Many states face budget shortfalls—which can bring eligibility & access cuts
 

Alabama--has no spend down; an aged/disabled level of only $637/mo (the SSI rate), a working parent level of only 26% (2007) & an ADAP level of 250%; covers only 12 MD visits & hospital days/yr & 4 brand Rx’s/mo; and has an ADAP “enrollment cap”. The budget is short $784 million, so Gov. Riley (R) asked the legislature (D) to cut CHIP $7.3 million & ADAP $5 million; reduce home care benefits & consider closing CHIP to new patients. The risk pool has no low income premium discount or Medicare supplement. AL Blue Cross’ Child Caring plan insures 10,000 needy children slightly “too rich” for CHIP

Alaska---this Title XVI state has no spend down; has an aged/disabled level of about $999 (its SSI/SSP rate), a working parent level of 81% (2007) & an ADAP level of 300%; it tightened HCB & home care medical qualification rules; has a risk pool with a Medicare supplement but no low income premium discount; created a token SPAP for those under 175% that excludes the disabled; and added coverage of some adult dentistry. Gov. Palin & the legislature (both R) raised the CHIP level---but merely to 175% of the 2007 FPL

Arizona— has no spend down & no risk pool. It covers all parents under 200% &other  childless (even non-disabled) adults under 100% & has an ADAP level of 300%. The legislature (R) considered (but didn’t) cutting the 200% CHIP level to 175%; did increase  red tape for some adults & killed a program to let “over-income” disabled who are still in their 2 year Medicare waiting period buy into Medicaid for low fees; but it gives Gov Napolitano (D) funds, at least for now,  to pay Part D co-pays for dual eligibles. The budget is short $1.9 billion.          

Arkansas---has an aged/disabled level of $637/mo (the SSI rate), a working parent level of 18% (2007), an ADAP level of 500% & a monthly numerical Rx limit. A waiver funds insurance for small firm workers under 200%.  Gov. Beebe & the legislature (both D) raised DDS fees & covered most adult dentistry; and were once considering raising the CHIP level from 200% to 300%. The risk pool has no low income premium discount or Medicare supplement. There’s a budget shortfall and Medicaid & CHIP staff say they’ll need $93 million more in 2009, plus another $111 million more in 2010.                           

California--The under-funded risk pool (often closed to new patients) has no low income premium discount (but a bill to  offer one passed the House) & no Medicare supplement. Public Citizen says MD fees are the US’ 10^th lowest. CA  covers the aged/disabled under about 135%, parents below106% & prostate cancer patients under 200%. Its ADAP level is 400% & its CHIP level is 250%. Gov. Schwarzenegger (R) stopped paying extra Medicare HMO premiums for dual eligibles. He & House (D) leaders agreed on a bill to cover all children below 300% (but CMS’ cap is now 250%) & all (even childless & non-disabled) adults under 100%-150%; and subsidize insurance for others below 400%--but a $15.2+ billion deficit convinced a Senate (D) panel to kill it. The Governor proposed to cut MediCal $1 billion, raise cost-sharing, end adult & reduce CHIP dentistry, make clients re-apply more often and cut adult podiatry, hearing, vision & ADAP benefits. He then reduced Rx dispensing & provider fees 10% (the state’s appealing an injunction barring the cuts) and sought $1 billion+ more in cuts--e.g., slashing the 2 person MediCal level to 61%; reviving the old 100 hrs/mo work limit (which would end coverage for many adults in 2-parent families); limiting legal aliens to emergency, pregnancy, nursing home and breast & cervical cancer care; and cutting personal attendant care for 84,000 disabled. The legislature (D) passed a bi-partisan budget (with some, but not all, of the cuts the Governor wanted, but he still signed it, it shifts many costs into future unfunded debt) and health insurance reforms wider than he had sought (which he’s now deciding whether to sign).

Colorado---has no spend down. The old GOP legislature weakened the insurance minimum benefits law & promoted health savings accounts (HSAs) in private plans, but referendum-voted tobacco taxes boosted the CHIP level to 200% & raised the working parent level to 66% (2007). The aged level is about $662 (the SSI/SSP rate only for those over age 60) & a mere $637/mo (the SSI rate) for the younger disabled. The ADAP level is 400%. The Denver Medical Center & the Univ. of Colorado Hospital cut their indigent care programs; and they & the state Indigent Care plan (for the childless poor awaiting SSA disability awards) boosted co-pays. The state raised the risk pool’s low income premium discount income level to $50,000 & added a Medicare supplement to it; raised provider fees $28 million; told Medicaid staff to adopt a consumer-run board’s care plan for the disabled; and got the Kaiser health plan to spend $2.5 million more to subsidize its poorer patients’ co-pays. Gov. Ritter (D) adopted a formulary; joined a multi-state Rx buyer pool; and signed bills to start an Rx discount plan for those under 300% & make private plans cover PTSD, anorexia, substance abuse & colorectal cancer screening. A reform panel proposed raising the parent level (and maybe later other adults’ too) to 205% & CHIP’s to 250%; and premium subsidies for others under 400% (cost: $1.3 billion); but Ritter opposes new taxes to do so and there’s a state budget shortfall. See www.colorado.gov/208commission  The legislature (now D) raised the CHIP level to 225% & widened its mental health benefit; and the Senate pledged to cover all children by 2010 (cost: $200 million). A referendum question slated for a vote in 11/08 would require employers of 20 or more to offer health coverage

Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas—federal law caps its matching rate far below what states get & it can’t even fully fund its own share of title XIX costs even though 37% of residents are poor enough for Medicaid. Low fees attract far too few providers (mostly only public clinics). The territory did enroll some off-island specialists, but only by agreeing to pay them Hawaii’s higher Medicaid rates. Its biggest hospital has a $32 million deficit due to its low Medicaid fees.

Connecticut—a 209(b) state; its aged/disabled level is about $805 (its SSI/SSP rate), its parent level is 185% & its ADAP level is 400%; its risk pool has a low income premium discount for those under 200% but no Medicare supplement. Gov. Rell (R) added MD visit co-pays; raised premiums, co-pays & asset levels for the SPAP (its income levels are $22,300 for 1 & $30,100 for 2); ended adult chiropractor, naturopath, psychologist, occupational, physical & speech therapy coverage; but seeks to add hospice services for non-Medicare patients. The legislature (D) covered the working disabled & “ex-disabled”; raised the CHIP level from 300% to 400% (but CMS’ new cap is 250% & Rell wants to enroll its patients in HMOs); added low income clinic & hospital “hardship” funds; raised fees to Medicare’s rate (DDS fees remain too low); and made private plans let children stay covered to age 26. A dispute on file & data access caused 3 HMOs to drop state contracts, leaving many patients with access problems. Rell vetoed the legislature’s bill to let towns, cities, non-profits & small firms join the state worker health plan; moved to cut AIDS services $400,000 & the SPAP $2.8 million; but, despite calls for a delay to shore up CHIP first, she began subsidizing insurance for adults under 300%. (Its co-pays & premiums are too high, its psychiatric care is too limited, a cap on Rx & equipment costs is too low & its meager fees deter provider participation). A bill to drop QMB’s asset test & raise its income level to 220%--and thus also qualify SPAP clients for full Pt. D Extra Help--died as the last legislature adjourned, but will be re-filed next session. There’s a state budget deficit.

