newest memo reviews the proposed budget plans to address the
federal deficit by capping spending and explains how they would
devastate the successful steps the nation has taken to provide quality,
affordable health coverage to children.Proposed Federal Spending Caps Threaten Successful Efforts on Children’s Health • Blog: Capping Federal Spending Imperils Success on Kids Health
(6/2/11)
New Report Analyzes Why CHIP is Not a Model for a Medicaid Block Grant
CCF’s newest issue brief reviews the role of Medicaid and CHIP in the
health care system, outlines the differences in their financing
structures, and discusses the reasons it is not appropriate to use
CHIP’s experience as a guide to what will happen if federal Medicaid
funding is capped or turned into a block grant.CHIP: Not a Model for a Medicaid Block Grant • Blog: Medicaid is the MVP of Children's Health • Threats to Medicaid
(5/23/11)
New Report Investigates Effect of Premiums on Wisconsin Families
CCF’s newest publication looks at the impact of premiums on families in
Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, BadgerCare Plus, as the state considers
whether to increase them. CCF researchers examine the effect on
participation in the program if premiums were increased or added for
families between 100 and 200% of the FPL in BadgerCare Plus at 3% and
4% of family income. Such an increase will lead to sharp declines in
children and families receiving coverage, adverse selection and
possibly increases in the use of the emergency room for routine care.The Impact of Premiums on Families in BadgerCare Plus • Featured on Ezra Klein's Blog
(5/23/11)
Utah Improves Service and Cuts Costs with E-Communications
In these days of tight budgets, states are looking for every single
penny they can save. Utah is saving more than a few - 52¢ to be exact -
every time they send an electronic notice to someone enrolled in
Medicaid. CCF’s Tricia Brooks explains this win-win strategy that saves
money and improves customer service on Say Ahhh!.Blog: Utah Improves Timeliness and Reduces Cost with E-Communications
(5/23/11)
ACA Protecting Consumers From Premium Spikes
Consumers may be in for a pleasant surprise during this fall's open
enrollment season as insurers seek to adjust their rates to avoid
having to pay rebates under the Affordable Care Act’s medical loss
ratio rules. Those rules require insurers to spend a certain
percentage on health care costs or pay back consumers via a rebate. In
Connecticut, Aetna has already announced plans to reduce premiums for
15,000 policyholders due to this ACA provision. Blog: Affordable Care Act protecting consumers from premium spikes
(5/18/11)
Arkansas Acts to Keep Child-only Plans Available
Arkansas recently joined a number of other states in adjusting its
insurance rules to help implement an important provision of the
Affordable Care Act. The ACA prevents insurers from excluding children
with pre-existing conditions, but in many states insurers responded by
ceasing to offer these policies at all. Arkansas passed a law to
require insurers who do business in the state to offer child-only plans
during an open enrollment period that will begin in October. Combining
the ACA protection with effective state regulation will allow families
who need this type of coverage for their kids to get covered.Blog: Arkansas Lawmakers Ensure Kids Keep Coverage as Private Plans Leave the State
(5/17/11)
Rhode Island Waiver - National Model or Sweet Heart Deal?
Proponents of block granting Medicaid have been pointing to Rhode
Island's Section 1115 research and demonstration waiver that includes a
global cap on federal spending as evidence of the success of this
approach. There is no hard evidence at all to document claims about
how much money the state has saved.Blog: Rhode Island Waiver - Model or Sweetheart Deal?
