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Watch News4JAX at Noon

Bruce Hamilton anchors the noon news and Richard Nunn has the latest weather.

1 hour ago

LIVE: NOAA releases 2022 hurricane season outlook

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Watch News4JAX at Noon

LIVE: NOAA releases 2022 hurricane season outlook

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3 days ago

Creating a special needs trust? Here are the costs, what you need to know and who to use

It's imperative that families shelter assets in special needs trusts to ensure impaired loved ones do not lose life-saving government financial support.

cnbc.com

White House scrambles for ways to protect abortion

The White House is looking for actions it can take to protect abortion rights, such as using Medicaid funds to transport women to clinics. But some warn its options are limited.

washingtonpost.com

Washington state retools a first-in-nation payroll tax plan for long-term care costs

The WA Cares Fund would help alleviate the financial burden of long-term care by providing workers a lifetime benefit of $36,500. The program was delayed while lawmakers addressed equity issues.

npr.org

Who doesn't text in 2022? Most state Medicaid programs

Though the majority of Medicaid recipients have smartphones, most states will rely on snail mail and email to tell people their coverage is at risk with the end of the COVID public health emergency.

npr.org

Illinois lawmakers approve sweeping changes to nursing home funding meant to increase staffing and improve care

Responding to long-standing problems that were made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, a bill approved late Thursday would increase payments to nursing homes and tie much of the increase to staffing levels and quality of care.

chicagotribune.com

Illinois lawmakers expected to consider nursing home staffing and care tied to new funding formula

The bill would particularly target high-Medicaid, for-profit nursing home facilities, which make up 95% of all understaffed facilities in the state.

chicagotribune.com

Nursing home care, funding system need overhaul, report says

A major report says American nursing home residents are subjected to ineffective care and poor staffing, and that facility finances are shrouded in secrecy and regulatory lapses go unenforced.

A staffing crisis is causing a monthslong wait for Medicaid, and it could get worse

The pandemic has overwhelmed understaffed state Medicaid agencies, and as Biden's COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ends, low-income people could find it even harder to get coverage.

npr.org

Trump 'exploded' after ex-GOP congressman said he would oppose Obamacare repeal legislation: book

"In my largely rural district, many people worked low-wage jobs and benefited from the program," Hurd said of the GOP bill, which slashed Medicaid.

news.yahoo.com
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COVID pandemic's end may bring turbulence for US health care

When the end of the COVID-19 pandemic comes, it could create major disruptions for U.S. health care.

Daywatch: Vulnerable seniors left behind | Chicago casino bidders down to final three | Sean Hayes on inspiration behind ‘Good Night, Oscar’

Good morning, Chicago. Here are some of the top stories you need to know to start your day.

chicagotribune.com

Obamacare Is Boosting Economic Health

The 12 states holding out against Medicaid expansion are laggards in job-market strength and income growth. Even the ones that signed up late are doing better.

washingtonpost.com

Mississippi lawmakers just killed a bill that would expand postpartum care

Mississippi has a high maternal mortality rate, but lawmakers killed a bill to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage.

washingtonpost.com

The end of the pandemic could usher in a spike in the uninsured rate

Democrats who hoped they'd have transformational new health legislation in place by next year could instead be facing one of the largest increases in the U.S. uninsured rate in recent history.Why it matters: Temporary pandemic-era reforms to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act marketplaces caused enrollment in each to swell, but these policy changes are due to end soon, and millions of people could lose their health coverage.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axi

news.yahoo.com

Why billions in Medicaid funds for people with disabilities are being held up

Almost a year after the American Rescue Plan Act allocated up to $25 billion to home and community-based services run by Medicaid, many states have yet to access the funds due to delays and red tape.

npr.org

Medicaid enrollment is at an all-time high. Millions may soon get kicked off.

