Unpleasant Surprises for States in the Senate Health Bill
For example, the federal government would pick up the entire cost for the first two years and 95 percent of the cost for the next three years for newly covered working parents in Alabama, which now covers only those making up to 24 percent of the federal poverty level.
But it would pay just 50 percent of the cost for most of those newly enrolled in California, because California already makes eligible working parents earning up to 106 percent of the poverty level and its Medicaid assistance is set at 50 percent. California would get a more generous reimbursement, about 83 percent, only for parents earning from 106 percent to 133 percent of the federal poverty level.
Full report on states with expanded Medicaid coverage.
“We are, in a sense, being punished for our own charity,” moaned Governor David A. Paterson, in response to the proposed Medicaid funding formula. “Charity” is an interesting noun to describe the Empire State’s approach to Medicaid. Last July, New York State and New York City agreed to pay the federal government $540 to settle allegations from the U.S. Department of Justice that they had submitted false Medicaid claims! A December 26 audit by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli accused the state’s health bureaucrats of recently approving $92 million in fraudulent payments.
Gov. Paterson and Gov. Schwarzenegger are pro-“reform”, but now that they can see the price it exacts they are wailing for more money. Maybe Hary Reid and Nancy Pelosi will add some New York Pork and California Cash Cow on top of the Cornhusker Kickback, Louisiana Purchase, and Florida Flim Flam – but I doubt they’ll be able to find the money once the wheels come off this bill.
This has the potential to derail health reform.
Ken, I hope you are right.
This is definitely unfair. But most people probably are not aware that the distribution of Medicaid funds is already unfair.
When has this ever been anything but pollyanna non-sense? This garbage has been going on for years now. Brought to you by the same dipwads that didn’t see it coming. Oh well, they’ll get the normal market rally to make everyone feel fuzzy all-over.
I am a beginner myeslf. Just doing what I can. I am so happy that you like it.BTW: we are developing a clinic which is devoted to curing hopeless diseases. We have successfully cured a case of Morgellon’s (a horrible unidentified skin parasite. ) Hopeless cancer, diabetes, Dystonia and other disorders are candidates for this clinic. At this time the clinic is operating out of an individual’s home, therefore the cost for therapy barely covers our cost; it is an opportunity for someone who has given up OR their doctors have given up. Cantact us if you know someone who needs our help.Cordially, MaryEllen