Medicaid Archives

House works into the night as Republicans push ahead on Trump’s big bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tax breaks tallying more than $5 trillion. But also sizable reductions in Medicaid health care, food stamps for older Americans and green energy strategies to fight climate change. Those all faced sharp debate as House lawmakers pushed through marathon public hearings overnight into Wednesday on President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” Republicans are working on Trump’s signature legislative package over mounting opposition from Democrats, advocacy groups and even some wary Republicans themselves. The first hearing was disrupted by protesters shouting against health care cuts. House Speaker Mike Johnson hopes to send the Senate the bill by Memorial Day.… Continue Reading

The skyrocketing cost of weight-loss drugs has state Medicaid programs looking for a solution

Some of the more than a dozen states that cover the high cost of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound through Medicaid or state employee insurance programs are scrambling to lessen the budgetary squeeze from fast-rising costs. In Pennsylvania alone, Medicaid coverage of the drugs is projected to cost $1.3 billion. That’s up from practically nothing several years ago. Pennsylvania and Connecticut are looking to tighten guidelines for people who want to use GLP-1s solely for weight loss. But there remains interest in covering the drugs. An Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking software Plural shows at least a half-dozen states have bills this year proposing Medicaid coverage.… Continue Reading

States sue Trump administration for rescinding billions in health funding

Attorneys general and other officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia are suing the Trump administration for its decision to claw back $11 billion that went to public health departments for COVID-19 efforts and addiction and mental health programs. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Rhode Island on Tuesday. The lawsuit says not paying the rest of the federal money will have a devastating effect on public health. Local and state public health departments are still assessing the impact of the loss of funds.… Continue Reading

After 1 year, Medicaid expansion in North Carolina nears its enrollment goal

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Enrollment in North Carolina’s new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults has nearly reached the state’s goal of 600,000 in only a year. So says Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration, which reports that over 590,000 are enrolled in Medicaid expansion. At the start of expansion in December 2023, Cooper’s administration had estimated 600,000 would be reached within two years. Cooper celebrated the enrollment news and other health care accomplishments during a speaking event in Greenville. The Democratic governor leaves office at the end of the month after two terms. He’s also citing more money for mental health treatment and an effort to rid hospital patients of medical debt.… Continue Reading

Trump picks Dr. Oz to run Medicare and Medicaid, Linda McMahon for Education, Lutnick for Commerce

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump has promised to dismantle. He also selected Dr. Mehmet Oz, a former television talk show host and heart surgeon, to head the agency that oversees health insurance programs for millions of older, poor and disabled Americans. And Trump chose Wall Street executive Howard Lutnick to lead the Commerce Department. All three have been has been outspoken supporters of Trump, and McMahon and Lutnick have helped lead his transition team.… Continue Reading

Medicare Advantage shopping season arrives with a dose of confusion and some political implications

Thinner benefits and coverage changes await many older Americans shopping for health insurance this fall. That’s if their plan is still available in 2025. More than a million people will likely have to find new coverage as major insurers cut costs and pull back from markets for Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run version of the federal government’s coverage program mostly for people ages 65 and older. Industry experts also predict price increases for some Medicare prescription drug plans as required coverage improvements kick in next year. Voters will learn about all this weeks before they pick the next president.… Continue Reading

NC HHS Secretary says Medicaid Expansion Moving Quickly

Medical items (Image used under license from Shutterstock.com) Anthony DeHart North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley was the guest on this week’s edition of “Carolina Newsmakers” with Don Curtis, where he discussed the rollout of expanded Medicaid in North Carolina. Kinsley says North Carolina has moved faster than other states who expanded…… Continue Reading