States are set to start checking recipients' eligibility, pushing up to 15 million out of the federal health program.

cbsnews.com

How some states are trying to upgrade their glitchy, outdated health care technology

The pandemic exposed how old-school tech hampers access to health care and other public services. With new federal funding, states finally have a way to upgrade, if they seize the opportunity.

npr.org

Health Care Facilities Struggling With Staffing, Turning Away Patients

A federal mandate requires staffers at health care facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare funding to have a least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

www1.newsy.com
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Health Care Facilities Struggling With Staffing, Turning Away Patients

There's a federal mandate for staffers at healthcare facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare funding to have a least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

newsy.com

Health Care Facilities Struggling With Staffing, Turning Away Patients

A federal mandate requires staffers at health care facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare funding to have a least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

www3.newsy.com

14.5M get health care under Obama law, with help from Biden

President Joe Biden says 14.5 million Americans got private health insurance for this year under the Obama-era health law, thanks to help from his administration.

A ‘Medicaid annuity’ may be a useful option when your spouse needs nursing home care

While some couples "spend down" their assets to qualify for Medicaid, another option may be an annuity that converts assets into income.

cnbc.com

State ends appeal in health worker vaccine case

After a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this month that backed the Biden administration, Florida has dropped its appeal in a legal fight against federal COVID-19 vaccination requirements for health-care workers.

Fact-checking President Biden’s second formal news conference

Biden's lengthy second news conference included some errant facts and claims without context.

washingtonpost.com

The Supreme Court’s Vexing Mixed Message on Vaccine Mandates

Two rulings reveal just how hard-conservative the core of the Court is.

newyorker.com

Supreme Court blocks Biden Covid vaccine mandate for businesses, allows health-care worker rule

The Supreme Court ruled against the Biden administration's rule for OSHA, saying it did not have the power to require vaccination for millions of Americans.

cnbc.com

Medicaid pays millions for patient transportation. Sometimes the ride never comes

Medicaid's transportation contracts can be worth tens of millions for companies that land them. But patients say rides to and from medical care often show up late — or sometimes not at all.

npr.org
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Fact-check: Did Texas turn down $100 billion when Republicans rejected Medicaid expansion?

Medicaid expansion would insure many more Texans and bring billions of federal dollars. But, the effect to the state's economy would be even greater.

news.yahoo.com

Here's what to know about your 2022 Medicare costs

With annual adjustments pushing some costs higher, experts say it's important to consider how the changes will affect your household spending.

cnbc.com

Federal government approves California's Medicaid overhaul

The U.S. government has approved California's overhaul of the nation's largest insurance program for low-income and disabled residents, officials said Wednesday, a decision that among other things allows Medicaid money to be spent on housing-related services as the most populous state struggles with homelessness and a lack of affordable housing. CalAIM — California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal — intends a more comprehensive approach that improves the "entire continuum of care” across the program that California calls Medi-Cal, according to the California Department of Health Care Services. Starting with the new year Saturday, California will among other things expand what had been a limited “whole person care pilot program" to eligible Medi-Cal members statewide.

news.yahoo.com

US health tab hit $4T as gov't opened spigot to fight COVID

A government report says U.S. health care spending rocketed to $4.1 trillion last year as Congress opened the spigot of federal dollars to battle the coronavirus pandemic across multiple fronts.

Illinois students covered by Medicaid to receive automatic approval for free or reduced-price lunch

Direct certification makes it easier for children from low-income households to receive free and reduced-price school meals.

chicagotribune.com

Why America Can’t Test Like Europe

America’s complicated health-care system means everything is harder—even rapid testing.

theatlantic.com

Flower Mound Hospital to Pay $18.2 Million to Settle Federal and State False Claims Act Allegations Arising from Improper Inducements to Referring Physicians

Both the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute are intended to ensure that medical judgments are not compromised by improper financial inducements. In connection with the settlement, Flower Mound Hospital entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the HHS-OIG. The CIA requires, among other things, that Flower Mound Hospital maintain a compliance program and hire an Independent Review Organization to review arrangements entered into by or on behalf of the hospital. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Leslie Jennings, M.D., a physician-owner at Flower Mound Hospital. Jennings v. Flower Mound Hospital Partners, LLC, et al., Civil Action No.

justice.gov

6 tips to help you pick the right health insurance plan

The open enrollment period to buy health insurance on HealthCare.gov starts now and runs through Jan. 15, 2022. Look for more options and expanded subsidies this year — and more help signing up.

npr.org

Medicaid issues, not Medicare's, get fixes in Biden budget

Medicaid issues are turning up as winners in President Joe Biden’s social budget framework even as divisions force Democrats to hit pause on far-reaching improvements to Medicare.