Delaware---has no spend down or risk pool; covers all (even childless & non-disabled) adults under 100%, & has an ADAP level of 500%, a CHIP level of 200% & a SPAP level of 200%. Gov. Minner (D) & the legislature (D Sen; R House) started a cancer care program for those under 650% & a medical assistance program for others under 200%. She once proposed to cover CHIP parents, raised provider fees & covered the working disabled. The state expects a shortfall.

District of Columbia---has no risk pool. Income levels are 200% for parents, 100% for the childless aged & disabled, 300% for CHIP (yet CMS’ cap is now 250%) & 400% for ADAP. DC’s own local non-federal health program covers all others under 200%. Mayor Fenty & the Council (both D) covered adult dentistry; raised substance abuse funding & dental fees (but other provider rates remain too low); boosted the aged/ disabled asset level $2,000 & the QMB income level to 300% (thus qualifying many more Medicare patients for Pt D’s full Extra Help); now seek CMS approval to drop QMB’s asset test; and are also considering subsidized insurance for others under 300%, seeking to partially fund it with a $5 million Blue Cross/Shield donation. When BC/BS didn’t donate that thru its legal charity giving obligation, DC sued it to enforce the gifting rule. A consultant study urged DC to spend $90 million in tobacco funds on expanded coverage & new infrastructure (www.rand.org/research_areas/health ). The deficit is $131 million & 4 audits cite millions in misspending. DC began requiring pre-authorization for pain, gastrointestinal & even insulin Rx’s but MDs & pharmacists objected.

Florida---Ex-Gov. Bush (R) got a waiver to privatize Medicaid and transform it, using premium support & managed care, into pilot “defined contribution” plans. GAO questioned the quality of the pilot HMOs’ care; a class action suit was filed against them; and 3 plans threatened to end Medicaid & CHIP contracts, forcing the state to drop its proposed rate cuts to keep its patients covered. The under-funded risk pool is closed to new patients (yet it has a Medicare supplement but no low income premium discount). The state cut the aged/disabled level from 88% to the $637/mo SSI rate, but grandfathered -in those under 88% who are in HCB care or aren’t on Medicare. The working parent level is only 58% (2007) & the ADAP level is 300%. The state covers dentures (but little other adult dentistry) & hearing aids. Providers are suing to raise low fees. Gov. Crist (R) vetoed a bill to require use of brand name transplant Rx’s; signed bills to cut $233 million from Medicaid & $164 million from nursing homes due to a $3.4 billion state deficit & make private plans cover autism care; started an Rx discount plan; cut HMO fees $60 million & dropped Zyprexa from the formulary. He proposed funding 14 local primary care programs & letting children over CHIP’s 200% level buy in at full cost and signed the legislature’s (R) bills to make private plans let children stay covered until 30; gut the insurance minimum benefits law; sponsor cheap, private insurance for the uninsured; drop hospice & slash dialysis care; deny LTC fee raises; give hospitals $66 million; cut mental health funds & MD fees; put more patients into HMOs and cut Medicaid $803 million more. See www.hpi.georgetown.edu/florida on the waiver; “Is the Medicaid Reform..Saving… Money?” at www.floridachain.org ; and an analysis of waiver & insurance reform failings in “New…Florida Health Plans…” at www.cbpp.org  .

Georgia---has no risk pool. Its aged/disabled level is only $637/mo (the SSI rate), its working parent level is only 53% (2007), its ADAP level is 300% & its CHIP level is 235%. It has a monthly numerical limit on Rx’s; ended CHIP dental surgery coverage; cut its pregnant woman level to 200%; raised CHIP premiums; ended coverage of adult emergency dentistry & artificial limbs and nursing home spend downs; and tightened Katie Beckett waiver admission rules. Gov. Perdue & the legislature (both R) plan to raise co-pays & foster HSAs and enrolled most patients in managed care (but allow opt outs, due to many consumer & provider complaints); and ended 90 day suspensions for late CHIP premiums. Provider fees are too low & added eligibility red tape cut the rolls 60,000 in 2006. Atlanta’s safety net Grady Hospital is short up to $490 million & Savannah’s safety net Memorial Health Univ. Hosp. is short $30 million--both due to indigent care. Perdue found $58 million to subsidize GA hospitals’ trauma care for a year—but a $200-$300 million deficit makes future funding doubtful. He dropped $113.8 million in planned HMO, hospital & provider fee raises as now unaffordable; but had signed a bill to subsidize insurance for low wage small firm workers (they & employers will share low discount premiums--which critics say are still unaffordable--for a “basic”, high deductible plan making patients pay HSA deposits). See “New Georgia..Health Plans...” at www.cbpp.org on details & failings of the health expansion & insurance reforms

Guam—this territory’s matching funds are capped by law far below what states get. Its  non-federal medically indigent plan (MIP) pays even less than Medicaid & attracts almost no private providers. Scanty funds for off-island specialty care, and air transport to it, get used up quickly; and the legislature may ask CMS to let its Medicaid & even Medicare patients use providers in the Philippines. Provider fees are paid too low & too late; and only 1 dentist accepts any Guam patients.

Hawaii—a 209(b) state with no risk pool; a waiver covers all non-Medicare adults (even non-disabled) below 200% of Hawaii’s own higher FPL, but childless aged & disabled must be under 100% & the ADAP level is 400%. The state makes all employers insure employees & dependents and created a token SPAP for the aged and disabled under 100%. Gov. Lingle (R) & the legislature (D) raised the CHIP (to 300%, but CMS’ cap is 250%) & parent (to 250%) levels; cut CHIP premiums & let “over-income” children enroll for full-price premiums; restored some adult dentistry; and found $8 million to raise MD fees in 2009. Public hospitals are short $49 million due to low Medicaid fees & they asked the state for $25+ million. There’s a state budget shortfall. Suits to void state HMO contracts for 2 Mainland firms were dismissed.

Idaho---a Title XVI state, with no spend down; an aged/disabled level of only about $669 (the SSI/SSP rate) , a working  parent level of only 42% (2007); an ADAP level of 200%; and a risk pool with no Medicare supplement nor low income premium discount (though adding one is being considered). The GOP legislature raised the CHIP level from 150% to 185%; subsidizes a pilot health plan for low income adults & small firm workers (but it has a big, unused surplus & is under-subscribed); covered the working disabled; and got CMS approval to have 3 patient classes: Parents & children; the disabled & chronically ill; and the aged--who may later get differing benefits, higher co-pays but also more preventive care. Gov. Otter (R) covered adult dentistry, piggybacking on private dental plans’ provider networks to enhance access. 