(5/12/11)
House Panel Votes to Repeal Medicaid/CHIP Stability Protections
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health passed H.R. 1683,
a bill that would repeal the Medicaid/CHIP stability protections. More
than 150 national groups including AARP, religious organizations,
pediatricians, nurses and public hospitals wrote to the committee to
express their opposition to the bill.Blog: CBO Says: Half of States Likely to Eliminate CHIP if MoE is Repealed • Blog: Health Subcommittee Passes Repeal of Medicaid/CHIP Stability Protections (MoE) • Medicaid Threats
(5/11/11)
CMS Proposes Medicaid Access Measurement Rules
States have not, to date, reported regularly on comprehensive measures
of access in Medicaid. CMS has moved to address the lack of access
measures with proposed new guidelines for states that encourage them to
measure and analyze access in Medicaid.Blog: You Can't Manage What You Don't Measure
(5/9/11)
New CCF Issue Brief on Presumptive Eligibility
CCF's latest issue brief on presumptive eligibility explores how the
Affordable Care Act extends the policy to adults in Medicaid and gives
hospitals the prerogative to make presumptive eligibility decisions
regardless of whether the state otherwise has adopted the option.
Tricia Brooks describes how states can use the lessons learned in
implementing presumptive eligibility for pregnant women and children in
readying their systems and processes in advance of 2014.Publication: Presumptive Eligibility: Providing Access to Health Care Without Delay and Connecting Children to Coverage • Blog: Presumptive Eligibility Connects Kids (and Others) to Coverage
(5/5/11)
Stability Protection (MoE) Repeal Legislation Introduced
Senator Hatch introduced legislation to repeal the Medicaid/CHIP
stability protections (aka “maintenance of effort” provisions). A
companion bill was introduced in the House and may be marked up as soon
as next week. If the stability provisions are repealed, states would
be able to cut back on coverage by reducing eligibility or, in CHIP,
setting up waiting lists for care. Even those who remain eligible for
coverage would be vulnerable to cuts through "backdoor" strategies.
States would be free to reinstate roadblocks to coverage to discourage
eligible people from enrolling, such as face-to-face interviews or
burdensome and unnecessary paperwork requirements. Blog: Senator Hatch Launches Effort to Repeal MoE: Could Lead to Deep Cuts in CHIP
(5/4/11)
Groups Draft Comments on Innovation Waiver Regs
A working group of prominent national health policy organizations has
drafted comments to the Section 1332 state Innovation waiver
regulations. If your organization is interested in signing onto the
comments, please click here. Blog: Groups Develop Public Comments on Section 1332 Innovation Waiver Regs (aka Wyden Waivers) • Comments on state innovation waivers • Sign-on form
(4/26/11)
Advocates Should Take a Closer Look at ACOs
Accountable care organizations are groups of health care providers that
work together to coordinate the care patients receive with the goals of
improving care quality while reducing cost and strengthening patients'
health. CCF’s Joe Touschner explains why children’s health advocates
should take a closer look at ACOs.Blog: Alphabet Soup: ACOs under ACA
(4/21/11)
CMS Continues to Invest in Innovation and State Flexibility
Fifteen states across the country have been selected to design new ways
to meet the often complex and costly medical needs of the nation’s
lowest-income and chronically ill citizens. CMS also issued a proposed
rule to make it easier for states to provide home and community-based
services for persons covered by Medicaid. Tricia Brooks covers both
topics on Say Ahhh!.Blog: CMS Continues to Invest in and Support Innovation and State Flexibility in Medicaid
(4/20/11)
Kansas Eliminates Backlog of Applications
Kansas Healthwave (the state’s Medicaid and CHIP program) had a backlog
of 30,000 applicants in March. The state swiftly eliminated the
backlog by borrowing good ideas from other states such as an expedited
renewal process though passive renewals for children, new pre-populated
renewal form for adults, and a simplified internal approval process for
first-time applications. Kansas also used its CHIPRA bonus to hire
temporary workers to speed up processing according to Suzanne Wikle on
Say Ahhh!.Blog: Kansas Eliminates Backlog with Commonsense Solutions to Improve Efficiency
(4/12/11)
Tapping Medicaid Performance Bonus Funds
The FY2011 budget agreement includes a provision to cut $3.5 billion
that had been set aside for “performance bonuses” to reward states for