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Biden outlines plan to expand U.S. health programs as part of broad domestic spending bill

Biden plans to expand Medicare – the federal health insurance program for the elderly – to cover hearing benefits.

cnbc.com

108,000 people will get medical debt relief after Stacey Abrams' PAC gifts $1.34M

The Fair Fight Political Action Committee says its donation to the RIP Medical Debt nonprofit will benefit residents in 5 Southern states, part of Fair Fight Action's advocacy for Medicaid expansion.

npr.org

Stacey Abrams group donates $1.34M to wipe out medical debts

The political organization led by prominent Democrat Stacey Abrams is branching out into paying off medical debts.

Texas Pain Management Physicians Agree to Pay $3.9 Million to Resolve Allegations Relating to Unnecessary Urine Drug Testing

Two Texas physicians, Robert Wills and Brannon Frank, have agreed to pay $3.9 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for medically unnecessary urine drug testing. Starting in 2011, all urine drug tests ordered by Austin Pain Associates’ physicians, including Wills and Frank, were performed at Austin Pain Associates’ in-house laboratory. Pursuant to their respective settlement agreements, Wills has agreed to pay $2,100,000 to settle these allegations and Frank has agreed to pay $1,800,000. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Jennifer Nuessner and Robert Hoffman, former employees of Austin Pain Associates. v. Austin Pain Associates, LLC, et al., 5:16-CV-1125-FB (W.D.

justice.gov

Biden bill would put US back on path of reducing uninsured

The Democrats’ social spending and climate change bill would put the United States back on a path to reducing its persistent pool of uninsured people.

New federal funds spur expansion of home care services for the elderly and disabled

These services can make the difference between being able to live at home with family or landing in a nursing facility. But state Medicaid programs don't always pay for them.

npr.org

Democrats' spending bill includes plan to get free health care to uninsured Americans

There are more than 2 million uninsured adults in states that didn't expand Medicaid. Congressional Democrats have a plan to cover them — if they can find money for it in the massive spending bill.

npr.org

Agonizing choices as Dems debate shrinking health care pie

Democrats are fretting about how they’d divide a shrinking pie amid signs that negotiations over President Joe Biden’s massive domestic policy bill could yield a smaller serving of health care spending.

A death in Dallas: what's at stake as Congress weighs Medicaid fix for uninsured

More than 2 million Americans are uninsured because they live in the 12 states that didn't expand Medicaid. 60% are people of color. Will Congress help by including them in the new spending bill?

npr.org
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House to try suspending cap on borrowing authority next week

House Democrats said Friday they planned to take action next week to suspend the cap on the government’s borrowing authority.

With respiratory illness cases on the rise, doctors offering earlier virus treatment for babies

Chicago hospitals seeing early rise in RSV cases among young children.

chicagotribune.com

Biden: Nearly 3M get health coverage during COVID-19 sign-up

President Joe Biden says nearly 3 million consumers took advantage of a special six-month period to sign up for subsidized health insurance coverage made more affordable by his COVID-19 relief law.

Moderates Are the Real Health-Care Progressives

Pelosi Democrats are focused on helping low-income Americans. Sanders Democrats would hand out money to people who need it least, to expand Medicare and government.

washingtonpost.com

Focus on Better Jobs, Not Better Jobless Benefits

The expiration of extra unemployment assistance provided during the pandemic is not the calamity that many progressives say it is.

washingtonpost.com

Some Medical Clinics Are Hiring Lawyers To Improve Patients' Health

The approach, sometimes funded by Medicaid, operates on the notion that fixing certain legal ills for patients can be a vital part of their medical care. Emerging evidence suggests that works.

npr.org

California governor, lawmakers want state to pay addicts to get sober

"I think there is a lot in this strategy for everyone to like," said the bill's author, state Senator Scott Wiener.

cbsnews.com

California Wants To Become The First State To Pay People With Addiction To Stay Sober

Frustrated by out-of-control increases in drug overdose deaths, the state's leaders want to try something radical. The federal government has been doing it for years with military veterans.

npr.org

California looking to pay drug addicts to stay sober

California may become the first state to pay drug addicts to stay sober.

