Category: states

Extent Of Health Coverage Gains From California Gig Worker Law Uncertain

The new law reclassifies many independent contractors as employees, requiring they be offered a range of benefits. But that could have unintended consequences, experts warn.

Why Hospitals Are Getting Into The Housing Business

Hospital systems now invest in housing to help some of their most frequent patients. This allows them to safely discharge patients who otherwise would have no place to go, freeing up beds for sicker patients and saving the hospitals money.

Tenn. Block Grant Experiment Would Boost Federal Funding, State Medicaid Chief Says

In a Q&A with Kaiser Health News, Tennessee Medicaid Director Gabe Roberts says state officials are requesting a modified block grant from federal officials because it would save money and allow the state to keep some of that savings.

Walmart To Give Workers Financial Incentives To Use Higher-Quality Doctors

The program, which will roll out next year in three parts of the country, seeks to encourage workers on the company’s health plan to choose doctors that have been identified as providing “appropriate, effective and cost-efficient care.”

The Deep Divide: State Borders Create Medicaid Haves And Have-Nots

State borders can highlight Medicaid’s arbitrary coverage. On the Missouri side of the Mississippi River, low-income people struggle with untreated health issues. But on the Illinois side, people in similar straits can get health care because their state expanded its Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act.

States Target Vaping With Bans. In California, The Action Is Local.

Several states have adopted bans on vaping products, but California isn’t going that far. Instead, cities and counties in the Golden State are stepping in to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products within their jurisdictions — or ban the sale of e-cigarettes altogether.

States Target Vaping With Bans. In California, The Action Is Local.

Several states have adopted bans on vaping products, but California isn’t going that far. Instead, cities and counties in the Golden State are stepping in to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products within their jurisdictions — or ban the sale of e-cigarettes altogether.

Uber And Lyft Ride-Sharing Services Hitch Onto Medicaid

Ride-sharing companies promise better service for enrollees and lower costs for states. But the services are not for everyone on Medicaid.

Meet The Health Officials Who Alerted The World To The Alarming Vaping Illness

Without the teamwork, communication and quick action of several veteran health officials in Wisconsin, the world might not know about the vaping illness the U.S. is battling today. This is their story.

As Off-Label Use Spreads, Supplies Of Niche Drugs And Patients’ Patience Grow Short

The reasons behind one particular shortage of a therapy known as IVIG are complicated, stemming from increased demand and the medication’s long production window.