Beyond the fact that millions will gain more affordable coverage options in 2014, the availability of 90% federal funding for new or enhanced Medicaid eligibility systems is one of the most promising aspects of health reform. New systems offer so many advantages, and coupled with new requirements for electronic verification of eligibility, will transform the […]
By Anne Edwards, M.D., FAAP, Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on State Government Affairs Pediatricians and other child advocates continue to work with their state Medicaid programs to implement a significant provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to increase access to care in the program. Long sought by the […]
By Joe Touschner With the final rule on EHBs, another on market reforms, and some additional guidance from HHS, we’re getting a clearer picture of how one important set of benefits—dental care—will work for kids in EHB-covered plans next year. As readers know, those are new private plans in the individual and small group market. […]
By Maureen Hensley-Quinn, National Academy for State Health Policy As state and federal government officials race to meet Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation deadlines much of their attention has been focused on adults who will be newly eligible for health coverage. Health insurance exchanges (exchanges) or marketplaces need to be prepared to serve children’s needs as […]
By Tara Mancini President Obama (finally) released his budget recommendations for fiscal year 2014. Although the budget was postponed for two months, there aren’t too many surprises here as we’ve heard many of his considerations during the delay. The good news is that as promised the budget does not contain any significant cuts to Medicaid, […]
It was a strange feeling testifying before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee., given that, about 15 years ago, I was sitting on the other side of the dais as a staff member of the Committee. Today, my role was dramatically different, as I was called to speak as a witness at a […]