effectively connecting kids with coverage. CCF’s Jocelyn Guyer
reassures those striving to bring home a bonus that there is enough
money left to cover all eligible states and encourages them to keep
going full steam ahead. Blog: Tapping Medicaid Performance Funds - No Need to Worry
(4/11/11)
CMS Issues Guidance on State Employee CHIP Eligibility
For years federal funding was not available to states to enroll
eligible children of state employees in the Children's Health Insurance
Program (CHIP). It was assumed that state employees had access to
affordable, comprehensive insurance but, over time, that myth has been
dispelled. CMS issued guidance to states interested in pursuing this
option made available to them through the Affordable Care Act. Blog: Guidance Issued on CHIP Eligibility for Children of State Employees
(4/11/11)
Budget Proposal Would Impact Pregnant Women
According to the US Census Bureau, 22.3 percent of women of
childbearing age (13.7 million) are uninsured, meaning that private
insurance has not been an adequate coverage option for meeting women’s
health needs. A proposal to restructure and arbitrarily cap Medicaid’s
ability to serve as health insurer to the 11 million women of
childbearing age who rely on the program for their health needs would
be a tragedy for women in every community across America. Blog: Medicaid Block Grant Proposal Would Impact Pregnant Women
(4/6/11)
House Budget Plan Would Shift Costs
The House Budget Committee passed its FY2012 Budget Resolution. The
plan would radically alter Medicaid and shift costs to the states,
local communities, health care providers, families and others least
able to afford increased health care costs. Blog: The Ryan Budget Resolution - Implications for Children's Coverage
(4/5/11)
Updated Research on Medicaid Reform in Florida
Joan Alker and Jack Hoadley, of the Georgetown Health Policy Institute
(HPI), released their latest updates on Florida’s experience with
Medicaid Reform. These two publications add to the ongoing HPI project
commissioned by the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to research Florida’s
Medicaid program. The first publication looks at the inconclusive
results since Florida began its pilot Medicaid program in 2006 and the
second one looks at the impact of health reform on the state.As Legislators Wrestle to Define Next Generation of Florida Medicaid, Benefits of Reform Effort Are Far From Clear • Understanding Florida Medicaid Today And the Impact of Federal Health Care Reform • Blog: A Closer Look at Florida's Medicaid Program
(4/5/11)
CHIPRA Performance Bonuses are “Game Changer”
CHIPRA performance bonuses have proved to be a “game changer” for
children’s health coverage, according to Jon Gould of the Children’s
Health Alliance. He explains how the performance bonus has helped
protect gains made in children’s coverage in Washington state. Blog: Using CHIPRA Bonus Payments in Advocacy
(4/5/11)
Senate Passes 1099 Bill
The Senate passed H.R. 4 today to remove the Affordable Care Act's
enhanced 1099 reporting requirements. The White House supports the
bill's goal of eliminating the enhanced reporting requirements for
businesses but has expressed concerns about the offset that was used to
pay for the lost revenue as it would weaken the affordability
protections of the ACA. Blog: Senate Approves Bill to Change ACA's 1099 Reporting Requirements
(4/1/11)
Congress Continues to Debate the Affordable Care Act
In a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, HHS Secretary Sebelius
once again defended the ACA against attacks from opponents and Chairman
Tom Harkin vowed to block attempts to defund it. The House Energy and
Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on aspects of the
Affordable Care Act and marked-up legislation to remove the mandatory
funding included in the ACA. Blog: Legislative Attacks on ACA Continue
(3/31/11)
Governor Removes Barriers to Enrollment
Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed a new law to remove red-tape
barriers to enrollment in ARKids First. Elisabeth Wright Burak of
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families shares the good news on
Say Ahhh!.Blog: Arkansas Removes Red-Tape
(3/31/11)
New CCF Report on Exchanges
CCF experts, Joan Alker and Joe Touscher, teamed up with Georgetown
Health Policy Institute experts, Sabrina Corlette and JoAnn Volk, to
take an in-depth look at health insurance exchanges. Even before health
reform, Massachusetts and Utah had already created exchanges. Now,
their experiences and outcomes can be used as a guide for other states.
