Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Signs Of Movement In Medicaid Expansion Talks In Kansas, Utah
News that Gov. Sam Brownback has softened his position on Medicaid expansion wasn’t exactly racing through the Statehouse on Thursday. But it certainly had some legislators buzzing. In remarks Wednesday to conservative lawmakers in Missouri, Brownback said if the Kansas Legislature presented him with a budget-neutral expansion bill, he would likely sign it. (McLean, 3/5)
Several hundred people gathered at the state capitol Thursday to protest a decision by lawmakers to reject the governor's Medicaid expansion plan. A slate of lawmakers, religious leaders and people with chronic health issues spoke during rally that lasted two hours. The speakers insisted that the plan introduced by Utah Republican Gov. Gary Herbert to help low-income people who don't have access to health insurance go to the House floor for a vote. (Catalfamo, 3/6)
Utah officials are weighing a Medicaid expansion plan that would freeze enrollment under the alternative program championed by Republican Gov. Gary Herbert and allow for a less generous program to be implemented after Healthy Utah runs its initial two-year course. (Pradhan, 3/5)
House Democrats made a bold but unsuccessful move Thursday night to revive Gov. Gary Herbert's "Healthy Utah" plan to expand Medicaid for the poor — and ignited a small war with infuriated House Republicans. While the attempt failed, Democrats did manage to get a recorded vote that put all House members on the record as essentially a friend or foe of Healthy Utah. The attempt died 16-56. Rep. Justin Miller, D-Salt Lake City, made a motion to bring a Senate-passed bill, SB164, promoting the governor's plan, to the House floor even though it had been defeated in committee on Wednesday. (Davidson, 3/5)
The Wyoming House of Representatives this week passed a bill reducing funding for critical access hospitals treating uninsured patients from $5 million — as a Senate bill allocated — to $1 million. The measure comes as Wyoming hospitals are struggling with uncompensated care while lawmakers balk at the idea of Medicaid expansion and other financial options. (Brino, 3/5)
