Feds extend controversial Medicaid project

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Federal officials have agreed to extend Florida’s controversial Medicaid pilot project by one month while deciding whether to give the state permission to turn health care for the poor over to HMOs.

Florida officials hope to save big bucks by turning Medicaid into what’s called “managed care” through private HMOs. Some Democrats in Congress and the Legislature oppose the move, saying many patients would lose access to good-quality care.

A pilot project in Broward, Duval, Baker, Clay, and Nassau counties has been experimenting with managed care. The project was due to expire at the end of June, and the state wants to continue it while officials in Washington decide whether to grant waivers to allow something similar statewide.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services confirmed on Wednesday that a 30-day extension has been granted, so the pilot project will continue until July 1.

Read more: http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/dcblog/2011/06/feds_extend_controversial_medi.html

[No Elephants]

1. Well,privatization is always cheaper and more efficient.

Isn't it?

[Downwinder]

2. Less choice.

[No Elephants]

6. Sorry, I should have used the sarcasm emote. I get lazy about that sometimes.

[EFerrari]

8. The Democrats treat Florida as a Republican principality. n/t

[SoapBox]

3. Remember to JUST DIE QUICKLY!

...thanks to the GOBPers and RushThugs, here come the Death Panels!

[KatyMan]

4. Wait a moment....

I am the wife--- I am an RN and work for a Medicaid HMO. We provide much better case management that the State of Texas could ever aspire. There are 3 Medicaid HMOs in Harris and the surrounding counties-- all employ nurses and social workers who actually visit the insured to determine what services they may need/qualify for. There is no way the state, or any state, can provide that level of care.

[No Elephants]

7. ? States pay for people to provide care snd case management, just as HMO's do.

The HMO replaces the state as payor. The major difference is that the HMO expects to make a profit on the deal while the state doesn't. Also, Scott has a track record of health care fraud.

Massachusetts provides health insurance for its employees. Its case management is very thorough.

[KatyMan]

9. The HMO makes a profit

Because the program has better, more consistent oversight. Contrary to popular belief, I do not spend most of my time denying benefits....I spend most of my time in members' homes, performing assessments and making recommendations for care/programs.
Don't get me wrong...I am as liberal and progressive as you get, but I also see first hand where there is a lot of Medicaid fraud going on...having an in- person, face to face visit, ensures that the member is getting the care that they need/qualify for.

[Hoyt]

12. I tend to agree. I'd much rather be in a coordinated Medicaid HMO than trying to fend for myself.

[jwirr]

13. I am one of the clients who got oversite both before and after the HCR.

Same with both. That is in my state - other states may be different. As a social worker I even did some of the oversite for the county before I retired. Now when the Medica social worker comes to visit I tell her how she is doing. By the way when the county was doing the oversite we sent out both a social worker and a nurse. Not now.

[KatyMan]

11. MassHealth

MassHealth (Medicaid) indeed does have Managed Care Options. In fact, you have to choose one of the 5 companies or choose the PCC option. MassHealth's own literature will tell you that you get better benefits going with MCO, rather than fee for service. Remember, we are talking about Medicaid here, not the program that covers the uninsured.

[EC]

5. So when Rick Scott gets booted out

he'll just expand into HMO's along with his other healthcare rip-offs. He's just making it easier for him to scam Medicaid now...he did it with Medicare, so if a leapords spots don't change....

[Akoto]

10. As a disabled person in Florida, I'm terrified of this. My letter to Scott ...

I have a rare condition, and proper pain management is only available to me at the University of Miami. I will not be able to go there, nor to afford my many pain-related medications, without Medicaid.


---

Dear Governor Scott,

I am a 26-year-old resident of X, Florida. I'm writing you today because I am frankly terrified about the potential changes to Medicaid being considered in our state.

A few years ago, I was disabled for life by a painful condition for which there is no cure. I'd be on the street right now if not my parents, as well as the financial and Medicaid assistance of SSI.

Appropriate pain management for my condition is only available at the University of Miami. Without Medicaid as it exists today, I will no longer be able to afford to go there, nor will I be capable of paying for the many medications required to give me some semblance of a bearable life.

I'm asking - begging - that you reconsider these changes. The states do not expect to turn a profit on programs like these, but HMOs do. Financial gain is how they continue to exist, and there no way you could convince me that they'll provide the level of necessary care I receive under Medicaid.

There are many people like myself in Florida, young and old, for whom Medicaid's continued existence is a matter of life and death. Please find it in your heart to cut the budget in other ways, other places, than programs intended to help our already beleaguered population of poor and sick individuals. We don't deserve that when so many wealthy individuals out there could help by contributing their fair share.

Thank you,