Illinois---this 209(b) state’s aged/disabled level is 100% but its main SPAP excludes the disabled, who get only a limited formulary from a 2^nd,SPAP (both have 200% levels). Gov. Blagjoevich & the legislature (both D) added HIV drugs to the latter’s formulary (only for Medicare patients); and he & the Senate are expected to agree by November to some form of a House-passed bill to give all disabled full, equal benefits in the main SPAP. They raised the parent level to 185%, set the ADAP level at 400%, agreed to a court order to raise pediatric fees (but other provider fees are still too low & paid very late: the bill backlog is $1.5 billion), subsidized insurance for veterans left uncovered by VA cuts, raised the CHIP level; & enrolled 4,000 more MDs to treat children. The under-funded risk pool, often closed to new patients, has a Medicare supplement but no low income premium discount. Blagjoevich first proposed raising the parent level to 300% & CHIP’s to 400% (but CMS’ cap is now 250%), keeping it at just 100% for the childless aged/disabled (but now also even for non-disabled adults) & subsidized insurance for others under 400%. The Cook Co. Hospital system was short $150 million-- threatening service cuts, facility closures, denial of free care to needy suburbanites & imposition of Rx co-pays. The Governor later scaled back his plan--fully subsidizing only those under 100%; with lower subsidies & more cost-sharing for those over 100%; and subsidies only up to 300%. When the legislature ignored this 2^nd plan too, he unilaterally shifted $500 million from budget “pork” to fund it & began enrolling patients in it. But advocates have had to lobby for a fix-it bill to cover childless, non-disabled adults too, since the Governor’s own 2^nd plan covers only those adults who are parents so far. A legislative panel voted twice to kill the plan; 2 state courts barred further enrollment (Blagjoevich obeyed, but may well further appeal); and the deficit is $395-$750 million. He has so far resisted forcing clients into HMOs (it’s been voluntary), raised the working disabled level to 350%, amended a bill to make insurance plans let children stay covered to age 26 & required that Medigap policies be sold to the disabled as cheaply as the costliest aged policies. Local & Senate leaders proposed a Cook Co. Hosp. rescue plan that may raise taxes. The Governor was to have signed a bill to give $640 million to safety net hospitals (with $51 million for Cook Co.’s system), but the legislature over-rode his amendatory veto changes to its law requiring hospital bill discounts for the uninsured (under 600% in cities & under 300% in rural areas).  

Indiana---this 209(b) state’s token SPAP for those under 150% excludes the disabled; and it has a much-stricter-than-SSI “209(b)” Medicaid disability rule (one must be fatally or incurably ill). Gov. Daniels (R) & the then-all-GOP legislature raised CHIP premiums, but let Medicare patients enroll in the risk pool (which has a low income premium discount) for secondary coverage. The ACLU filed suit against a once-every-6-years denture & relinings limit. A Medicaid eligibility privatization in 12 of the 92 counties left 4,000 fewer clients eligible, even as the total statewide caseload grew; so many House (now narrowly D) members oppose the contract. The state now has a waiting list for ADAP (it has a 300% level), tightened its lax spend down (but a court reinstated 12,606 clients dropped without hearing rights); and will raise MD fees 25%. The legislature raised CHIP’s level from 200% to 300% (which CMS then capped at 250%) & subsidizes insurance for adults below 200% (even up to 37,000 childless, non-disabled ones, but not Medicare patients; since the aged/ disabled level—now under $620/mo, the US’ 2^nd lowest---won’t rise). The insurance has HMOs, HSAs, preventive care, few co-pays but no dental or vision care. Patients must put 2%-4% of income into HSAs. See http://www.cbpp.org/1-24-08health.htm , “Healthy Indiana Plan.” at www.kff.org & “Profiles in ..State Coverage: Healthy Indiana Plan..” at www.statecoverage.net for more. “Richer” non-Medicare adults, if uninsured 6+ months, can buy in at full cost. A reform board urged an insurance mandate, an employer play-or-pay law &, more coverage subsidies. The state expects a shortfall.

Iowa---a waiver covers up to 30,000 non-Medicare adults—even if childless or non-disabled—under 200% for care at 2 public hospitals (with Rx’s dispensed only at & by their pharmacies). The regular aged/disabled level is only $637/mo (the SSI rate), the working parent level is 89% (2007) & the ADAP level is 200%. The risk pool has a Medicare supplement but no low income premium discount. Gov. Culver’s & the legislature’s (both D) health study panel proposed a mandate to insure all children & a plan to cover all adults by 2012. The deficit is $350 million. Hospital, MD & DDS fees are too low. Culver made insurance reforms & signed bills making private plans let children stay covered until age 25, covering disabled children through the FOA (but only up to 300%) and raising the CHIP level from 200% to 300% (over CMS’ new 250% cap). The GOP House leader proposed dropping Medicaid’s Rx, MD & ER co-pays to ease flooding recovery.

Kansas---this Title XVI state has an aged/disabled level of $637/mo (the SSI rate), a working parent level of 34% (2007), a 200% CHIP level & a 300% ADAP level. The legislature (R) passed a bill promoting HSAs & raised provider fees to 65%-83% of Medicare rates. Blue Cross & a foundation subsidize insurance for KC-area families under $30,000. The risk pool has no low income premium discount or Medicare supplement. Gov. Sibelius (D) covered the working disabled, ”ex- disabled” & some “pre-disabled”; and signed bills to extend Medicaid (by 2009 to parents under 50% & by 2012 to all adults under 100%) and study insurance subsidies for those under 200%. The state raised the CHIP level from 200% to 225% by 2009 & to 250% by 2010. There’s a $55 million deficit & the GOP Senate voted to kill the adult level raises.

Kentucky--- has an aged/disabled level of only $637/mo (the SSI rate), a working parent level of only 64% (2007), a CHIP level of 200% & an ADAP level of 300%. The legislature (R Sen.; D House) dropped tough, yet unworkable, nursing home & HCB medical admission rules; capped Rx’s @ 4/mo, limited occ./phys./speech therapy, x-rays & MRIs and raised co-pays. The state set up 4 Medicaid groups: “healthy” adults; children; the aged & disabled; and MR & DD patients--with the possibility of different benefits & more cost-sharing for each class: See http://www.kff.org/7530.cfm . The state is moving 2,500 disabled into HCB care; and raised child DDS fees. The risk pool has no low income premium discounts or Medicare supplement. Gov. Brashear (D) will allow mailed-in CHIP applications but faces a $266 million deficit, with added CHIP & Medicaid costs of $112 million in 2008, $147.9 million in 2009 & $242.5 million in 2010.

