Results for: Medicaid

A Republican faction in the Missouri Senate ended a lengthy filibuster on Thursday, allowing a vote on a $4 billion Medicaid program. The measure, which needs a second vote of approval, will renew a tax on hospitals and other medical providers to draw down federal funding for low-income Medicaid recipients. The vote followed a standoff between the Freedom Caucus, a GOP faction, and Senate leadership. The Freedom Caucus had been blocking the tax vote as leverage to pressure the passage of a bill to remove Planned Parenthood from the state’s Medicaid program and a constitutional amendment to raise the threshold for passing future amendments.

Medicare and Medicaid are two distinct health insurance programs with different eligibility criteria, coverage options, and income limits. Medicare is primarily intended for individuals aged 65 or older, while Medicaid provides coverage for low-income individuals and families. While both programs are funded by taxpayers, they differ in terms of income eligibility and the scope of benefits provided. This article explores the key differences between Medicare and Medicaid, including eligibility requirements, coverage options, and the impact of income on benefits.

Roughly 70,000 Nevada residents have lost their Medicaid coverage due to the unwinding process that began this year. Nevada Health Link, the state’s health insurance exchange, has been sending alerts to those who are no longer eligible. The application window for new insurance will remain open until November, and 90% of those who lost coverage qualify for subsidies making insurance more affordable. Nationally, millions of Americans have lost their Medicaid coverage, with the top 10 states for disenrollments being: Texas, California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Arizona.

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget to provide pregnant women with an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care. The budget also includes financial incentives for hospitals to reduce unnecessary C-sections, eliminates cost-sharing for certain pregnancy-related expenses, and invests $37 billion in Medicaid to support the state’s healthcare system. Additionally, the budget prohibits hospitals from suing low-income patients, expands hospital financial assistance programs, and limits medical debt collections.

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to eliminate insulin cost-sharing for New Yorkers with state-regulated health insurance plans, saving an estimated $14 million in 2025 alone. The budget also includes a $37 billion Medicaid investment plan, support for pregnant mothers, and protections against medical debt lawsuits for low-income individuals.