Medicaid

More than 300,000 Missourians lost Medicaid coverage due to paperwork problems, not ineligibility. The state struggles with administering the federal work requirements set to begin on January 1, 2027, citing high application processing times and low success rates during renewal cycles. To manage this challenge and clear a backlog of pending renewals, Missouri must secure significant funding and additional staff.

Maternity health care deserts, defined as regions lacking obstetric clinicians or birthing facilities, exist in nearly every U.S. state, including Minnesota. Twenty-four Minnesota counties are currently considered these deserts, affecting about 64,000 women and resulting in roughly 4,000 annual births. These issues are projected to worsen due to ongoing cuts to Medicaid, which covered a significant portion of U.S. births in 2023.

New Medicaid rules, resulting from a budget package that will slash $1 trillion over the next decade, require enrollees between ages 19 and 64 to prove participation in work or job training for at least 80 hours monthly. The New York State Department of Health estimates these changes could lead to up to 475,000 New Yorkers losing coverage, potentially increasing the uninsured population by 45%. Advocates warn that loss of coverage will cause people to forgo primary care visits, placing accumulating costs on local hospitals.

Patient advocates reacted with alarm following suggestions that Georgia Pathways to Coverage, Gov. Brian Kemp's signature Medicaid program, could end. State officials report that the Department of Community Health states the program is "unsustainable" unless the federal government increases financial support beyond the current two-thirds contribution.

Constituents protested outside Rep. Mike Carey’s office over proposed cuts to critical services like SNAP, Medicaid, and education. Protesters criticized the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," arguing that it jeopardizes benefits for Ohioans and risks special education funding. They demanded Congress prioritize care and restored funding over tax relief.

Over 1,040 plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against an authority connected to Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital was grossly negligent in granting operating privileges to OBGYN Javaid Perwaiz, who was convicted on federal charges.

Healthcare advocates criticized U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany for casting a vote on HR 1, which made cuts to Medicaid and federal nutrition benefits over ten years, projected to cut $900 billion to $1 trillion from low-income health insurance plans. Advocates also noted that the bill rejected attempts by Democrats to extend enhanced subsidies through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

A new report found that 12 small, rural Tennessee hospitals are at “immediate risk” of closure, potentially worsening the state's existing high rate of hospital closures. The Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform identified private insurers paying less than the actual cost of services as a primary driver of these losses.

New York City's economy is characterized as K-shaped, with millionaires capturing over half of all income growth since the pandemic. Meanwhile, poverty rates in NYC have reached record highs, leading more residents to rely on safety net benefits like SNAP and cash assistance. Experts note this disparity creates a highly polarized environment.

Florida spent $6.57 billion between 2023 and 2025 providing applied behavior analysis services, significantly more than any other state. Consequently, a blue ribbon task force has been convened to review Florida’s Medicaid program and ABA service delivery by December 31st. This review is happening amid policy changes requiring managed care plans and increased scrutiny over healthcare fraud.

The DOJ conducted a sweeping anti-fraud bust of Medicaid scofflaws in Pennsylvania, which spends $8 billion on Medicaid home-care services. The busts targeted individuals who billed for services under dubious circumstances, including while driving or when they were incarcerated. These actions draw comparisons to fraud scandals that have occurred in Minnesota.

The DOJ's anti-fraud task force executed a sweeping bust of Medicaid fraud in Pennsylvania, where the state spends $8 billion on home-care services. These busts were compared to past scandals in Minnesota, highlighting criminal activity taking money from individuals who need help. Defendants faced charges related to billing for services allegedly provided during moving violations or while they were driving for a rideshare company.

Voters in Wisconsin are weighing candidates' stances regarding cuts or expansion of Medicare and Medicaid. Bill Hogseth canvassed door-to-door in western Wisconsin, speaking with strangers about his own seizures and their resulting impacts. He also asked voters to share stories about their experiences with ambulance rides or hospital bills.

The article critiques US tax policy, claiming it deprives the government of revenue and serves the interests of the rich. It reports that the House passed Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which paired a $5tn-plus tax cut with over $1tn-plus in cuts from food stamps and Medicaid. Critics argue this legislation, despite claims to benefit small business owners, is damaging policy for multimillionaires.

A policy shift ending Medicaid funding for youth sex-change treatments was analyzed by Dr. Quentin Van Meter, the immediate past president of the American College of Pediatricians. Van Meter stated that blocking these interventions is appropriate and not a denial of care, arguing instead for ongoing mental health treatment for underlying issues. He further argued that 'puberty is not a disease' and cited conflicting medical studies as evidence against sex-change procedures.

A veteran pediatrician, Dr. Quentin Van Meter, praised the policy shift ending Medicaid funding for youth sex-change treatments. He argued that this restriction was 'compassionate' and appropriate, advocating instead for ongoing mental health treatment to address underlying issues. Van Meter further asserted that puberty is not a disease and cited concerns regarding potential risks associated with these interventions.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a new federal rule that prohibits state Medicaid plans and CHIP funds from covering gender-affirming hormone therapies and procedures for minors. The rules define such care to include puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical operations. Although the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asserted serious risks, many leading medical associations affirm the safety of this type of care.

The Trump administration finalized a rule to end federal support for gender-affirming care through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (Chip). Opponents stated that this move will make it harder for vulnerable children to access healthcare. The regulation is set to take effect on October 13, though legal challenges may delay or block the rule.

A family faces financial concern after a friend's mother died. The primary worry involves Medicaid potentially taking the family home. Attempts to get information from the mortgage company failed because they would not discuss the details of the mortgage.

