Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
N.Y. Medicaid Program Paid $2.3M In Managed Care For Dead Patients, Auditors Find
New York auditors say the state's Medicaid system made up to $12.1 million in inappropriate payments last year, including $2.3 million in managed care payments for dead patients. Auditors say other payments went for recipients dropped from long-term care coverage. About $2.1 million was recovered during the auditors' field work. (8/10)
Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental care have dropped steadily in Kansas for years. In 2003, reimbursements for Kansas children were among the top 10 in the nation, covering almost 70 percent of what private insurance would pay. By 2013 Kansas had dropped to the middle of the pack, with reimbursements around 47 percent of private pay. The reimbursements for treating adults are even less competitive. (Marso, 8/9)
Meanwhile, researchers hope a growing body of evidence that shows expansion works will persuade reluctant states —
Low-income individuals may have more difficulty accessing and paying for health care in states like Texas, which declined to expand Medicaid coverage, according to research published this week. Other studies link Medicaid expansion to decreases in uncompensated care and say it did not cause a spike in emergency room visits. (Rice, 8/9)
