State Health Watch Archives – January 1, 2009
January 1, 2009
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Will an Obama administration get the federal-state partnership back on track?
Many state Medicaid directors say the federal-state partnership has never been worse, due in part to proposed regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would shift costs to states. -
Fiscal Fitness: How States Cope: Washington struggles to preserve core program while in 'survival' mode
Washington state currently is in "survival mode," struggling to preserve as much of its core state Medicaid program as possible, in the face of a staggering $5 billion shortfall. -
What will happen with SCHIP reauthorization?
The congressional delay in reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has, frustratingly, caused states to put plans for covering additional children on hold until future funding is assured. What are state Medicaid directors likely to see going forward, in terms of reauthorization of SCHIP? -
Here is what state Medicaid directors would like to see
Like many states, Vermont has been "disappointed" with the support of the current federal administration for its health care reform efforts, says Susan W. Besio, PhD, director of health care reform for the Vermont Agency of Administration. Dr. Besio also is newly appointed as the state's Medicaid director. -
Will new administration clear the way for widespread HIT?
An infusion of federal investment to advance adoption of electronic medical records and electronic prescribing may give states greater ability to leverage their own resources for health information technology (HIT). -
State legislation doesn't pass, but hospitals still act
As one of only a few states that require hospitals to provide charity care, Washington state has had a charity care law on the books since 1989. In 2006, the state legislature took another look at the issue. -
States expanding coverage of home, community-based care
States are shifting long-term services and dollars from nursing homes to care in the community, with 75% of states expanding coverage for home services, according to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. -
Billions could be saved by integrating 'dual-eligibles'
States can save billions of dollars by placing the "dual-eligible" population in an integrated setting with managed care organizations responsible for coordinating all services, according to a new report written by The Lewin Group and sponsored by the Association for Community Affiliated Plans and Medicaid Health Plans of America. -
Projects aim to reduce visits to EDs during peak volumes
In April 2008, the state of Colorado was awarded $1,816,199 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for two projects designed to reduce the use of hospital emergency departments. -
The technology factor: Is it our friend or foe?
While The Joint Commission is asking health care facilities to use computerized physician order entry and bar coding technology as an adjunct to arm themselves in managing high-risk medications including anticoagulants, a recent study highlights the errors implicit in this kind of information technology (IT) support.