State Health Watch Archives – October 1, 2004
October 1, 2004
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While SCHIP enrollment declines in 11 states, it increases in 37 others
While the latest reports show enrollment of children in SCHIP declined during the second half of 2003 the first enrollment decline since the program was enacted in 1997 the need for it remains great, and the American Academy of Pediatrics said more federal funding support for the program is needed.Fiscal Fitness: How States Cope - Advocacy groups push for an extension of additional Medicaid federal match
As the June 30, 2004, date for the end to the emergency increase in the federal Medicaid match rate loomed, advocacy groups pushed Congress to extend the higher rate in recognition of the fact states still have significant financial problems and are dependent on the extra federal funds.Public programs crowd out private insurance
Expansions in public health insurance programs are designed to offer a safety net to vulnerable Americans unable to obtain basic health insurance and regular access to medical care.Safety net services are replacing private insurance
One unintended consequence of the nations health care safety net which includes public hospitals, community health centers, local clinics, and some primary care physicians is that it is crowding out, or replacing, other insurance options for unmarried childless adults, according to new research by Anthony Lo Sasso, research associate professor at the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University.Clip files / Local news from the states
Struggling with skyrocketing drug costs, West Virginia lawmakers are poised to go head to head with the powerful pharmaceutical industry, potentially becoming the first state to impose price controls on prescription drugs.