This blog is a place for journalists to discuss their experiences covering poverty. It works in tandem with onpoverty.org, a site run by Washington and Lee University's American Poverty Journalism Center.
Archives
3/2/08 - 3/9/08 3/9/08 - 3/16/08 3/23/08 - 3/30/08 3/30/08 - 4/6/08 4/27/08 - 5/4/08 6/15/08 - 6/22/08 7/20/08 - 7/27/08 8/17/08 - 8/24/08 9/21/08 - 9/28/08 10/5/08 - 10/12/08 10/12/08 - 10/19/08 10/19/08 - 10/26/08 10/26/08 - 11/2/08 11/2/08 - 11/9/08 11/9/08 - 11/16/08 11/16/08 - 11/23/08 11/30/08 - 12/7/08 1/11/09 - 1/18/09 1/18/09 - 1/25/09 1/25/09 - 2/1/09 2/1/09 - 2/8/09 2/8/09 - 2/15/09 2/22/09 - 3/1/09 3/1/09 - 3/8/09 3/8/09 - 3/15/09 3/15/09 - 3/22/09 3/22/09 - 3/29/09 3/29/09 - 4/5/09 5/3/09 - 5/10/09 9/20/09 - 9/27/09 9/27/09 - 10/4/09 10/4/09 - 10/11/09 10/18/09 - 10/25/09 10/25/09 - 11/1/09 11/15/09 - 11/22/09
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Nursing homes reeling from budget cuts
10/04/2009 DAVE COLLINS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS HARTFORD, CONN.
As the baby boomers edge closer to needing long-term care, government spending cuts are threatening to damage the country’s nursing home industry. Combined with the recession, these cuts are forcing homes to lay off workers, reduce services, and close their doors. Nearly 1,800 homes closed from 1999 to 2005. With President Obama proposing to trim $313 billion from Medicaid and Medicare, experts fear these closures are just the beginning of more to come.
Original story
Friday, April 3, 2009
As the baby boomers edge closer to needing long-term care, government spending cuts are threatening to damage the country’s nursing home industry. Combined with the recession, these cuts are forcing homes to lay off workers, reduce services, and close their doors. Nearly 1,800 homes closed from 1999 to 2005. With President Obama proposing to trim $313 billion from Medicaid and Medicare, experts fear these closures are just the beginning of more to come.
Original story
Labels: government spending, Medicaid, Medicare, nursing homes, recession
Medicaid drug-price cuts blocked in Washington
04/1/2009 JOHN TUCK SPOKESMAN.COM SPOKANE, WASH.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire’s proposed budget would pay less for brand-name pharmaceuticals in an effort to steer pharmacies toward cheaper generic drugs, which could help the state save $109 million. Pharmacies argue the state is ignoring the harm such cuts would cause if started today, and a federal judge has temporarily blocked the plan. Walgreen Co., the state’s largest medication retailer, says 44 of its pharmacies would withdraw from the program and quit filling Medicaid prescriptions if the price cuts took hold.
Original story
Friday, February 27, 2009
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire’s proposed budget would pay less for brand-name pharmaceuticals in an effort to steer pharmacies toward cheaper generic drugs, which could help the state save $109 million. Pharmacies argue the state is ignoring the harm such cuts would cause if started today, and a federal judge has temporarily blocked the plan. Walgreen Co., the state’s largest medication retailer, says 44 of its pharmacies would withdraw from the program and quit filling Medicaid prescriptions if the price cuts took hold.
Original story
Labels: brand-name pharmaceuticals, budget, Chris Gregoire, generic drugs, Medicaid, Walgreen Co., Washington
Budget cuts in Utah hit mentally ill hardest
02/24/2009 JAMES THALMAN DESERTNEWS.COM UTAH
Diminishing funds for Medicaid services will harm the quality of life of mentally ill Utah residents more drastically than any other disabled group. The state has a $1.5 billion revenue shortfall and has proposed cuts to mental-health services totaling nearly $3.5 million. However, with another $10.5 million loss in federal funds, the total cuts to mental-health services come to nearly $14 million.
Original story
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Diminishing funds for Medicaid services will harm the quality of life of mentally ill Utah residents more drastically than any other disabled group. The state has a $1.5 billion revenue shortfall and has proposed cuts to mental-health services totaling nearly $3.5 million. However, with another $10.5 million loss in federal funds, the total cuts to mental-health services come to nearly $14 million.
Original story
Labels: budget cuts, Medicaid, mental-health services, mentally ill, Utah
White House regards health care reform as top fiscal priority
02/24/2009 LORI MONTGOMERY & AMY GOLDSTEIN WASHINGTON POST
President Obama’s top priority is to reform the U.S. health care system, since he believes controlling the costs of the two governmental health systems -- Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor -- is critical to saving the nation from bankruptcy. At the economic summit where Obama made these statements, top administration officials said they were committed to stabilizing the Social Security system and ensuring taxes bring in enough money to fund the government.