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Court sides with Texas in dispute with Biden administration over Medicaid funding

U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker handed Texas another win against the Biden administration Friday, this time over Medicaid funding, granting Attorney General Ken Paxton’s request for an injunction and denying the administration’s motion to dismiss.

news.yahoo.com

Biden to tie vaccines for nursing home staff to Medicare and Medicaid funding

The announcement comes the same day federal health officials recommended a booster shot for vaccinated Americans.

cbsnews.com

Biden announces that staff at nursing homes receiving Medicare and Medicaid will have to be vaccinated

Delivering remarks on Wednesday, President Biden said that employees at nursing homes that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

news.yahoo.com

President Biden Expected To Require Vaccines For Nursing Home Staff

Hundreds of thousands of nursing home workers are not vaccinated, according to federal data.

newsy.com

President Biden Expected To Require Vaccines For Nursing Home Staff

Hundreds of thousands of nursing home workers are not vaccinated, according to federal data.

www1.newsy.com

Watch Live: Biden to tie vaccines for nursing home staff to Medicare and Medicaid funding

The announcement comes the same day federal health officials recommended a booster shot for vaccinated Americans.

cbsnews.com

The Latest: Connecticut: nursing home workers must get shots

Connecticut has become the latest state to mandate that workers in nursing homes be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Uninsured Or Unemployed? You Might Be Missing Out On Free Health Insurance

Millions of people who need insurance are eligible for free health care plans. A special enrollment period is ending on Aug. 15. Here's how to sign up in time.

npr.org

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez mocks Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik for trying to 'own the socialists' by praising Medicare and Medicaid

Many pointed out the contradiction in celebrating the government programs, while arguing that expanding them would lead to "socialism."

news.yahoo.com
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Health care for older immigrants sees momentum among states

Illinois is leading a handful of Democratic-run states in extending health insurance coverage to adult immigrants living in the country illegally, including seniors.

State requests $1.1 billion for home and community-based Medicaid services

Florida is looking to secure an additional $1.1 billion from the federal government to bolster Medicaid funding over the next two years.

Senators seek Medicaid-like plan to cover holdout states

Three Democratic U.S. senators from states that have refused to expand Medicaid want the federal government to set up a mirror plan to provide health insurance coverage to people in those states.

Reports points to more jobs, other benefits from Medicaid expansion

Florida could add 134,700 jobs, lower the number of uninsured residents by 852,000 and pump billions of additional federal dollars into the economy if it would expand Medicaid to low-income adults without children, according to a report released Thursday.

Missouri governor drops voter-approved Medicaid expansion

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has dropped plans to expand the state's Medicaid program after the Legislature declined to provide money for a measure approved by voters.

Biden's ambitious expansion of long-term care sparks debate

President Joe Biden has proposed a major expansion of the government’s role in long-term care, but questions are being raised over his use of the low-income Medicaid program and piggybacking the whole idea on an infrastructure bill.

More than a half million Americans gain coverage under Biden

The government says more than a half million Americans have already taken advantage of the Biden administration’s special health insurance sign-up window that's keyed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lawmakers address medical necessity, reporting requirements

Physicians wouldn’t be required to determine medical necessity for behavior analysis services for Medicaid patients under proposals moving through the Legislature.

Florida House eyes cuts for nursing homes, hospitals

The House on Thursday rolled out a health care spending proposal that includes deep cuts, including slicing Medicaid reimbursements to nursing homes by 2 percent, or $80.4 million in state and federal funding. Florida Health Care Association President Emmett Reed said the proposed Medicaid cuts to nursing homes would translate to about a $125,000 reduction in payments per facility per year. In all, the House proposed spending roughly $42.1 billion across the state’s six health care-related agencies. Unlike the House, the Senate proposal wouldn’t cut funding for nursing homes. The House has proposed increasing the rates by $12.1 million in overall funds, while the Senate has proposed a $36.6 million increase.

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COVID-19 law sparks dialogue on nursing home alternatives

Now, the COVID-19 relief bill is offering states a generous funding boost for home- and community-based care as an alternative to institutionalizing disabled people. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)WASHINGTON – With the memory of the pandemic's toll in nursing homes still raw, the COVID-19 relief law is offering states a generous funding boost for home- and community-based care as an alternative to institutionalizing disabled people. As it has grown to cover about 1 in 5 Americans, it's also become the nation's default long-term care program, although qualifying is often an arduous process. While the federal government requires state Medicaid programs to cover nursing home care for low-income people, that's not the case for home- and community-based support services. For now, states and advocates for the disabled are awaiting guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on how the money in the COVID-19 law can be spent.