New Report: The Massachusetts and Utah Health Insurance Exchanges: Lessons Learned • Blog: Utah and MA health exchanges: Not Opposite Sides of Coin
(3/28/11)
NAIC Delays Vote on Broker Bill
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners decided to delay a
vote to endorse Congressional legislation that would remove broker
commissions from the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR).Blog: NAIC Delays Vote on Removing Broker's Commissions from MLR
(3/25/11)
Affordable Care Act Turns 1
As communities across the nation celebrate the one-year anniversary of
the Affordable Care Act, CCF marked the event in its traditional style
- by issuing an issue brief. The brief includes facts about how the
Affordable Care Act will affect children and stories from families
whose children have personally been touched by the new law or stand to
benefit from it when the law is fully implemented in 2014. Early Wins for Children on the One-Year Anniversary of Health Reform: Family Perspectives • Blog: On the Anniversary of the ACA: A Family Perspective on What It Means for Kids
(3/25/11)
Backdoor Cuts Could Put Children at Risk
The number of uninsured children reached the lowest level on record in
2008 and 2009. The unprecedented progress in covering uninsured
children may be unraveled if the stability protections in health reform
and ARRA are eliminated. A new CCF issue brief looks at these
potential “backdoor” cuts that, if implemented, would put up barriers
to covering children.Roadblocks to Coverage for Children: Implications of Procedural Cuts in Medicaid and CHIP
(3/24/11)
Tennessee Project Focuses on Enrolling and Serving Shelter Children
Homeless children are almost twice as likely to have moderate or severe
health problems as children in middle-income families, according to
Eric Murray with the TennCare Shelter Enrollment Project. The
Nashville-based National Health Care for the Homeless Council is
working to improve the health of homeless children by removing barriers
to enrollment and improving access to medical care. Blog: Tennessee Project focuses on Enrolling and Serving Shelter Children
(3/21/11)
MACPAC Releases Inaugural Report
MACPAC (the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission) issued its
first mandated report to Congress on March 15th. The report was
established through CHIPRA and expanded and funded through the ACA. Its
inaugural report provides a wealth of information.
Blog: MACPAC Report Tops My "Must-Read" List
(3/18/11)
Senate Holds Two Hearings on ACA
Both the Senate Finance Committee and Health Education Labor and
Pensions Committee held hearings on aspects of the Affordable Care
Act. Visit Say Ahhh! for summary of those hearings and other
developments in Congress. Blog: As ACA Approaches 1st Birthday, Legislative Activity Heats Up
(3/18/11)
Waiving Hello to State Innovation
In a continued push to show that states have flexibility under the
Affordable Care Act, the Departments of Health and Human Services and
the Treasury this week proposed rules for states to apply for
innovation waivers under section 1332 of the ACA. Blog: Waiving Hello to State Innovation?
(3/17/11)
The Role of Electronic Signatures in Medicaid and CHIP
CCF's latest issue brief explores electronic signatures in Medicaid and
CHIP. Tricia Brooks looks at why more states aren't using electronic
signatures and how ACA requirements might change that. Electronic Signatures: How Do They Work for Medicaid and CHIP? • Blog: E-Signatures: Hasn't the Time Come?
(3/15/11)
The Facts on Medicaid and State Budgets
Today, CCF released a new issue brief on the role of Medicaid in state
budgets, adding to the collection of budget reports from previous
years. The 2011 report focuses on the sources of spending, the impact
of fiscal relief and historic trends. It will be a useful tool to
states that are grappling with depressed revenues and searching for
ways to balance their budgets.Medicaid and State Budgets: Looking at the Facts • Blog: New Issue Brief Looks at Medicaid's Role in State Budgets
(3/9/11)
How Can Cell Phones Connect People to Coverage?
Despite the push in recent years to enroll and retain children in
health insurance, three out of four uninsured children are eligible for
Medicaid or CHIP but not enrolled. A new issue brief by The Children’s
Partnership outlines how cell phones can help families enroll and stay
enrolled in health care coverage.Blog: New Tools for New Times: Using Cell Phones to Help Families Enroll and Stay Enrolled in Health Insurance
(3/3/11)
State Innovation Waiver Legislation Endorsed
President Obama endorsed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators
Wyden, Brown and Landrieu that moves up the date that states can apply
for so-called "State Innovation Waivers" from 2017 to 2014. Joan Alker
reminds readers that these would differ from Section 1115 waivers and
that Congress has not even considered the legislation yet.Blog: What did the President Just Say??