Louisiana---has an aged/disabled level of only $637/mo (the SSI rate), a working parent level of only 20% (2007) & an ADAP level of 200% It cut covered Rx’s to 8 monthly (over-ride-able by MDs). Its risk pool has no low income discount or Medicare supplement. The legislature (D) raised CHIP’s 250% level to 300% (but CMS’ new cap is 250%); sought a waiver to cover parents in New Orleans & Lake Charles & maybe later even childless adults; and voted to seek federal funds for a new safety net hospital in N.O. to replace its destroyed State Charity Hosp.--to which Gov. Jindal (R) agreed. He signed a Medicaid budget $50+ million below projected costs (so later it may require supplemental funds or even provider fee cuts); agreed to spend $10 million more on CHIP; is negotiating with HHS to try to get an alleged $600 million overpayment to the state written off; and is considering an insurance mandate for those who can afford premiums and a business group’s plan to divert ½ of DSH--and even some Charity Hospital ---funds to subsidize private insurance for non-Medicare (even childless & non-disabled) adults below 200%, at first in N.O. & Lake Charles. The Sec. of Health named a new reform panel & began moving patients into HMOs. The Charity Hosp. system is short at least $35 million

Maine---Gov. Balducci & the legislature (both D) subsidize “Dirigo” insurance for those under 300% (yet premiums were at first too high & the plan was under-funded & under-enrolled in) and raised the childless adult Medicaid level to 100% (but new non-disabled, non-aged applicants are excluded) & for parents to 200%; have an ADAP level of 500% a CHIP level of 200% & SPAP levels of $1,604/mo for 1 & $2,159/mo for 2 and give O/P waiver coverage to HIV+ (even “pre-disabled”) patients under 250%. There’s no risk pool. Balducci proposed mental health fee “standardization”, having patients get primary MDs, an employer “play or pay” rule, reforming hospital funding & starting risk pool & reinsurance plans. Dental fees are too low & paid too late & adult dentistry is limited (but dentures are covered). The MSP programs have no asset tests & the QMB level is 150%, SLMB’s is 170% & QI’s is 185%. With a $124 million deficit, Baldacci sought to raise cost-sharing for those over 150%, & cut podiatry care and did impose $25 premiums on “richer” patients & tighter Rx U/R controls for the childless non-aged, non-disabled. He signed bills raising alcohol, soda & insurance taxes to shore up the Dirigo plan--but a business group got enough signatures to force a referendum to repeal the beverage taxes  

Maryland---has an aged/disabled level of only $637/mo (the SSI rate), a parent level of 116%, a CHIP level of 300% (yet CMS now has a 250% cap) & an ADAP level of 500%. AARP & Legal Aid got a court order to widen strict LTC & HCB medical admission rules & administrative appeals. A waiver merged the main SPAP with a state O/P clinic program into one for all non-Medicare adults (even childless & non-disabled) under 116%. A new law lets the state-sponsored, Blue Cross-run 2^nd SPAP (with a 300% income level) to now also cover some donut hole costs, but it still excludes the disabled. A 2005 waiver proposal to offer any low income uninsured person Rx discounts (up to 40%) still awaits CMS approval. Provider fees are too low. One child’s untreated tooth infection spread to his brain & killed him, so UnitedHealth funded an indigent child treatment program at the state dental school. The risk pool has low income premium discounts for those under 200% but no Medicare supplement; and the state covers the working disabled. In 2005 a state insurance board let small firm health plans with a ½ million subscribers cut Rx coverage. Gov. O’Malley & the legislature (both D) made private plans let children stay covered to age 26; raised the income level to 116% for full Medicaid, first for parents on 7/1/08 –and, via a later phase-in, for childless adults too by 2009-- if a slots referendum passes & raises enough funds; voted to subsidize insurance for some low paid small firm workers; and gave $50 million to Prince Georges Co. Hosp.(it’s short $300 million since 1/2 its patients get free indigent care; but still needs county funds). O’Malley & a budget panel then cut Medicaid $40 million; but began funding a $42 million child dental fee raise (to triple many pediatric rates), with child dentistry & fees directly state-administered & carved out from the several “competing” Medicaid & CHIP HMOs (which are expected to then drop the adult dentistry they’d often offered & funded themselves as an “extra” enrollment incentive). Even after large tax increases & big budget cuts, the state still faces a huge shortfall.  

Massachusetts---has no risk pool. Ex-Gov. Romney (R) signed the legislature’s (D) bill to expand Medicaid; require everyone to have insurance; subsidize it for small employers & workers under 300%; raise the CHIP level from 200% to 300% (above CMS’ new 250% limit); and raise the parents’—but not the childless aged (now 100%) & disabled (now 133%) –Medicaid levels to 200%. The ADAP level is 488% & the SPAP’s is 188%. Gov. Patrick (D) cut the poor’s cost-sharing & dropped deductibles for “Free Care” patients under 200%. Sign-ups of 439,000+ for subsidized coverage helped cause a $1.2+ billion deficit, so the state raised plan premiums & cost-sharing and Patrick asked for more revenue several times to pay rising costs. See “On the Road to Universal…”at www.urban.org for an analysis of the heath reforms. Advocates seek to widen the private plan minimum benefits law to cover more mental health care, which business groups oppose (to realize savings, they instead suggest forcing all Medicaid patients into HMOs). Patrick seeks $33 million more from business & the House voted to get $89 million more from state general funds and insurance & provider assessments.

 Michigan---has no risk pool; an aged/disabled level of 100%, a working parent level of only 61% (2007), a CHIP level of 200% & an ADAP level of 450%. It ended most adult dental, hearing aid, podiatry & chiropractic care and stopped enrolling childless non-disabled adults under 100% into its O/P care-only waiver. Gov. Granholm (D) & the then-all-GOP legislature added cost sharing --but restored adult dentistry; and raised child wellness & dental and adult preventive care fees. Genesee (Flint), Ingram (Lansing), Muskegon & Wayne (Detroit) Counties subsidize coverage for workers under 200%. With a $1.7 billion deficit, Granholm & the legislature (R-Sen; D-House) passed big tax increases & cuts, but there’s still a $472 million shortfall. Signature-gathering to call a referendum to cover all residents failed. The legislature was considering a risk pool, Detroit’s community clinics urged Medicaid HMOs to assign them more patients (to bring in fees to subsidize care of other poor, totally uncovered patients) & the Senate voted to deny Medicaid to 19- & 20-yr-olds

Minnesota---this 209(b) state has an aged/disabled level of about 100%, a CHIP level of 275%, an ADAP level of 300% and a risk pool with low income premium discounts for those under 200% & a Medicare supplement. It raised premiums & co-pays for Medicaid, CHIP & Minnesota Care (subsidized insurance for non-Medicare parents under 275%), cut the latter’s income levels and denied Medicaid & CHIP to legal aliens. The state ADAP imposed premiums on clients over 100%. Gov. Pawlenty (R) funded an Rx discount plan for uninsured & Pt D donut hole patients; and covered the working disabled, “ex-disabled” & some “pre-disabled”. The legislature (D) raised the mental health budget $34 million & forbade hospitals from pre-screening patients for delinquent medical debt. After a study panel offered a reform plan, Pawlenty agreed to raise the childless non-Medicare adult MinnesotaCare level to 250% & cut its premiums. With a $935 million deficit, the state cut hospital---but not LTC—rates $90 million & capped enrollment in HCB care for the disabled. CMS   hasn’t yet permanently extended a waiver providing matching funds to cover 18,000 MinnesotaCare parents under 200%

