Medicaid’s Optional Populations: Coverage and Benefits January 30, 2005 Issue Brief Medicaid's Optional Populations: Coverage and BenefitsMedicaid reform discussions have often focused around giving states greater flexibility over optional populations and services. This issue brief presents an overview of Medicaid's optional beneficiaries and services and provides examples of who qualifies as “optional” and the services they use. Issue Brief (.pdf)
Transitions 2005 January 24, 2005 Video Transitions is a video that explores some of the issues and challenges “dual eligibles” may face during the transition from Medicaid drug coverage to Medicare. To download the video, right-click here and select “Save as…”
The New Medicare Prescription Drug Law: Issue for Enrolling Dual Eligibles into Drug Plans – Issue Paper January 1, 2005 Issue Brief The New Medicare Prescription Drug Law: Issues for Enrolling Dual Eligibles into Drug PlansThis report describes the characteristics of dual eligibles and then discussess four key elements of the transition of their drug coverage to Medicare.Issue Paper (.pdf)
Implications of the Medicare Modernization Act for States: Observations from a Focus Group Discussion with Medicaid Director – Report January 1, 2005 Report Implications of The Medicare Modernization Act For States: Observations from a Focus Group Discussion with Medicaid DirectorsThis report summarizes a discussion with a group of state Medicaid officials about the impact of the Medicare prescription drug benefit on state Medicaid programs. Report (.pdf)
What Has Caused the Growth in Medicaid Spending in Recent Years? January 1, 2005 Event A new study published in Health Affairs explains what caused Medicaid spending to rise from 2000-2003 and confirms the role Medicaid played in covering people during the recent economic downturn, and that Medicaid per enrollee spending grew at a slower rate than private insurance spending. The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid…
Medicare’s New Prescription Drug Benefit: The Voices of People Dually Covered by Medicare and Medicaid – Report January 1, 2005 Report Medicare's New Prescription Drug Benefit: The Voices of People Dually Covered by Medicare and MedicaidThis focus group report highlights the kinds of questions, uncertainties, and reactions that dual eligibles have when asked about the impending changes in their drug coverage.Report (.pdf)
Medicaid: Issues In Restructuring Federal Financing December 30, 2004 Issue Brief Medicaid: Issues In Restructuring Federal FinancingThis brief analysis summarizes how the possible restructuring of Medicaid financing could impact states, providers, and beneficiaries. Issue Brief (.pdf)
Medicaid Section 1115 Waivers: Current Issues December 30, 2004 Fact Sheet This fact sheet provides a brief introduction to Section 1115 waivers in the Medicaid program and highlights policy issues related to recent waiver activity. Fact Sheet (.pdf)
The Impact of Medicaid Reductions in Oregon: Focus Group Insights November 30, 2004 Report The Impact of Medicaid Reductions in Oregon: Focus Group InsightsOregon is one state that has significantly restructured its Medicaid program, known as the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), in response to budget pressures. As part of these changes, it has implemented significant benefit reductions and increased premiums and cost sharing in…
State Fiscal Conditions and Medicaid – UPDATE November 29, 2004 Fact Sheet State Fiscal Conditions and MedicaidThis fact sheet updates the current fiscal situation facing states, the impact the recent downturn in the economy had on Medicaid growth, and the cost containment actions being taken by states to curb Medicaid spending.Fact Sheet (.pdf)