(2/28/11)
Governors Talk Medicaid in Washington
Three governors testified in front of the House Energy and Commerce
Committee earlier this week on Medicaid. CCF's Jocelyn Guyer was quoted
on health reform in the New York Times.New York Times: Governors Seek Help on Medicaid Costs
(2/28/11)
States and the Political Choices of Health Reform
The Justice department asked U.S. District Judge, Roger Vinson, to
clarify his ruling on health reform. Politico writer, David Nather,
speculates why the government would take such a risk, and asks policy
and legal experts to weigh-in. CCF's Joan Alker discusses exchanges and
the Medicaid expansion.Politico: Obama's 'risky move' in Florida
(2/28/11)
Block-Granting Medicaid Proposed Again
The discussion of block-granting Medicaid has returned to the national
health policy stage. Any substantial changes to the Medicaid financing
structure would have a significant impact on the health and economic
security of families and communities across the country.MEDICAID MATTERS: Return of the Medicaid Block-Granting Debate • Medicaid Block Grant Would Leave States Holding the Bag
(2/23/11)
Report Finds Health Insurance Coverage for 1 in 3 Put at Risk if MoE is Repealed
Health insurance coverage for nearly one in three people receiving
coverage through Medicaid or CHIP could be put at risk if stability
protections in the Affordable Care Act are rescinded according to a
research report issued today by CCF. Along with providing new
estimates on how many people would be put at risk, the report cautions
against “backdoor” strategies that add red-tape to enrollment and
renewal. Eliminating Medicaid and CHIP Stability Provisions (MoE): What's at Stake for Children and Families • Blog: Repealing the Stability Protections Would Threaten to Unravel Coverage - More Than a Third of Beneficiaries at Risk • NY Times: Governors Seek Help on Medicaid Costs
(2/17/11)
CT Governor Helps Kids by Removing Barrier to CHIP
Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy recently announced that
Connecticut will implement presumptive eligibility for children in
Connecticut's Children's Health Insurance Program (HUSKY B). Sharon
Langer of Connecticut Voices for Children writes about this change and
other improvements to health care coverage on Say Ahhh!.Blog: CT Governor Helps Kids by Removing Barrier to CHIP Enrollment
(2/17/11)
Arizona’s Waiver Situation is Not Applicable to Other States
Governors from states considering cutting health care benefits to their
residents should not read too much into Secretary Sebelius' letter to
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer this week. HHS Secretary Sebelius did not
waive the stability protection provisions of the Affordable Care Act as
Governor Brewer had requested. Sebelius pointed out that states are
not required by the Affordable Care Act to renew expiring waivers.