House unveils plan to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to tackle minority disparities

Florida’s House Speaker has vowed to tackle the disparities and he’s now backing legislation that would extend Medicaid eligibility for postpartum care. In Florida, nearly half of all births are covered by Medicaid, but recipients are only eligible for two months of postpartum care. “One-third to one-half of maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period,” said House Speaker Chris Sprowls. Sprowls is backing legislation that would extend coverage for the first time since 1976. Under the $240 million plan, Medicaid would cover mothers up to a year after delivery.

Medicaid incentive so far not enough to sway holdout states

Henry McMaster remains firmly opposed to the Medicaid expansion. The bump in federal funding would last two years for the states that join the Medicaid expansion. Laura Kelley this year called for legalizing medical use of marijuana and using the tax revenue to pay for expanding Medicaid. "It’s a nonstarter, and we will continue to oppose the liberal wish list item of Medicaid expansion,” he said. Kay Ivey left open the possibility of expanding Medicaid at some point in the future, but there are no plans to do so.

Medicaid offers free transportation for COVID-19 shots

Florida’s Medicaid program will provide free transportation for people enrolled in the program who want to get COVID-19 vaccinations. The Agency for Health Care Administration announced Wednesday that members of Medicaid managed-care plans should let their health plans know they need rides when they are scheduling vaccinations. Medicaid enrollees who aren’t in managed-care plans can call a Medicaid helpline at 1-877-254-1055 to get the names and phone numbers of transportation services. Rides should be scheduled, according to an AHCA memo, at least three days in advance of the vaccination appointments.

Lawmakers mull how to spend $10B in federal COVID relief funds

TALLAHASSEE – Now that President Joe Biden has signed the American Rescue Plan, Florida lawmakers must decide how to spend $10 billion in federal COVID relief funds. “A lot of our ongoing budget challenges are non-recurring,” said Senate Budget Chair Kelli Stargel. These are recurring expenses and that influx of money is non-recurring funds. The governor has suggested lawmakers set the state budget at $96.6 billion, more than $4 billion higher than the current budget. Even with the new federal funds, lawmakers have remained skeptical of such a large increase.

Justices call off arguments over Medicaid work requirements

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court said Thursday it has called off upcoming arguments over a Trump administration plan to remake Medicaid by requiring recipients to work, agreeing to a request from the Biden administration. But the Biden administration already has decided preliminarily that work requirements do not fit with Medicaid's goal of providing health care to lower-income people. AdOther cases involved Trump administration immigration policies and a fight over unreleased portions of grand jury documents from special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 elections. The high court had in December agreed to review lower-court decisions involving Arkansas and New Hampshire that found that the Trump administration’s support for work requirements went beyond what’s allowed by law. Arkansas had opposed the Biden administration’s request that the cases be dropped.

COVID-19 bill gives states pathway to reduce maternal deaths

Labor and delivery are thought of as the riskiest times for new mothers, but many women die in the months after giving birth. The legislation gives states the option of extending Medicaid coverage to women with low to modest incomes for a full year after childbirth. Maternal health advisory groups in 19 states, from Texas to Massachusetts, and Washington to Tennessee, have recommended such an extension. AdSome Republicans who disdain the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package say they would like to see the maternal health provisions made permanent. “We must strive to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce maternal mortality,” said Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, who cosponsored legislation with Kelly, the Chicago Democrat, in the last Congress.

Georgia House passes budget as GOP rejects Democrat Medicaid expansion

The state would spend $27.2 billion in state tax money, plus billions more in federal money and money raised in fees and tuition. That’s up from $26.6 billion in state money this year. Brian Kemp had already proposed spending $22 million more on mental health, but House members want an overall increase of $58 million. The House would spend more on service providers, including $12.3 million for a 5% rate increase for providers of adult intellectual and developmental disability services. Ad“This House of Representatives recognizes the need for these services and is prioritizing them accordingly,’' said Ralston, a Blue Ridge Republican.

