Key Issues for State Medicaid Programs When the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ends January 25, 2021 Issue Brief As a result of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) , states have experienced increased enrollment along with administrative challenges. After the PHE ends, states are likely to have renewal and redetermination backlogs and will face decisions around continuing temporary policy changes. This brief highlights key issues from the new CMS guidance to states on how to unwind emergency authorities and resume normal eligibility and enrollment operations.
Tennessee & Other Medicaid 1115 Waiver Activity: Implications for the Biden Administration January 22, 2021 Issue Brief This issue brief takes a close look at Section 1115 waiver activity in the final days of the Trump Administration, including approval of Tennessee’s TennCare III program, to understand implications for the Biden Administration.
The U.S. Military and the Domestic Coronavirus Response: Key Questions March 20, 2020 Issue Brief Governors, presidential candidates, and others have asked for military assistance for domestic coronavirus response, and President Trump has stated he is working with states and the Department of Defense to have the military provide additional resources and assets. This brief answers key questions about potential U.S. military engagement in the domestic response to the coronavirus.
Poll: Americans Most at Risk for Coronavirus Complications Are No More Likely than Others to Report Taking Precautions or Making Preparations in Response to Pandemic March 17, 2020 News Release In the midst of a sweeping national health and economic crisis sparked by the novel coronavirus pandemic, a new KFF coronavirus poll finds two thirds of the public (67%) say they are taking precautions as a result, and large shares worry about its impact on their family’s health and finances.…
Private Health Coverage of COVID-19: Key Facts and Issues March 18, 2020 Issue Brief New federal legislation will require most private health plans to cover testing for the coronavirus with no cost sharing. Some states have adopted similar requirements for insurers they regulate, and many private insurance companies will voluntarily expand coverage for testing. However, some private coverage will not be subject to these requirements. To date, fewer changes have been adopted or considered with respect to treatment for complications from the disease. This brief reviews current coverage standards for private health plans and how these may change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What You Need to Know About the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Rule (MFAR) January 27, 2020 Issue Brief On November 18, 2019, the Trump Administration released a proposed rule called the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation (MFAR). This brief provides some context on Medicaid financing, an overview of current state payment and financing rules, the provisions in the rule and potential implications for considerations.
There is Another Pre-Existing Conditions Problem — for Seniors December 17, 2018 Perspective In an Axios column, Drew Altman uncovers a new pre-existing conditions problem – seniors on Medicare denied Medigap because they have pre-existing conditions – and discusses solutions.
What Do They Mean When They Talk About Pre-Existing Health Conditions? October 19, 2012 Perspective One health care issue about which the presidential candidates acknowledge they have differences is how the health care system should treat people with pre-existing health conditions. People who have a health condition (such as an illness or pregnancy) or who are at higher than average risk of needing health care…
Is a Death Spiral Inevitable If There is No Mandate? June 19, 2012 Perspective If the Supreme Court acts within the next couple of weeks to overturn the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) while leaving the rest of the law intact, expect to hear a lot about how the individual insurance market will be destined for a “death spiral.” When compared…
How Small Business Owners Get Health Insurance September 28, 2012 Perspective As with any economic policy issue, there has been much discussion of how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will affect small businesses. But, there’s been very little focus on how the health reform law will affect the owners of those businesses as people. As our recently released Employer Health Benefits…