The Trump administration announced a new rule barring Medicaid and CHIP funding for treatments like hormone blockers, surgeries, and therapy for minors with gender dysphoria. HHS Assistant Secretary Brian Christine warned that these procedures carry potentially irreversible ramifications and stressed that competent counseling is the scientifically supported approach. Officials stated that cutting federal funds aims to protect children from potential harm.

An HHS official warned that treating gender dysphoria in minors should rely on counseling rather than 'mutilating surgeries' due to potentially irreversible ramifications. The article reports on a new rule implemented by the Trump administration that will bar Medicaid and CHIP from funding treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for minors.

House Republicans hope that efforts to crack down on alleged abuse in safety-net programs will revive talks of tackling fraud before year's end. However, skepticism remains about whether any such bill will reach the president’s desk due to impending midterms and lack of immediate success. The article notes that achieving legislative goals requires intervention from Vice President Vance or President Trump.

Lawmakers in Georgia are investigating the rising cost of child welfare services, noting that foster care costs were projected to increase 159% since 2022. This investigation follows budget cuts made by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services due to an estimated $85 million deficit. Advocacy concerns also center on private companies allegedly delaying or denying medically necessary mental healthcare benefits covered under Medicaid.

The article asserts that despite its importance in crises, government services are often designed around bureaucracy rather than the people they serve, making access difficult and eroding public trust. To propose a solution, it offers a blueprint suggesting a new Cabinet-level Department of Services and giving implementation authority to a Deputy Chief of Staff for better delivery across all government levels.

Louisiana's Act 859 increases Medicaid payments for independent rural health clinics by $41.50 this fiscal year and next, assuming federal government approval. Independent provider Herndon “Buzz” Jeansonne welcomed the rate increase, stating it would have prevented him from selling his businesses. However, some owners of rural hospitals argue that the raise gives independently owned clinics a financial edge over their own facilities.

D.C. plans to use approximately $7.8 million from opioid settlement proceeds to help cover recurring costs for Medicaid and addiction treatment programs. Critics argue that this move intends only to maintain existing spending levels rather than expanding necessary services or treatments. The funds originate from a multibillion-dollar legal settlement related to the nation's opioid crisis.

Disability advocates are concerned that federal and state policy changes and budget cuts could jeopardize home- and community-based care for people with disabilities, risking a return to institutions. Advocates report that the federal government has withdrawn from decades-old requirements, while state leaders are rolling back services citing budget shortfalls. These efforts are being actively fought by advocates like Rob Stone to preserve crucial support systems.

Disability advocates are concerned that federal and state policy changes and budget cuts are eroding protections meant to keep people with disabilities living in their communities rather than institutions. The article notes that the federal government has reduced requirements for states to deliver disability services, while state leaders are rolling back community services citing budget shortfalls, impacting programs like Medicaid.

A family has filed lawsuits in state and federal court against El Paso County School District 49, alleging the district refuses to allow their 8-year-old son's Medicaid-funded private nurse to accompany him to class. The family seeks a court order to permit the nurse's presence to support the student's needs.

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten services for over 180 people with disabilities at RiseUP, an organization providing essential support through residential programs, community engagement, and skill development. RiseUP, which receives $12.5 million annually from the state, is hosting a fundraising event called the Elevation Challenge to offset potential 2% funding reductions.

A state Auditor General report found the DeSantis administration significantly delayed access to Medicaid records for auditors reviewing eligibility determinations post-COVID-19 public health emergency. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) objected to the findings, claiming the report was misleading, while the audit highlighted eight-month delays in providing requested information.

UCare, a Minneapolis-based healthcare company, plans to lay off 102 employees this fall after Medica acquired certain Medicaid contracts. The layoffs begin October 2 and continue through November, following a transition of 300,000 people to Medica under a prior agreement. Affected employees are not union-represented, and some work remotely.

William Lawrence, a Democratic congressional candidate, criticized the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for imposing Medicaid work requirements and increasing uninsured individuals by 10 million by 2034. Health professionals warned of reduced access to care and higher hospital costs. Lawrence renewed his push for Medicare for All.

Family caregivers in the U.S. spend an average of $7,000 annually out of pocket, with housing being the largest expense. AARP expert Amy Goyer emphasizes the importance of creating a caregiving plan, early conversations with loved ones, and seeking financial and community resources to manage the burden.

Family caregivers in the U.S. spend an average of $7,000 annually out of pocket on caregiving, with housing being the largest expense. AARP expert Amy Goyer emphasizes the need for early planning, financial research, and utilizing local resources like Area Agencies on Aging to manage caregiving challenges.

Family caregivers in the U.S. spend an average of $7,000 annually out of pocket, with housing being the largest expense. AARP expert Amy Goyer emphasizes creating a caregiving plan, early conversations with loved ones, and seeking financial and local support to manage the burden.

Congressional Republicans enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025, slashing healthcare funding for families in need by over $1 trillion through 2034. This led to soaring premiums, hospital closures like Select Specialty Hospital-Tucson East, and projected Medicaid coverage losses for 123,000 to 246,000 Arizonans by 2028.

The primary therapy for children with autism under Medicaid is set to undergo changes. The article mentions a newsletter signup for health and medicine updates but provides limited additional details.

New York will implement Medicaid work requirements starting January 1, 2027, requiring recipients to work 80 hours monthly, attend school, volunteer, or participate in job training to retain healthcare coverage. The policy affects Medicaid beneficiaries across the state.

Angie Craig, a DFL candidate for U.S. Senate, discusses her priorities including revising the 'Big Beautiful Bill' to focus on middle-class tax cuts, reforming healthcare to reduce costs, opposing Social Security benefit cuts without raising the retirement age, ending the war in Iran, and restructuring ICE and Border Patrol operations. She criticizes current policies for favoring the wealthy and lacking transparency.