Joan Alker covers the waiver request in depth on Say Ahhh!.Blog: Arizona Waiver Situation Not Applicable to Other States • Blog: Update on Efforts to Slow Implementation of Affordable Care Act • Blog: Just Say No to Arizona's Waiver Request
(2/14/11)
Three Keys to Setting Up Strong Health Insurance Exchanges
CCF’s Joe Touschner highlights three key issues states should consider
when establishing health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care
Act.Blog: Three Keys to Setting Up Strong Health Insurance Exchanges
(2/11/11)
Packard Foundation Announces Finishline Grants
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation announced $1.2 million in
grants to ten state-based advocacy organizations through the Insuring
America's Children: Getting to the Finish Line initiative (IAC). The
Georgetown Center for Children and Families (CCF) and Spitfire
Strategies will continue to provide policy and communications counsel
to the IAC state-based organizations. Since 2007 when the Foundation
launched IAC, over 1.3 million children have secured insurance through
Medicaid and CHIP in states where IAC grantees are active.Blog: Getting To the Finish Line: Investments in State-Based Advocacy Show Real Returns in Covering Uninsured Children
(2/10/11)
CCF Releases Fact Sheet on Consequences of Repealing Medicaid & CHIP Stability Protections
Recently, a number of states have asked Congress to repeal the
stability protections included in the Affordable Care Act. If they are
rescinded, states could eliminate Medicaid for anyone who is covered at
state option and could cut back or even entirely eliminate their CHIP
programs. A new fact sheet prepared by CCF, The Medicaid and CHIP Stability Protections: Consequences of Repeal, outlines who would be at risk under a rescission.Fact Sheet: The Medicaid and CHIP Stability Protections: Consequences of Repeal • Blog: New Fact Sheet Examines the Consequences of Repealing the Medicaid and CHIP Stability Protections
(2/7/11)
Secretary Sebelius Offers States Alternatives to Canceling Coverage
HHS Secretary Sebelius issued a letter
in response to the Republican Governor’s call to revoke the Affordable
Care Act’s stability protections. She responded to the controversy by
offering some concrete, constructive alternatives to states. Blog: A Better Way - Secretary Sebelius Offers Alternatives to Canceling Coverage
(2/7/11)
Pittsburgh Beats Green Bay in Say Ahhh’s Super Blog-Off
Congratulations to Reverend Sally Jo Snyder of the Consumer Health
Coalition in Pittsburgh on winning the first ever Super Blog-Off on
connecting kids to coverage. She competed against Michael Jacob of
Covering Kids and Families in Wisconsin. Visit Say Ahhh! to see their
blogs and more details on the competition.Blog: Steeler Nation Wins! (Super Blog-Off) • Blog: Packer SuperBlogger Invokes Lombardi to Show Wisconsin is Leading the Charge for Children's Health • Blog: Steeler SuperBlogger: 'No Baby Should Leave the Hospital Without an Insurance Card or a Terrible Towel' • Blog: Super Blog-Off: Green Bay Faces Off Against Pittsburgh to Connect Kids to Coverage
(2/4/11)
CMS Announces New Round of CHIPRA Grants
CMS announced $40 million in new grant funding for states to support outreach
and enrollment activities to continue the progress on children’s health
care coverage. Blog: CHIPRA's 2nd Birthday: Cake, Ice Cream & Outreach Grants • Blog: Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Inspires Innovation
(2/3/11)
What Does the Florida Ruling Mean for the Affordable Care Act?
Florida district judge Roger Vinson issued his decision in one of the
most closely watched cases challenging the constitutionality of the
Affordable Care Act (ACA). The most surprising and confusing aspect of
the decision concerns the ruling on severability. Until the situation
is clarified, the following question will be asked: Should states
continue implementing health reform in light of the Florida decision?
National Health Law Project’s Jane Perkins says "Yes!”Blog: Florida Ruling on ACA Generates Some Surprise and a lot of Confusion • Blog: A Closer Look at the Florida Ruling • Blog: Legal Challenges to ACA - Long Road Ahead
(2/1/11)
CHIPRA Simplification Provisions Matter to Families
Beyond the technical ins and outs of Medicaid simplification, changes
in policies matter greatly to families and to eligibility workers.
Mary Wachtel of Voices for Ohio’s Children shares her observations on
how cutting red-tape and streamlining the renewal process has impacted
Ohio families. Blog: CHIPRA Led Way to More Stable and Accessible Coverage in Ohio
(1/28/11)
CHIPRA Helps States Meet Communication’s Needs of Patients
Congress and the Administration recognized the need for improved language services and included a provision in CHIPRA
to increase funding to help states address those needs. Mara Youdelman
of the National Health Law Program offers her insights on the CMS
guidance to states to implement section 201(b) of CHIPRA. Blog: CHIPRA Provides More Funds to Help States Pay for Language Services
(1/27/11)
Groups Voice Strong Support for Upgrading Medicaid Systems
More than 200 organizations joined together to submit comments
to CMS in support of a proposed rule that would provide 90% matching
funding for state Medicaid eligibility and enrollment system upgrades.