Mississippi---has no spend down; its risk pool has no low income premium discounts & no Medicare supplement. Gov. Barbour (R) cut the aged/disabled level from $1,000+ to $637/mo (the SSI rate). There’s a working parent level of 32% (2007), a CHIP level of 200% & an ADAP level of 400%. Rx’s are limited to 2 brand names + 3 generics monthly (HIV patients get 5 brand Rx’s & there’s a suit against the rules). Barbour cut Rx dispensing fees & physical, speech & occupational therapy benefits. An in-person re-application rule inhibits coverage, but Barbour & the Senate (only narrowly D) won’t drop it (except maybe for LTC & housebound patients). Medicaid needs $90 million more in 2008—plus $168-268 million in 2009 (extra federal Katrina funds are now exhausted). Barbour & the Senate disagreed with the House (D) majority on ways to raise the $90 million---but then state staff discovered state overpayments of  $90 million to CMS for dual eligibles in past years--and CMS agreed to credit the state with that amount, thus meeting 2008’s shortfall

Missouri---a 209(b) state; its risk pool has no Medicare supplement but has a low income premium discount. Gov. Blunt & the legislature (both R) cut the aged/disabled level from 100% to 85%; ended state medical aid for the poor awaiting SSA disability awards; stopped covering the working disabled; cut the working parent level to 39% (2007); kept ADAP & CHIP levels of 300%; ended adult dental, podiatry, hearing aid & vision benefits (a court voided some DME cuts); raised CHIP premiums & made 46,000 more children pay them; denied CHIP to those with “affordable” job coverage (but exempted those whose job plans cost over 5% of income, have preexisting condition barriers or exhaust covered benefits); ended CHIP co-pays; raised nursing homes fees; restored wheelchair supplies coverage; and expanded the SPAP (its  income level is 150%) to also cover the disabled on Medicare. Blue Cross & a foundation subsidize insurance for KC-area families under $30,000. Blunt’s 2005-06 legislation give patients health assessments, primary MDs & care plans; allows insurance subsidy pilot plans for adults under 185% in 2 counties; raises & more strictly enforces non-ER co-pays; uses “premium support” to merely pay client job plan premiums rather than just let Medicaid be secondary payer; covers foster children until 21; raises MD fees to 62.5% of Medicare rates (Public Citizen said MO fees are the US’ 4^th lowest); restores hospice care & some working disabled coverage (yet excludes all but the very poorest); offers birth control & screening to women under 185%; restores adult vision (but which the GOP legislature later denied to the aged in nursing homes), hearing aid & podiatry coverage; still denies dental care to all adults; but lets the aged & disabled opt out of HMOs. A court ordered the state to expand notice & hearing rights before CHIP terminations; and the state allows presumptive  enrollment of children by low income clinics. Blunt later proposed to subsidize insurance for parents & childless, non-Medicare adults under 185%-200%, with no premium & low cost-sharing; and to subsidize catastrophic insurance for small firm workers under 250-300%. But once he dropped his re-election bid, even GOP legislators lost interest in his plan. The Senate (R) voted for a 225% level for all uninsured non-Medicare adults--with more cost-sharing & requiring all but the very poorest to put up to $1,000/yr into HSAs. Democrats instead want to restore prior aged/disabled (100%) & parent (75%) levels, restore adult dentistry, and let over-income children buy CHIP at full price--all costing, they say, only $265 million/yr. The Sec of State authorized signature-gathering for a referendum to void the Medicaid cuts & raise all its eligibility levels to 200%. The state is replacing 484 workers for 20,000 mentally disabled with cheaper private ones

Montana---has an aged/disabled level of only $637/mo (the SSI rate), a working parent level of only 60% (2007) & an ADAP level of 330%; its risk pool has low income premium discounts (for those under 150%) & a Medicare supplement. The state raised cost-sharing, cut LTC & hospice benefits & access and cut aged & disabled MD visits to 10 yearly. Gov. Schweitzer (D) & the legislature (D-Senate; R-House) ended a CHIP waiting list (but ADAP now has a short wait list plus other cost containment measures); seek a waiver to cover 3,000 more adults; raised Medicaid’s family asset level; started a token SPAP for all Medicare patients under 200%; raised the CHIP level from 150% to 175%; expanded CHIP dental & preventive care; and made private plans offer vaccines & well-child care to age 7 & let children stay covered to age 25. An 11/08 referendum is scheduled on spending $20 million to raise the CHIP level to 250% & liberalize child Medicaid.

Nebraska---is a Title XVI state with a one-house “non-partisan” legislature. Its aged/disabled level is 100%, its working parent level is 58% (2007), its CHIP level is 185% & its ADAP level is 200%. It dropped many welfare-to-work clients & adopted a formulary. The risk pool has a Medicare supplement but no low income premium discount. Gov. Heineman (R) covered Pt. D co-pays for HCB and board & care clients, but he plans to cut dental care to $1,000/yr, hearing aids to 1 per 4/yrs, eyeglasses to 1 per 2/yrs, and adults to 12 chiropractic visits and 60 sessions of occupational, speech & physical therapy per year. A study board proposed to make Medicaid a “defined contribution” plan & increase use of home care. 

Nevada---a Title XVI state with no spend down & no risk pool; its disabled level is $637/mo (the SSI rate); the aged-only level is about $673.40 (their SSI/SSP rate), its working parent level is 59% (2007) & its ADAP level is 400%. It covers the working disabled; added coverage of all the disabled to its SPAP (with a 225% income level); added some adult dental & vision care; rejected adding Medicaid co-pays; set up a reform study board; but raised CHIP premiums. Gov. Gibbons (R) & the legislature (D-House; R-Sen.) dropped an extra “unearned income“ cap for the working disabled but a $1.2 billion deficit forced them to close CHIP enrollment, cut pregnancy care & cancel a $17 million provider fee increase

New Hampshire---a 209(b) state with a risk pool with no Medicare supplement & no low income premium discount. Its aged/disabled level is about $664 (the SSI/SSP rate), its working parent level is 55% (2007), its CHIP level is 300% & its ADAP level is 300%. The state has a much-stricter-than-SSI “209(b)” Medicaid disability rule (inability to work for 4+ years); doesn’t cover hospices & despite a 65% raise still pays low fees. Gov. Lynch & the legislature (both D) shifted some state LTC costs to counties (which they filed a suit against) & ended a DD care waiting list. There’s a $200 million deficit & the state cut health programs $22 million. Lynch wants to make private plans let children stay covered to age 26.

