Author Archive

Phil Galewitz

Digital Government

As pandemic-era Medicaid provisions lapse, millions approach a coverage cliff

Now, states face steep challenges: making sure they don’t disenroll people who are still entitled to Medicaid and connecting the rest to other sources of coverage.

Management

Stopping the Churn: Why Some States Want to Guarantee Medicaid Coverage From Birth to Age 6

Oregon has become the first state to allow kids to stay in the government health care program from birth to age 6, no matter if their household income changes. California, Washington, and New Mexico are pursuing similar policies.

Management

States Have Yet to Spend Hundreds of Millions of Federal Dollars to Tackle Covid Health Disparities

A year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded states and local health departments $2.25 billion to help people of color and other populations at higher risk from Covid. But a KHN review shows public health agencies across the country have been slow to spend it.

Management

Who doesn’t text in 2022? Most state Medicaid programs

State Medicaid agencies often opt for snail mail when communicating with enrollees about renewing coverage because they don’t have the technology or information about enrollees to use faster, more economical methods such as texting.

Management

Biden Quietly Transforms Medicaid Safety Net

President Joe Biden has considered expanding Medicaid eligibility to new mothers, inmates and undocumented immigrants and adding services such as food and housing.

Management

Vermont Is 1st State to Give Minority Residents Vaccine Priority

Covid cases have disproportionately affected the state's Black residents, so officials are moving them to the front of the line for vaccination before the state expands eligibility to all.

Management

In America, Covid Vaccine Eligibility Is a ‘Crazy Quilt’ of State Rules

Across the country, a mishmash of rules to qualify for the Covid-19 vaccine is creating difficulties for people seeking the shots.

Management

In Alabama, South Carolina and Louisiana, CVS Vaccine Appointments Go Unfilled

“We know we have work to do to engage with the community to get the word out about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine,” says one public health expert.

Management

As Biden Gets Sworn In, White House Will Get Scrubbed Down

The executive mansion will get a deep clean after two COVID-19 outbreaks this fall led to President Donald Trump and members of his staff and family becoming infected.

Workforce

Farmworkers, Firefighters and Flight Attendants Jockey for Vaccine Priority

Everyone — from toilet paper manufacturers to patient advocates — is lobbying state advisory boards, arguing their members are essential, vulnerable or both — and, thus, most deserving of an early vaccine

Management

As Long Waits for Results Render Covid Tests ‘Useless,’ States Seek Workarounds

Montana is switching from using one of the nation's largest diagnostic testing companies to processing test results in Montana State University's lab, as well as contracting with a different private laboratory.

Management

As Covid Testing Soars, Wait Times For Results Jump To A Week—Or More

People going to coronavirus testing sites are finding it often takes a week or more to get results back. That means patients don't have the information they need to change their behaviors.

Management

Covid Pandemic Jeopardizes Vote On Oklahoma Medicaid Expansion

Advocates are concerned that turnout for the summer primary election could be hampered by fears of contracting Covid-19 at voting stations and by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt’s about-face on the issue.

Management

Experts Question Whether Dental Offices Are Reopening Too Fast

Providers and patients alike are eager for dental services to resume. But experts worry about the risks of Covid-19.

Finance

Furor Erupts: Billions Going To Hospitals Based On Medicare Billings, Not COVID-19

The Trump administration confirmed Friday it would give hospitals and doctors coronavirus bailout money according to their historical share of revenue from the Medicare program for seniors—not according to their caseload burden.

Management

Retiree-Rich Palm Beach County Leads Florida In COVID-19 Deaths

Three factors contribute to the county's high mortality rate: a large elder population, lack of available testing, and frequent travel among residents and visitors to and from the New York metro area, the national epicenter of the outbreak.

Management

Under Pressure, Florida Governor Finally Orders Residents To Stay Home

Florida joins more than 30 other states and the District of Columbia in moves that have similarly restricted residents and businesses. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision came as Texas and Pennsylvania took similar action.

Management

Efforts To Move The Needle On Flu Shot Rates Get Stuck

The flat immunization rates worry public health officials who say the vaccine is the best weapon to prevent the flu.

Management

The Startlingly High Cost Of The ‘Free’ Flu Shot

Although many consumers pay nothing out of pocket for flu shots, insurers foot the bill. And those prices vary dramatically.

Management

Tenn. Block Grant Experiment Would Boost Federal Funding, State Medicaid Chief Says

Conservatives have pursued Medicaid block grants for decades to give states more power over the program.