“The proposed rule will help state governments work better and more efficiently to meet the needs of
residents,” wrote CCF’s Jocelyn Guyer on Say Ahhh!Blog: Groups Support Rule to Upgrade Medicaid Enrollment Systems
(1/25/11)
States Should Use Good Judgment When Exercising Flexibility
The stability provisions
requiring states to hold steady in their coverage levels and enrollment
and renewal procedures in Medicaid and CHIP will continue past the
expiration of ARRA thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
However, states still have broad flexibility over key areas of their
Medicaid programs. When using this flexibility, states can make some
good or bad choices according to CCF’s Tricia Brooks. Blog: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Filling Budget Gaps in Medicaid
(1/24/11)
CHIPRA to Celebrate Anniversary Feb. 4
In honor of the upcoming Children's Health Insurance Program
Reauthorization Act anniversary on Feb. 4, Say Ahhh! is highlighting
how CHIPRA has helped connect children with coverage since President
Obama signed it into law two years ago. This week, Elizabeth Wood,
formerly with the New Jersey Office of the Child Advocate, shares an
innovative strategy she initiated to reach out to eligible children and
families.Blog: CHIPRA Anniversary Approaching: Let's Celebrate Successful Outreach
(1/21/11)
HHS Announces Grants to Help States Build Exchanges
HHS announced that states can now apply for grants to "establish" their
Health Insurance Exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. Tricia
Brooks shares the details. Blog: HHS Announces Funding Opportunity to Help States Build Exchanges
(1/20/11)
IOM Meets on Essential Health Benefits
Last week, an Institute of Medicine panel held a two day meeting to
help develop recommendations on essential health benefits that will
form the basis for state-based exchange coverage, Medicaid
coverage for newly-eligible adults, and the Basic Health coverage that
states can adopt under the ACA. CCF’s Joe Touschner was there and
reports on this important topic on Say Ahhh!.Blog: IOM Works to Define Process for Essential Health Benefits
(1/11/11)
Holding Steady, Looking Ahead
Over the past year, as the nation’s attention was focused on the
country’s economic problems and the debate over the passage of broader
health care reform, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance
Program (CHIP) continued to play their vital role of providing coverage
to millions of people who otherwise lack affordable coverage options.
Families could turn to this coverage, because nearly all states "held
steady" in 2010, as found in the annual survey conducted by CCF and the
Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.Holding Steady, Looking Ahead: Annual Findings of a 50-State Survey of Eligibility Rules, Enrollment and Renewal Procedures, and Cost Sharing Practices in Medicaid and CHIP, 2010-2011 • Blog: Holding Steady, Looking Ahead • News Coverage
(1/7/11)
Group of Governors Target MOE
A group of Governors are attacking the "maintenance-of-effort"
protection that requires states to fulfill their commitment to people
who obtain their insurance coverage through Medicaid and CHIP. The
MOE requirement was one of the most important early wins in the
Affordable Care Act for low-income families and individuals. It
requires states to fulfill their commitments by maintaining Medicaid
and CHIP eligibility rules and enrollment procedures that were in
effect on March 23, 2010 - until 2014 for adults and 2019 for
children. Blog: States Should Seek a Balanced Approach to Maintaining Medicaid
(1/4/11)
CMS Awards Performance Bonuses
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
awarded 15 states for their successful efforts to improve enrollment of
uninsured children in Medicaid. The states receiving an award for the
first time were Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Ohio and Wisconsin. They
join ten others that received the award for two years running -
Alabama, Alaska, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New
Mexico, Oregon and Washington.
(1/3/11)
NEACH Shares Successful Strategies
A new report by the New England Alliance for Children Health (NEACH)
tells an impressive advocacy success story. More importantly, it draws
practical ideas from the advocates who made it happen, serving as a
guide to advocacy strategies that work, writes Eugene Lewit of the
David and Lucile Packard Foundation on Say Ahhh!.Blog: New England Advocates Share Successful Strategies for Growing Children's Coverage