State Medicaid Actions Related to the Passage of the Deficit Reduction Act: A Background Briefing for Reporters on the Latest Developments
The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 was signed into law in February 2006 with several significant changes to the Medicaid program affecting both health and long-term care coverage as well as new citizenship requirements.
States were granted greater flexibility in charging copayments and premiums and modifying the benefit package for certain Medicaid beneficiaries. Changes of this type previously required a waiver and now can be done by amending the state plan. The first two states to modify their Medicaid programs in response to the DRA were West Virginia and Kentucky; other states are likely considering changes.
On Monday, June 19, 12 p.m., ET, the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured (KCMU) is holding a background briefing for reporters across the country on understanding what changed for Medicaid in the DRA, how West Virginia and Kentucky are planning to modify their Medicaid programs and what are the implications of DRA-related state actions. The briefing features Diane Rowland, executive vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation and executive director of KCMU, and other Kaiser experts.
To dial in to the briefing, call 800-379-9582. The password is KCMU.
Presentation (.pdf)
New Developments in Medicaid Coverage: Who Bears Financial Risk and Responsibility?
Deficit Reduction Act of 2005: Implications for Medicaid
Medicaid Long-Term Services Reforms in the Deficit Reduction Act
New Requirements for Citizenship Documentation in Medicaid
Citizenship Documentation Requirements in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005: Lessons From New York
