Lawmakers advanced two bills aiming to improve access and equity in California’s Medicaid system (Medi-Cal) during an Assembly Health Committee meeting this month. Assembly Bill 2446 would expand access to medically-necessary diapers, while AB 2339 would increase access to telehealth services. California has the most restrictive guidelines for establishing a need for medically-necessary diapers, according … Read more
Michelle Alletto, chief program and services officer at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), discussed the agency’s programs and priorities during the 2024 Texas State of Reform Health Policy Conference on Feb. 27. Alletto said that in 2022, the Texas Legislature tasked HHSC with evaluating the effectiveness of the state’s mental health system. … Read more
The Utah Legislature wrapped up its 65th legislative session on March 1. Policy experts discussed the session’s outcomes at the 2024 Utah State of Reform Health Policy Conference on March 7. Rachel Craig, government affairs manager at the Association for Utah Community Health, said this year’s session saw fewer gains in the Medicaid space compared … Read more
Alaska lawmakers held a meeting last week to review legislation that would increase behavioral healthcare parity for Medicaid-covered services. House Concurrent Resolution 9 and House Bill 361, both sponsored by Rep. Mike Prax (R-North Pole), seek parity in coverage of benefits for Medicaid mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatments in Alaska. Riley Nye, … Read more
As the state with the highest number of uninsured people in the U.S., Texas is looking at ways to increase coverage. Health professionals discussed the challenges Texans face and a variety of options to increase coverage at the 2024 Texas State of Reform Health Policy Conference last month. Texas 2036, a public policy think tank, … Read more
Med-QUEST Division (Hawaii’s Medicaid program) submitted an application to renew its 1115 Demonstration waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Jan. 17, and division leaders discussed the request at the 2024 Hawaii State of Reform Health Policy Conference in January. Hawaii has had a 1115 waiver since 1994, and renews it … Read more
Staff from the Alaska Department of Health (DOH) presented a bill to the legislature that would expand access to school-based services for Medicaid eligible children. Senate Bill 240 is sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee at the request of Gov. Mike Dunleavy. DOH Commissioner Heidi Hedberg introduced the bill at a Senate Health and Social … Read more
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is applying for a five-year extension to the current Healthy Texas Women (HTW) 1115 waiver. HHSC plans to submit the application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in March. The current waiver expires Dec. 31st, 2024. Michelle Erwin, deputy associate commissioner in the office … Read more
A bill that would require the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to submit a 1115 waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicaid reimbursement for traditional healing services for the state’s Native population has crossed over into the opposite chamber. Senate Bill 181, sponsored by Sen. Luz … Read more
Leaders in the healthcare community discussed ways to engage patients and develop a stronger care continuum at the 2023 Tennessee State of Reform Health Policy Conference last month. Patients often need prompting and support in order to successfully engage themselves in the care continuum. Scott Bowers, chief executive officer at Spiras Health, said patients need … Read more