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What would looming federal cuts to Medicaid mean for CT?
Katy Golvala, The Connecticut Mirror, April 28
As Congress considers cuts to Medicaid, Connecticut is bracing for what that might mean. Medicaid, known as HUSKY in Connecticut, provides health coverage to nearly 1 million people in the state. It covers many different types of services, including medical and behavioral health services. Providers worry that if cuts to the program were to go through, they would have to scale back on their services. That could include cuts to everything from substance abuse programs to care provided to babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. Cuts to Medicaid would also have implications on the state budget, putting stress on the state’s finances.
Parents of kids with cancer fear GOP budget cuts could slash Medicaid
Elizabeth Cohen, NBC News, April 25
As the McLaurin family navigates the challenges of 7-year-old Tony’s leukemia diagnosis, they also worry they could lose their Medicaid coverage that pays for his care. Medicaid insures 1 out of 3 children diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Nonpartisan experts say that the significant budget cuts the GOP is seeking cannot be made without making cuts to Medicaid. Advocates worry that even if Medicaid funds for hospital services and doctor’s visits remain stable, other critical support services might be slashed, such as transportation to medical appointments or in-home visits for very sick children.
From the foundation: Medicaid: What’s at stake? Part 1: Work Requirements
Arielle Levin Becker, Connecticut Health Foundation, April 30
One of the changes being considered by members of Congress is to require certain Medicaid clients to report their work hours as a condition of staying covered. Research on these policies suggests they would cause a lot of people to lose their coverage but would not actually increase employment. That’s because most adults with Medicaid already work, but many could lose coverage anyway because of difficulties reporting their work hours. It also suggests that Medicaid coverage enables people to work by allowing those with chronic conditions to get the care they need to stay healthy enough to hold a job. This blog post contains resources on Medicaid work reporting requirements.
Health systems in limbo as HHS stays quiet on nondiscrimination rules for AI, algorithms
Katie Palmer, STAT News, April 30
Health systems face significant clinical and political challenges over how to comply with a rule that aims to make sure clinical decision support tools don’t discriminate based on patients’ protected traits such as age, sex, race, and disability. The lack of clarity from the federal government is delaying and potentially disrupting an already complex effort by health systems to avoid discrimination from artificial intelligence and other tools. Information about the nondiscrimination provision of the Affordable Care Act was removed from Health and Human Services websites, leaving health systems with questions. “It’s really like a giant game of wait and see,” said Lou Hart, medical director of health equity at Yale New Haven Health System. “Everything could change.”
7 tips to get the care you need at the doctor
Anissa Durham, Word in Black, April 24
For many, the experience of a doctor’s visit is not enjoyable, but a necessary part of taking care of one’s health. For Black Americans, a complex history and relationship with the health care system can add even more stress. One in three Black Americans has reported experiencing racism within the health care system. Experts say knowing how to advocate for yourself in a health care setting can be the difference between life and death. They suggest preparing questions ahead of time and taking notes during your visit, bringing a loved one with you, and making sure everything is documented, among other tips for feeling confident that you are getting the care you need.