New Jersey---has no risk pool, an aged/disabled level of 100%; a parent level of 133%; an ADAP level of 500%, SPAP levels of $31,850 for 1 & $36,791 for 2 and a waiver covering other adults (even childless & non-disabled) under 100%.  Gov. Corzine signed the legislature’s (both D) bills to mandate coverage of all children & raise the parent level to 200%. Public Citizen said NJ provider fees were the US’ very lowest, so the state tripled many pediatric rates. One audit questions $52 million in school health costs & a 2nd said state-subsidized hospital indigent patient programs fail to collect millions from other payers. Blue Cross now offers very cheap CHIP-like private insurance to children over the 350% CHIP level (approved by CMS years ago).With a $3.5 billion deficit, Corzine & the legislature cut hospital charity funding $111 million, required Rx & ER co-pays in Medicaid; raised SPAP co-pays; and mandated proof of income & its verification to get Medicaid & CHIP.  A chain of assisted living facilities has been accused of evicting Medicaid residents.

New Mexico—has no spend down, but has a risk pool with a Medicare supplement & low income premium discounts for those under 200%. Its aged/disabled level is only $637/mo (the SSI rate), its working parent level is 63% (2007), its CHIP level is 235% & its ADAP level is 400%. A waiver funds insurance for small firm workers under 200%. Gov. Richardson & the legislature (both D) raised the child & pregnant woman level to 235%; but awarded mental health care management to a firm that’s s said to cut access & benefits. Low fees reduce access to providers. Richardson proposed (see his pages at www.newmexico.gov ) a semi-“universal” mandate; insurance reforms; raising the subsidized insurance level to 300% or 400% & widening access to it; giving Medicaid to all--even childless & non-disabled--adults under 200%; a 300% CHIP level (above CMS’ new 250% cap); integrating IHS care more with other plans; and even making all providers take state patients---costing $75 million over 5 years & phased in 2009-13 if & as funds allow. The legislature voted only for a 2^nd panel to again study health reform, but Richardson & its leaders plan a special session late in 2008 to re-visit expansion.

New York---has no risk pool. A “Family Health” waiver offers managed care (with no LTC benefits) to parents under 150% & all childless (even non-disabled) adults under 65 below 100%. But the childless aged level is only $725/mo & ADAP’s  is 431%. The state subsidizes HealthyNY insurance for workers under 250%, but caps its Rx benefits at $3,000/yr. The legislature (D House; R Sen.) excludes the disabled from the SPAP (with a 350%+ level); won’t cover digital mammograms; raised Rx & MD co-pays (but capped at $200/yr); adopted a flexible formulary; fosters assisted living, chore aide & adult day care; makes counties pay 1/2 of state Medicaid costs (but caps their increases at 3.5%/yr); lets providers deny services to those who don’t meet co-pays; funded HIV day health care; covered colon & prostate cancer patients under 250%; required hospital bill discounts for those under 300% & forbade taking homes from debtors; and passed mental health parity. After Public Citizen said MD fees are the US’ 2^nd lowest. Ex-Gov. Spitzer (D) sought fee raises; raised the CHIP level from 250% to 400% (above CMS’ new 250% cap); let small firms that can’t afford insurance buy into FamilyHealth at low rates; and began plans to cover ½ the uninsured by 2012. With a $6.2+ billion deficit, he sought a $1 billion+ Medicaid cut (i.e., lower hospital, LTC, home health & Rx fees). Gov. Paterson (D) will start an Rx discount plan (with 30%-50% off) for the disabled & those over 50; raised Medicaid & FamilyHealth asset levels ($13,050 for 1, $19,200 for 2, etc); ended the QMB & SLMB asset tests (children’s & QI asset tests were already dropped); sought $500 million more in Medicaid cuts & $6 million less for HIV care; planned to force NY City HIV patients into HMOs; made more hospital & pharmacy fee cuts; & reinstated or raised hospital, insurer & tobacco taxes.

North Carolina---has no risk pool; covers the working disabled; and raised covered Rx’s from 6 to 8 monthly (plus 3 or more via exception).Its aged/disabled level is 100% & its working parent level is 52% (2007). It resurrected a SPAP– which excludes the disabled—to subsidize Pt. D premiums for those under 175% not on full Extra Help. The UNC Hosp. eased its indigent care rules, but asks for up-front cash co-pays. Provider fees are too low--and the Senate (D) voted to cut them $42 million more. The state had made counties pay 15% of Medicaid costs, but Gov. Easley & the legislature (both D) shifted county costs to the state starting 7/09. They raised ADAP’s level to 250% & CHIP’s from 200% to 300% (over CMS’ new 250% cap), passed limited mental health parity & authorized a risk pool which will exclude Medicare patients.

North Dakota---this 209(b) state has a risk pool with a Medicare supplement but no low income premium discount. Its aged/disabled level is 100%, its working parent level is only 63% (2007) & its ADAP level is 400%. A study by the GOP legislature urged a provider fee raise. Gov. Hoeven (R) didn’t seek one, but signed a bill to use the FOA to cover disabled children (yet only up to 200%) & raised the CHIP net income level from 140% to 150% (but with very liberal disregards).

Ohio--this 209(b) state with no risk pool cut the parent level from 100% to 90% & has a 500% ADAP level. It slashed adult dental funds 50%; cut secondary fees for dual eligibles; herded most patients into HMOs (some with no infectious disease specialists); slashed medical assistance for 15,000 awaiting SSA disability awards ; let providers turn away those who don’t meet co-pays; and passed mental health parity--but kept its aged/disabled level at only $534/mo (the US’s very lowest !). Gov. Srtickland (D) & the GOP legislature raised the CHIP level from 200% to 300% (CMS cut it to 250%), used the FOA to cover disabled children under 500% & covered foster children to 21. The legislature wouldn’t restore the 100% parent level. Strickland got a waiver to cover assisted living & let “over income” children buy into CHIP at full cost. The state cut funds for county eligibility work even with a case processing backlog of 200+ days & 16,000 clients; it still faces a wheelchair & medical supplies prior authorization backlog of many thousands; and an audit said $400 million can be saved with a risk pool & reforming nursing home rate-fixing.  A $540 million deficit convinced Strickland to delay spending $65 million to raise hospital, MD & DDS fees and restore adult dentistry; and his health & welfare chief plans $80 million more in cuts---including in Rx coverage & Medicaid anti-fraud work. His health reform panel had proposed Medicaid levels of 200% for parents & 100% for all (even non-disabled) childless adults (except possibly Medicare patients), a universal health insurance mandate & subsidized insurance for those under 300%--all costing $1.5-$2 billion

Oklahoma---this 209(b) state has a risk pool with no Medicare supplement & no low income premium discounts. It cut the aged/disabled level from 100% to about $684 (the SSI/SSP rate). The working parent level is 50% (2007) & its ADAP level is 200%. It ended the parent/children spend down, has a “3-Rx’s-a-month” limit & doesn’t cover hospices. Gov. Henry (D) covered the breast/cervical cancer & working disabled groups, raised tobacco taxes enough to now subsidize insurance for 10,000+ small firm workers/spouses under 200% & raised the CHIP level from 185% to 300% (over CMS’ new 250% cap). The legislature (R-House; even-split Sen.) plans to make Medicaid a defined contribution plan; foster HSAs; gut insurance minimum benefit mandates; and promote primary & home care vs. ERs & nursing homes. It broad- ened mental health coverage. There’s a $114 million budget deficit & the state ADAP had to adopt cost-containments

