Medicaid

One of the first signs drivers see on the way into Unionville, Mo. is this billboard advertising cardiology at Putnam County Memorial Hospital. Offering specialty services, like cardiology and psychiatry turned the hospital around, community leaders say.

Expanding, Not Shrinking, Saves A Small Rural Hospital

10:03am July 21, 2015

by Bram Sable-Smith

As least 55 hospitals across the rural U.S. have closed since 2010. But northern Missouri's Putnam County Memorial finds that adding high-quality specialty services lures patients and revenue.

Queue Listen Now

Long waits and lack of access to doctors is a continuing problem with California's Medicaid program, an audit finds.

California's Medicaid Program Fails To Ensure Access To Doctors

2:56pm June 22, 2015

by Anna Gorman

The state is not monitoring its Medicaid managed care plans to make sure they have enough doctors to meet patients' needs, an audit finds. And thousands of calls to an ombudsman were never returned.

While governor of Texas, Rick Perry refused to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid.

Texas Politicians And Businesses Feud Over Medicaid Expansion

12:12am May 30, 2015

by Wade Goodwyn

Texas has turned down federal funds to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Hospitals and some business owners want the money, but it's a tough sell in Republican-dominated state politics.

Queue Listen Now

Alaskans attend a rally in Anchorage for Medicaid expansion.

State Legislatures Quarrel Over Whether To Expand Medicaid

9:22pm May 14, 2015

Medicaid expansion was a big deal in a handful of state legislatures this year. Wyoming said no. Tennessee said no. But Montana said yes, and three more states are coming down to the wire.

Queue Listen Now

Florida Gov. Rick Scott speaks Wednesday with reporters in Washington, D.C., after a meeting with Sylvia Burwell, head of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Fla. Governor Leaves Meeting With U.S. Health Secretary Empty-Handed

8:48am May 07, 2015

by Phil Galewitz

Despite a "good conversation" with Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, Gov. Rick Scott gets no sign that Florida will receive the more than $1 billion he wants for health care.

St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore is one of the 131 hospitals run by Ascension Health. It's a not-for-profit, Catholic health care system that treats many low-income patients.

Expanding Medicaid Trims Hospitals' Costs Of Caring For Uninsured

4:42pm April 30, 2015

by Anders Kelto

One aim of Obamacare was to ease the financial strain on nonprofit hospitals that provide medical care to people who lack insurance and can't pay their bills. That plan is working, hospitals say.

Once a proponent of Medicaid's expansion under the Affordable Care Act, Florida Gov. Rick Scott is now trying to pressure Florida's Senate to abandon its support of expansion.

Florida's House Quits Early, At Impasse Over Medicaid Expansion

2:22pm April 29, 2015

Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Scott sued the federal government Tuesday, accusing it of coercing Florida to accept the expansion, or lose funding for other health programs for the poor.

Queue Listen Now

Quick Income Changes Can Threaten Coverage For Those On Medicaid

5:42pm April 08, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

Obamacare added millions of new customers whose incomes hover near the Medicaid line. When their earnings rise or fall, their health insurance could lapse while they're switching plans.

Michaela leans on her mother, Dee, while talking to Dr. Karin Selva about puberty suppression.

Puberty Suppression Now A Choice For Teens On Medicaid In Oregon

8:33am April 06, 2015

by Kristian Foden-Vencil

Medicaid in Oregon now pays for medication to suppress puberty in teens who may want to change their gender. Oregon officials decided the benefits outweigh possible trade-offs of stopping puberty.

Queue Listen Now

Johnny Reynolds ignored diabetes symptoms and put off going to the doctor for years when he didn't have health insurance. He was afraid he couldn't afford treatment.

States That Expand Medicaid Detect More Cases Of Diabetes

4:06pm March 30, 2015

by Anders Kelto

Researchers say their study suggests that more diabetes is being detected in particular states because, thanks to Medicaid, more poor people have access to screening and care.

Queue Listen Now