Latest Morning Briefing Stories
From $17 Billion to $7 Billion so Far … How Far Will Medicaid Waiver Drop?
The state dropped about $10 billion from its request for a new federal Medicaid waiver. California now wants roughly $7 billion to jumpstart payment and delivery system reforms, but it may get only a portion of that lower number.
Poll Asks Duals for Opt-Out Reasoning
The high rate of seniors opting out of the Cal MediConnect program for Californians dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid has been hard to figure out, so the state decided to ask people why they’re doing it.
State Scales Back Medicaid Waiver Request From $17 Billion to $7 Billion
CMS officials reportedly have shied from the type of funding formula advanced by California’s 1115 Medicaid waiver request.
Report: Record Medicaid Growth, Reforms
A Kaiser Family Foundation report suggests Medicaid is playing a more significant role in the U.S. health care system following changes and expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
Denti-Cal Program Grilled Again
After a series of legislative hearings and an audit by the state, the Little Hoover Commission took its turn at solving the Medi-Cal dental system puzzle during a long hearing in Sacramento last week.
Little Hoover Takes On Denti-Cal
The troubled dental program for Medi-Cal beneficiaries will be scrutinized and advised by the nonpartisan Little Hoover Commission.
Orange County Seniors Opting Out of State’s Duals Demonstration Project
Seniors are opting out in droves from California’s duals demonstration project for Medi-Cal and Medicare recipients in Orange County — and no one knows why.
Bill for CMS Waiver Extension Quietly Heads to Governor for Signature
The Legislature won’t be in session when California’s current CMS waiver to keep the duals demonstration project going expires so lawmakers set up an extension process in case state and federal negotiators hit a snag.
Feds OK State’s Drug Medi-Cal Waiver
Federal health officials gave the green light to California’s plan to revamp and better coordinate physical and mental health services delivered in Medi-Cal.
Advocates, CMS Warn Providers About Continuing Medicare ‘Balance Billing’
A CMS report says low-income seniors and those with disabilities often are billed for copayments, deductibles and other forms of shared payments, which is against the law.