Biden asks high court to drop 2 Trump-era Medicaid cases

WASHINGTON – The Biden administration is asking the Supreme Court not to hear arguments in two cases on its March calendar about the Trump administration's plan to remake Medicaid by requiring recipients to work. The Biden administration has been moving to roll back those Trump-era plans and cited “greatly changed circumstances” in asking Monday that the cases be dropped from the court's argument calendar. The high court had in December agreed to review lower-court decisions involving Arkansas and New Hampshire that found that the Trump administration’s support for work requirements went beyond what’s allowed by law. Medicaid is a $600 billion federal-state program that covers about 70 million people, from pregnant women and newborns to disabled people and nursing home residents. Under the Obama-era Affordable Care Act, states gained the option of expanding the program to many low-income adults previously ineligible.

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Biden administration to undo Medicaid work requirements

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – The Biden administration is moving to roll back Medicaid work requirements in its latest effort to undo a controversial Trump-era policy. Federal health officials planned Friday to inform 10 states that they would revoke permissions granted by the Trump administration to impose such requirements, according to a Biden official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal plans. Officials were also set to withdraw the past administration’s invitation for states to apply for approval for work requirements. AdThe Trump administration allowed states to require “able-bodied” adults drawing Medicaid benefits to work, volunteer or study. Before the pandemic, nearly 20 states had tried to implement requirements after the administration invited them in 2018 to submit such proposals.

Kansas governor: Medical pot should fund Medicaid expansion

Kelly championed Medicaid expansion in her first race in 2018 and promised to sign legislation legalizing medical marijuana, though she has not pushed that issue aggressively so far. But University of Kansas political scientist Patrick Miller said he wonders why any Kansas politician still opposes medical marijuana. The Legislature has taken only relatively small steps toward legalizing medical marijuana even as most other states have done it. She said legalizing medical marijuana could raise up to $50 million a year and her proposal “eliminates the argument” that Kansas can't afford Medicaid expansion. AdBut Republican lawmakers remained skeptical that medical marijuana could raise much money or cover Medicaid expansion costs.

Biden opens 'Obamacare' window for uninsured as COVID rages

AdThe Biden administration has ample resources for marketing, said Karen Pollitz, a health insurance expert with the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. “The reason it wasn’t spent is the Trump administration spent its time in office cutting services that support consumer enrollment,” Pollitz said. He cited a Trump policy that allows employers to provide tax-free money for workers to buy individual plans. AdThe idea of reopening Obamacare's health insurance markets in the pandemic has had broad support from consumer, medical, and business organizations. As the number of uninsured Americans grew because of job losses in the pandemic, the Trump administration resisted calls to reopen HealthCare.gov.

Biden to reopen 'Obamacare' markets for COVID-19 relief

President Joe Biden holds his face mask as he delivers remarks on COVID-19, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON – Fulfilling a campaign promise, President Joe Biden plans to reopen the HealthCare.gov insurance markets for a special sign-up opportunity geared to people needing coverage in the coronavirus pandemic. Biden is expected to sign an executive order Thursday, said two people familiar with the plan, whose details were still being finalized. Coverage is available to people who don't have job-based health insurance, with the Medicaid expansion geared to those with low incomes. “President Biden does not believe, as a principle, it should be difficult ... for people to gain access to health care,” she said.

Florida lawmakers face $2.1 billion budget shortfall

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State lawmakers are facing a $2.1 billion pandemic-induced budget shortfall for the budget starting in July, and that’s the best-case scenario, according to state economists. The revenue shortfall means lawmakers will face tough decisions crafting next year’s state budget. While state economists project a $2.1 billion shortfall, the number is heavily dependent on how the economy recovers, something difficult to project in a once in a lifetime pandemic. State economists predict it could take between one and two years. State economists’ latest projections are largely based on data from November and September.

Stimulus money intended for nursing home residents, not the facility, FTC reiterates

That new round of stimulus money going out right now for those who qualify is $600. And if you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, that money is not for the facility. The Federal Trade Commission says when the first round of stimulus money was sent out last year, certain facilities tried to keep that money from residents particularly those on Medicaid. The FTC says a facility cannot require somebody to sign it over to them even if that somebody is on Medicaid. If that money is taken by a facility, the FTC says to report it right away to the state attorney general and the FTC.

