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The New York health exchange says it's partnering with CVS Pharmacy, Kinney Drugs and TOPS Markets around the state to educate New Yorkers about insurance coverage available through the online exchange. (12/7)

After spending hours at a recent meeting talking about the costs of Louisiana's health care costs without discussing Medicaid expansion, the Senate Finance Committee now plans to prepare a report on the implications of expanding the federal program. The effort to gather and report information on Medicaid expansion is significant because accepting more federal money to pay for health care for the poor has been off the table for years. As a result, Legislators have not really grappled with the complexities of changing the state's approach to health care until it became clear the next governor would accept Medicaid expansion -- one of the key elements of the Affordable Care Act. (Litten, 12/5)

As Gov. Dennis Daugaard considers whether to expand Medicaid coverage to more low-income South Dakota residents, he is seeking assurances the expansion can be paid for, and may add a requirement that new recipients must have jobs. Daugaard may reveal his intentions in his budget address to the state next week, a top aide said Thursday. The governor has been seeking definite proof that the $46 million annual cost for Medicaid expansion starting in 2020 can be covered by savings on current spending on Medicaid services in South Dakota, a member of his senior management team said. (Mercer, 12/4)

Wyoming's Legislature has for several years rejected Medicaid expansion, despite studies indicating it would save the state money. Now, with the state facing a major budget shortfall, Gov. Matt Mead is recommending lawmakers expand Medicaid, arguing that accepting federal money for the program will help the state weather the economic downturn. But many of the Wyoming lawmakers who resisted expansion in the past say they are likely to continue to oppose it, even as the state looks for ways to save money. (Hancock, 12/6)