Oregon has taken a big step to keep health care accessible for many people. The state recently approved $7. 5 million in emergency funds to support Planned Parenthood centers. This money helps make up for lost Medicaid payments caused by a federal budget change. Planned Parenthood in Oregon was facing a huge financial gap. Without this help, they might have had to c...
South Dakota is eyeing a huge chunk of federal cash to boost rural health services. If they get the $1 billion they're asking for, half will go towards upgrading telehealth and data-sharing systems. This is part of a bigger federal plan to help rural health providers deal with cuts to Medicaid, a program that helps low-income people and those with disabilities get he...
The Supreme Court is looking at a case that might seem small but could have big effects. Damon Landor, a Rastafarian, had his hair forcibly shaved off while in prison, even though it went against his religious beliefs and a federal law meant to protect them. The big question now is not if the law was broken, but if Landor can sue the officials who did this to him and...
Let's talk about Medicaid and work requirements. This is a big deal because it changes who gets help and who doesn't. Some people think it's fair to make folks work to get benefits. Others say it's not that simple. Why? Because not everyone can work. Some have health issues, or they can't find jobs. So, what's the real story here? First, let's look at the facts. Med...
Minnesota's Governor Walz has decided to bring in outside help to check up on Medicaid programs. This move comes after some people were caught trying to cheat the system. The state wants to make sure that the money meant for those who need it most is being used correctly. The state has picked a company called Optum to look into 14 programs that are at risk of being ...
Florida stands at a critical juncture regarding health care. The state has the highest number of people enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, with nearly 4. 7 million residents relying on this coverage. However, the enhanced subsidies that have made these plans affordable are set to expire at the end of the year, leaving many Floridians in a state of uncertain...
Maine's attempt to support parents caring for severely disabled children is hitting roadblocks. The law, passed in 2023, was supposed to allow parents to get paid for their caregiving roles. But two years later, it's not working as planned. The main issue? The law ties the program to home health agencies with Medicare licenses. These agencies usually focus on older ...
Idaho's DOGE Task Force is making waves, and not in a good way. This group, inspired by Elon Musk's government efficiency department, is aiming to repeal Medicaid expansion in the state. If they succeed, it could lead to higher taxes, a weaker economy, and worse health outcomes for many Idahoans. The task force has some powerful allies in the Idaho Legislature. Earl...
The U. S. has seen a drop in overdose deaths, a win worth celebrating. But this progress is at risk. A new law could take health insurance away from millions, including many with opioid addiction. Medicaid covers nearly half of non-elderly adults battling opioid addiction. Without it, treatment becomes harder to access. Life expectancy in the U. S. has been stagnant...
The Trump administration has quietly authorized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access sensitive personal data of Medicaid recipients. This data includes home addresses, ethnic backgrounds, and other identifying information of the 79 million people enrolled in the program. The agreement, signed between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)...