Medicaid costs, enrollment spiral in pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has played a major role in increased enrollment, hit the state several months into the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Despite the tremendous increase in enrollment and costs, the economists say Medicaid will have a $342.8 million surplus in general revenue funds this fiscal year. The increased costs are driven primarily by a surge in enrollment as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread job losses and new demands on the health-care system. Florida’s Medicaid enrollment was around 3.9 million people before the pandemic. Because Medicaid enrollment increases come during recessions when there is less tax revenue to pay for the program, it puts strains on state budgets.

Medicaid enrollment surge means major workload for state

The department generally reviews Medicaid beneficiaries’ eligibility each year. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has indicated it will issue guidance in the coming weeks about how state Medicaid officials should proceed with the annual reviews. Florida’s Medicaid program, which provides services to poor, elderly and disabled beneficiaries, had 4.417 million people enrolled as of Oct. 30, according to Agency for Health Care Administration data. AHCA runs much of the Medicaid program, but the Department of Children and Families handles issues such as eligibility determinations. They also are applying for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program, which provides financial assistance to unemployed families, and a federal food-assistance program.

Feds fine Jacksonville radiology practice $1.4 million after fraud allegations

JACKSONVILLE, Fla – A Jacksonville radiology practice has agreed to pay the United States $1.4 million after allegations that it knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for radiological images that were ineligible for reimbursement, the Department of Justice announced Friday. (MBB) billed healthcare programs for radiological images that were interpreted outside the United States. “Today’s announcement demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to protect public funds and our healthcare beneficiaries,” said United States Attorney Chapa Lopez in a press release. Heyck sued under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act permitting a private citizen to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in the recovery. “Knowingly submitting false claims for financial gain is unacceptable,” said Special Agent in Charge Omar Perez Aybar of the U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.

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Feds approve Georgia health insurance changes sought by Kemp

ATLANTA – Georgia will become the first state to offer federally subsidized health insurance to its residents only through private brokers under a plan being approved by President Donald Trump’s administration. Medicaid expansion, as originally envisioned under President Barack Obama’s federal health overhaul, planned for Georgia to offer state-federal Medicaid coverage to all able-bodied adults making up to 133% of the federal poverty level. The governor again dismissed full Medicaid expansion as too expensive, saying it would cost $547 million yearly. Democrats, aiming to gain seats in the state House and Senate, have made full Medicaid expansion a central issue. “I would love to have full Medicaid expansion, but this is what we have right now,” Bentley said, saying she was in favor of anything that would increase access.

Pandemic takes toll on employer-sponsored insurance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The coronavirus-induced recession nationally has displaced 7.7 million workers who had employer-sponsored health insurance, a study released Wednesday shows. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and the Commonwealth Fund, the analysis also found that 6.9 million dependents were covered, bringing the potential number of people losing employer-sponsored insurance to more than 14 million. If a job loss was temporary, an employer could continue to provide health insurance coverage, the report said. Manufacturing workers have been most impacted by losing jobs with employer-sponsored insurance. But because 66% of manufacturing jobs offered employer-sponsored insurance; the industry accounted for 18% of the loss of jobs with employer-sponsored insurance.

UF researcher gets sickle cell therapy grant

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A researcher at the University of Florida College of Nursing has been awarded a $2.6 million grant to determine whether relaxation therapy can help reduce pain and manage stress for patients with sickle cell disease, negating the need for opioids. “Historical and contemporary prejudices and stereotypes are associated with those who suffer from sickle cell disease because of their racial background,” Ezenwa said in a prepared statement. “Stress from sickle cell disease symptoms and social factors have been magnified by the public health crisis related to the opioid overdose epidemic in the United States.”Studies indicate as many as 100,000 people could be living with sickle cell disease in the United States. According to a June 2019 report from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health, 55,349 Medicaid beneficiaries nationwide had sickle cell disease in 2012, the latest available data. With 5,395 Medicaid beneficiaries with the once-fatal disease, Florida had the second-largest sickle cell Medicaid population behind New York.