Oregon---this Title XVI state’s risk pool has no Medicare supplement but has low income premium discounts for those under 185%. Its aged/disabled level is only $637/mo (the SSI rate), other levels are 100% for working parents, 185% for CHIP & non-Medicare adults’ subsidized insurance & 200% for ADAP. An anti-tax referendum ended coverage for many adults, ended spend downs (except for transplant & HIV patients), limited adult dental & ended vision care. The Oregon Health Plan waiver---with limited benefits for childless non-Medicare adults under 100%---is again taking applications (but only has funds to cover those who win a random lottery). The ADAP adopted some cost-sharing. Gov. Kungoloski & the legislature (both D) created an Rx discount plan; took the FOA option; raised some home care fees; and named study boards to suggest health expansion plans by 2009 (yet a referendum to raise tobacco taxes to expand CHIP lost in 11/07). The Portland City Council began to plan city-subsidized insurance for poor children slightly “too rich” for CHIP.

Pennsylvania---has no risk pool, an aged/disabled level of 100%, a working parent level of 59% (2007), a CHIP level of 300% & an ADAP level of 350%. It subsidizes “Adult Basic” insurance (with no mental health or Rx benefits & a waiting list of 80,000) for non-Medicare adults under 200%, With income levels of $23,500 for 1 & $31,500 for 2, the SPAP excludes the disabled. Gov. Rendell (D) covered the working disabled & “ex-disabled”. His 1^st & then his 2^nd health expansion plans, using tobacco taxes & other sources to subsidize insurance for those under 300%, were blocked by the Senate (R). See http://www.phlp.org/Website/alerts.asp  He later sought to return HMO patients’ Rx benefits to direct state control to bring in $95 million in rebates and to liberalize SPAP & Medicaid Rx access---but did not seek SPAP coverage of the disabled. The House (narrowly D) voted to end Adult Basic’s waiting list, have it cover Rx’s & mental health, open it to those under300% whose employers help pay premiums & those under 400% with too-high premiums and/or pre-existing condition limits; yet keep its Medicare patient exclusion. But Senate (R) leaders oppose it & instead favor more low income clinic subsidies, business tax credits for HSAs & clinic donations, making private plans let grown children stay covered longer, applying COBRA to firms of under 20 and creating a risk pool. Rendell, House & Senate leaders are now negotiating for a compromise. Public Citizen says MD fees are the US’ 5^th lowest. There’s a state deficit.

Puerto Rico----federal law caps its matching rate far below what states get. Its HIV care manager denies that its ADAP---which has an income level of 200%--has a waiting list. Advocates dispute that and allege funding & management errors.

Rhode Island---has no risk pool , an aged/disabled level of 100%, a parent level it just cut from 185% to 175%, a CHIP level of 250% & an ADAP level of 400%. It covers the working disabled but only those disabled over age 55 in its limited-formulary SPAP (with income levels of $37,167 for 1 & $42,476 for 2). Gov. Carcieri (R) signed bills to subsidize insurance for low-paid small firm workers (it also guts the insurance mandated benefits law); require free & discounted hospital care for those under 200% & 300%;and ban taking homes from hospital debtors. Public Citizen says MD fees are the US’ 3^rd lowest. A $422 million shortfall got Carcieri to seek a waiver with an extra up-front federal sum to meet the the deficit under which RI would divert 12% of NF & ICF  cases to cheaper home care—but only in exchange for a future federal funds cap that may deny LTC to all but “highest need” clients, raise premiums & bring waiting lists. And RI must now find $67 million in 2009 cuts. The legislature (D) raised adult day care co-pays & dropped legal alien children & 7,400 adults; initially agreed to the waiver; but is hearing advocate objections to it & can still veto it. The Medicaid chief said deficits could force dropping eyeglass coverage & 40,000 more patients by 2010. See  www.povertyinstitute.org &  “Rhode Island’s Medicaid Proposal….” at www.cbpp.org  for details; and email lkatz@ric.edu for more on the waiver

South Carolina---has no spend down. Its aged/disabled level is 100%, its parent level is 50% (but 100% for parents leaving welfare to work) & its ADAP level is 300%. Its risk pool has a Medicare supplement but no low income premium discount. Gov. Sanford & the legislature (both R) limited Rx’s to 4/mo; are moving patients into HMOs (but allowing opt-outs); and raised the CHIP level to 200%. The SPAP has a 200% level but it excludes the disabled. There’s a $250 million deficit. Sanford proposed a $22 million CHIP cut, lowering Medicaid provider fees $26 million & saving $16 million by requiring more generics use. The legislature failed to over-ride a veto of more tobacco taxes to fund a 100% level for all parents & subsidize insurance for workers under 200%; but did over-ride a veto of another CHIP eligibility liberalization

South Dakota---has no spend down and a risk pool with no low income premium discount that excludes Medicare patients. Its aged/disabled level is only $637/mo (the SSI rate), its working parent level is 56% (2007) & its ADAP level is 300%. A health study board suggested some coverage expansions to Gov. Rounds & the legislature (both R), but he said even raising the pregnant woman level to 200% & CHIP’s to 250% is too costly (tobacco taxes were already raised once).

Tennessee----Gov. Bredeson (D) & the legislature (D House; even split Senate) dropped 191,000 adults, but no children. The aged/disabled level is now $637/mo (the SSI rate), the working parent level is 80% (2007) & the ADAP level is 300%. Except for pregnant women, children & HIV+ patients, MD visits were cut to 10 &, hospital days to 20 yearly; and Rx’s to 2 brand drugs/mo + 3 generics/mo except HIV & Hepatitis C drugs and Rx’s to avert death or hospital stays. The state raised the CHIP level to 250%; subsidizes health insurance for small firm workers under 250%; revived a risk pool (with no Medicare supplement, but with a premium discount for those under 200%); and started a SPAP to cover up to 5 Rx’s/mo for anyone under 250%. Except for also covering insulin, diabetic items & more psychiatric Rx’s, CHIP uses Medicaid Rx rules. CMS allowed only $115 million more for DSH costs in a waiver renewal that also restores the spend down. But Bredeson then cut spend down funds $80 million & didn’t fund “safety net” benefits he promised the disabled who lost Tenncare. The deficit is $468-$585 million, yet Tenncare has a $600 million reserve that he refuses to touch.

