Families that depend on the federal-state health care program for low-income residents fear that changes championed by congressional Republicans could undermine coverage, especially for people with disabilities and seniors who need long-term care. Also, Illinois officials are preparing to shake up which companies provide managed care services for the state’s Medicaid program.


Maine Public:
Already Financially Stressed, Maine Caregivers Fear Medicaid Cuts In AHCA

Under the Republican-backed health care plan passed by the U.S. House earlier this month, the federal Medicaid program would undergo a major overhaul. States would receive a fixed amount of money for the program, versus the open-ended federal support they now get. Supporters of the American Health Care Act say the change would control spending and give states more flexibility. But opponents argue that it will result in cuts to care. In terms of sheer numbers, low-income children and adults account for most of the people enrolled in Medicaid. But that’s not where most of the program’s costs go to — they go to people like Evan Klane of Fairfield. … When Evan was born 26 years ago, he experienced birth trauma. (Wight, 5/15)


Chicago Tribune:
4 Insurers Out Of Running For Rauner’s Medicaid Overhaul 

Illinois Medicaid beneficiaries are about to see a major shake-up of the program, with several insurers now out of the running to be part of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s overhaul plan. On Monday, the state released a list of insurers that responded to a request for proposals to be part of Rauner’s re-imagined Medicaid managed care program. In Medicaid managed care, private insurers administer Medicaid benefits, whereas the state administers benefits in traditional Medicaid. (Schencker, 5/15)


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