Telehealth use jumped in Medicaid system as pandemic swept Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Medicaid providers, once reticent to use telehealth, turned to the technology to care for patients as COVID-19 swept the state. Medicaid director Beth Kidder told members of the Medical Care Advisory Committee on Wednesday that the number of providers using telehealth increased from 657 at the end of 2019 to 15,945 as of June amid the pandemic. The number of beneficiaries using telehealth increased from 23,616 at the end of 2019 to 192,038 as of June, according to Kidder’s data. And the same thing for patients.”The Medical Care Advisory Committee reviews issues in the state Medicaid system. Federal regulations require each state’s Medicaid program to have such an advisory committee.

Virus shutdown took a toll on routine health care for kids

Federal officials say a sharp decline in routine medical care for low-income children during the coronavirus shutdown will cause long-term harm if not reversed. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)WASHINGTON – A sharp decline in routine medical care for low-income children during the coronavirus shutdown could cause long-term harm if not reversed, federal officials warned Wednesday. Among the findings:— Early childhood vaccinations declined by 22%, or 1.7 million fewer immunizations for kids up to age 2. — Even after accounting for increased use of telehealth, there were 6.9 million fewer mental health visits. The changes mirror what happened with everyday health care services for adults.

Deadline to fill out US Census fast approaching

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The deadline to complete the once-a-decade 10 minute survey is September 30. The programs include, among many others: Medicaid, direct student loans, highway construction grants, low income tax credits and loans, and even adoption assistance programs. News4Jax asked Marilyn Stephens with the U.S. Census Bureau what happens if the country doesn’t hit 100%. Head to Jacksonville Main Library at 303 N. Laura St. on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Jacksonville chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will be on hand if you need any assistance.

While income in the US rose in 2019, so did the uninsured

Median household income in 2019 was $68,703, an increase of 6.8% from the previous year. That figure surpassed past boom-before-the bust years in 2007, when it was $62,090 in 2019 dollars and in 1999, when it was $62,641 in 2019 dollars, according to the Census Bureau. It was the fifth consecutive annual decline in the national poverty rate, according to the Census Bureau. Hispanics saw the greatest jump in the uninsured of any racial or ethnic group, going from 17.9% in 2018 to 18.7% in 2019. But even taking into consideration that bias, median household income in 2019 would have been 4.1% higher than it was in 2018, showing that the median household income last year was the highest on record, the Census Bureau concluded.

Obama's Medicaid expansion keeps gaining ground under Trump

President Donald Trump is still trying to overturn Obamacare, but his predecessor's health care law keeps gaining ground in places where it was once unwelcome. Missouri voters this week approved Medicaid expansion by a 53% to 47% margin, making the conservative state the seventh to do so under Trump. The six states where voters have approved Medicaid expansion in the Trump years are Idaho, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Utah. In Virginia, the legislature passed a Medicaid expansion after Democrats made political gains. In Missouri, support for Medicaid expansion in cities and suburbs overcame opposition in rural communities.

Florida hits medicaid plans with $2M in contract breach sanctions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Managed care plans were sanctioned 187 times and paid more than $2 million in damages during the 2019-2020 state fiscal year for breach of Medicaid contracts, according to information released by the state. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration website shows that during the fiscal year, which ended June 30, 13 Medicaid managed-care health plans, one Medicaid specialty plan and three managed dental plans faced sanctions for failing to adhere to contract requirements. In terms of dollars, though, state regulators assessed $732,050 in damages when managed care plans failed to follow contract requirements for covered services and authorizations. The state has contracts with 13 managed care companies to offer health services to poor, elderly and disabled people. The state also has contracts with five managed care plans to provide specialty services -- such as mental health services, care for people with HIV and AIDS and care for children with chronic medical conditions -- and contracts with three managed dental-care companies.

Stimulus money could pose dilemmas in nursing homes

The situation underscores the vulnerability of many elderly residents and potential confusion about what homes can and cant do with residents money. One worry is that nursing homes could pressure residents to use the checks to pay outstanding balances. Its not yet known whether there are widespread problems with nursing homes taking residents' checks, said Lois Greisman of the Federal Trade Commission. Cole, the southwest Ohio nursing home resident, said he still has some stimulus money left after buying a 55-inch television and gaming device. Hell said he'll likely wait until his nursing homes lockdown ends to spend the rest.

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