After 18 months, Rhode Island’s Medicaid spending, which was projected to reach $3.8 billion, has declined to $2.7 billion… The state implemented a blizzard of reforms, including wellness programs, co-payments, audits of hospitals and nursing homes, fraud prevention, and letting seniors move from nursing homes into home and community care. The state has also saved a bundle by replacing federal “any willing provider” rules — which require that Medicaid dollars flow to any federally approved doctor or hospital regardless of cost — with competitive bidding.
Full op-ed on Rhode Island’s decreased Medicaid spending.
Great post. Great news. Just think what could happen if all 50 states were allowed to do this.
Good to see this post. I think this is one reform that has real promise.
Rhode Island is a pilot project that worked. Why aren’t we hearing mor about it?
This is what every state should be doing.
Ditto Neil. Twice.
There isn’t just one solution — rather there are many solutions. Effective solutions need to be unique to each state and fit states’ individual needs. All states should have the flexibility to try these types of reforms.