Texas—has a risk pool with a Medicare supplement & but no low income premium discount. The aged/disabled level is  $637/mo (the SSI rate), the working parent level is 28% (2007) & the ADAP & CHIP levels are 200%. Gov. Perry & the legislature (both R) ended spend downs & CHIP prostheses, physical therapy & private duty nurse coverage; raised CHIP co-pays & premiums; cut Medicaid home health care; ended adult chiropractic & podiatry care; limited the number of Medicaid monthly Rx’s; moved patients into HMOs (but allowed opt-outs) and let contracts to privatize eligibility and now the state plans to implement a new, untested IT eligibility system for 1 million aged & disabled.. A court order to improve children’s care requires $700 million+ in new state spending & a pediatric fee raise (yet, despite rising unem-ployment, Perry budgeted no 2008-09 CHIP increase). The state restored Medicaid & CHIP mental health, vision & hearing aid coverage & CHIP dental care; but dropped day treatment. It liberalized CHIP time limit rules, raised car asset limits & disregards child care costs. It promotes HSAs (allowing opt-outs), required some mental health parity in private plans; and seeks to use DSH funds to subsidize barebones insurance (only 2 Rx’s/mo; 5 MD visits & hospital days/yr; big premiums & co-pays) starting in 2010-11 for parents under 133% & childless, non-disabled adults under 100% and, in 3 yrs, all non-Medicare adults under 200%, if & as funding allows. See http://www.hhs.state.tx.us/Medicaid/Reform.shtml

Utah--this Title XVI state has a risk pool--with a low income premium discount, but no Medicare supplement. Its aged/ disabled level is 100%, its working parent level is 47% (2007), its CHIP level is 200% & its ADAP (now with a waiting list & other cost containments) level is 400%. A waiver gives limited O/P care, with big co-pays, to uninsured, non-Medicare adults (even if childless & non-disabled) under 150%. The GOP legislature dropped adult dental coverage (one patient then died when an untreated tooth infection spread to her brain), podiatry; audiology; speech, occupational & physical therapy; and outdoor wheelchairs, but later restored eyeglasses for all adults & dentistry for the aged & disabled (but only for 1 year). The state is considering giving insurance subsidies to 5,000 more working adults & 1,000 children--but poorly-drafted crowd-out & other rules impede coverage, cost-sharing is too high; and the plan seems to erode CHIP enrollment. See “New CHIP/UPP Waiver..Paper” at www.healthpolicyproject.org.  Gov. Huntsman (R), who already subsidizes job plan premiums of some small firm workers under 200%, asked the legislature to merely “study” raising the CHIP level to 250% but signed a bill for a health reform panel. Low MD & DDS fees deter provider participation. With a state shortfall of $272 million, the Medicaid chief may drop eyeglasses, adult dentistry & speech/physical therapy benefits

Vermont—has an aged/disabled level of 125%, a parent level of 185%, a CHIP level of 300%, an ADAP level of 200% & a SPAP level of 175%. The legislature (D) reversed most of Gov. Douglas’ (R) adult dental cuts (although dentures still aren’t covered & there’s a $495/ yr cap). CMS approved a waiver that, in return for more funds, puts patients in HMOs & favors HCB care over nursing homes-but also caps future matching. There’s no risk pool but the state subsidizes insurance for those under 300%. There’s a $59 million deficit. Douglas proposed higher Medicaid co-pays & premiums for richer clients, but the legislature (D) prefers lower Medicaid premium boosts & small premium raises for subsidized insurance

Virginia---a 209(b) state with no risk pool. Its aged/disabled level is 80%, its working parent level is only 31% (2007), its CHIP level is 200% & its ADAP level is 300%. Gov. Kaine (D) covered the working disabled & started a SPAP for HIV+ Medicare patients under 300%. He considered a proposal for higher parent (100%) & CHIP (300%) levels & subsidized

insurance for those under 200%  But even with a now-D Senate, a $1.2+ billion deficit & a still-GOP House allowed only limited new funds for low income clinics, some indigent adult dentistry, pregnancy care, breast/cervical cancer screening, mental health care & 600 new mentally disabled HCB slots—but planned hospital & LTC fee raises were cut $76 million. The House killed a pilot subsidized insurance plan for workers under 200% (but Kaine got a foundation to fund it instead).

Virgin Islands--its matching rate is far below what states get. Some say its ADAP (with a 400% level) has a waiting list.

Washington--has a risk pool with a Medicare supplement & low income premium discounts for those under 300%; Its aged/disabled level is about $683 (the SSI/SSP rate), its working parent level is 76% (2007) & its ADAP level is 300%. Gov. Gregoire & the legislature (both D); liberalized state Basic Health insurance for non-Medicare adults; restored some adult dentistry; covered Pt. D Extra Help co-pays; passed mental health parity; raised CHIP’s level to 250%; made private plans let children stay covered to 25; and set up a 2nd health reform panel. Providers evicted 75+ assisted living residents due to low Medicaid fees, several counties face multi-million dollar health shortfalls & the state has a $2.5 billion deficit

 West Virginia---has an aged/disabled level of $637/mo (the SSI rate), a working parent level of 35% (2007) & an ADAP level of 250%. It covers only 4 brand Rx’s/mo (+6 generics). Its risk pool has no Medicare supplement or low income premium discount (but one is being considered). It cut medical equipment & transport funds; denies adult dentistry; and didn’t properly adopt LTC & HCB medical admission rules (which still limit HCB access). Gov. Manchin & the legislature (both D) boosted the CHIP level to 220%; sponsor an Rx plan for non-Medicare adults under 200%; and now  offer patients more mental health care & Rx’s to sign “personal responsibility” contracts (but only 8% did; some say the plan is a failure & blocks access to care, especially for children). See “Mountain Health Choices” at www.familiesusa.org  

 Wisconsin---has an aged/disabled level of about $720.78 (the SSI/SSP rate), a parent level of 185% & an ADAP level of 300%. The waiver-funded SPAP (with a level of about 240%) excludes the disabled. The risk pool has a Medicare supplement & low income premium discounts for those under $25,000. Gov. Doyle (D) asked the legislature (R-House; D-Senate) to raise the parent level to 200% & CHIP’s from 250% to 300% (capped by CMS at 250%). The House (R) agreed to raise the CHIP level (71,000 more clients then enrolled)--but not the parent or aged/disabled levels—and to give non-Medicare childless adults under 200% O/P --but not I/P – coverage starting in 2009. There’s a $652 million deficit

 Wyoming---has no spend down; an aged/disabled level of about $662 (the SSI/SSP rate), a working parent level of 55% (2007) & an ADAP level of 332%. Its SPAP covers non-Medicare patients under 100%. The legislature (R) is considering covering CHIP parents under 200%; and expanded CHIP mental health, vision & dental benefits.  Gov. Freudenthal (D) added a low income premium discount to the risk pool for those under 250%, which also has a Medicare supplement.

 SOURCES AND RESOURCES:

See state drug co-pay data in “State Medicaid Drug Reim. 3/05” at www.ascp.com , “Pharm. Benefits [in] State [Medicaid] 2005-6” at www.npcnow.org on formularies, fees, OTC coverage, prior auth., prescribing/dispensing limits & co-pays. See  “Effect of Patient Cost Sharing..”in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (8/08) at www.sgim.org