Original story
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
President Obama’s top priority is to reform the U.S. health care system, since he believes controlling the costs of the two governmental health systems -- Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor -- is critical to saving the nation from bankruptcy. At the economic summit where Obama made these statements, top administration officials said they were committed to stabilizing the Social Security system and ensuring taxes bring in enough money to fund the government.
Original story
Labels: economic summit, health care system, Medicaid, Medicare, Obama
Obama to give $15 billion to states for Medicaid
02/23/2009 ASSOCIATED PRESS VIA GREENVILLEONLINE.COM WASHINGTON
President Barack Obama will begin distributing $15 billion to states struggling with Medicaid costs. The money will come from the newly passed $787 billion economic stimulus measure. Some GOP governors may reject the proposed expansion of state unemployment benefits as part of the stimulus package because it will require a tax increase on employers once the stimulus money runs out.
Original story
Friday, February 13, 2009
President Barack Obama will begin distributing $15 billion to states struggling with Medicaid costs. The money will come from the newly passed $787 billion economic stimulus measure. Some GOP governors may reject the proposed expansion of state unemployment benefits as part of the stimulus package because it will require a tax increase on employers once the stimulus money runs out.
Original story
Labels: Medicaid, Obama, stimulus, taxes, unemployment
Being poor is not enough to qualify for Medicaid
02/05/2009 RONI CARYN RABIN THE NEW YORK TIMES
Although most people think of Medicaid as the federal health plan for low-income Americans, in reality, being poor generally is not enough to be eligible. In most states, people qualify for Medicaid only if they have children. The proposed $825 billion economic stimulus package would create a new category of people who would be eligible, people who lost their jobs due to the economic downturn.
Original story
Although most people think of Medicaid as the federal health plan for low-income Americans, in reality, being poor generally is not enough to be eligible. In most states, people qualify for Medicaid only if they have children. The proposed $825 billion economic stimulus package would create a new category of people who would be eligible, people who lost their jobs due to the economic downturn.
Original story
Labels: aid eligibility, Medicaid
Though effective, N.Y. in-home health care faces cuts
02/09/2009 VALERIE BAUMAN ASSOCIATED PRESS VIA STARGAZETTE.COM ALBANY
Despite the potential to save millions in Medicaid dollars, the transfer of patients from hospitals and nursing homes into less expensive, more effective home care faces possible budget cuts in New York. The number of people in home care remains steady, but costs are increasing as patients get more hours of treatment. Proponents of home care worry that Gov. David Paterson’s proposed cuts may cause some programs to be shut.
Original story
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Despite the potential to save millions in Medicaid dollars, the transfer of patients from hospitals and nursing homes into less expensive, more effective home care faces possible budget cuts in New York. The number of people in home care remains steady, but costs are increasing as patients get more hours of treatment. Proponents of home care worry that Gov. David Paterson’s proposed cuts may cause some programs to be shut.
Original story
Labels: Gov. David Paterson, home care, Medicaid, new york
Downturn creates strains on Colorado’s health care system
02/01/2009 MICHAEL BOOTH DENVERPOST.COM
The recession is causing problems for Colorado’s health care system. More people are registered for Medicaid than at any time in the past 40 years, and Denver Health, the prime urban outlet for uninsured residents, is handling 250 more patients than last year. Metro community health centers report receiving around 100 calls daily from potential uninsured patients, many times more than they are able to treat. In addition, for people with insurance, deductibles and co-pays have increased.
Original story
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The recession is causing problems for Colorado’s health care system. More people are registered for Medicaid than at any time in the past 40 years, and Denver Health, the prime urban outlet for uninsured residents, is handling 250 more patients than last year. Metro community health centers report receiving around 100 calls daily from potential uninsured patients, many times more than they are able to treat. In addition, for people with insurance, deductibles and co-pays have increased.
Original story
Labels: Colorado, Denver Health, health care system, Medicaid
Idaho hopeful for $40 million in Medicaid stimulus
01/20/2009 JOHN MILLER ASSOCIATED PRESS VIA THE OLYMPIAN.COM BOISE, IDAHO
The proposed federal economic stimulus package may save Idaho from cutting about $40 million in Medicaid insurance benefits. Congress is developing an $825 billion economic stimulus plan to boost funds for unemployment benefits, food stamps and Medicaid. The stimulus package would help cover the $77 million in cuts to services contained in Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s proposed budget.
Original story
The proposed federal economic stimulus package may save Idaho from cutting about $40 million in Medicaid insurance benefits. Congress is developing an $825 billion economic stimulus plan to boost funds for unemployment benefits, food stamps and Medicaid. The stimulus package would help cover the $77 million in cuts to services contained in Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s proposed budget.
Original story
Labels: food stamps, Idaho, insurance benefits, Medicaid, stimulus package, unemployment benefits
More Central New Yorkers applying for government aid
01/21/2009 JOHN DOHERTY SYRACUSE.COM SYRACUSE, N.Y.
With the economy faltering and unemployment rising, more Central New Yorkers are seeking government aid. Welfare officials predict an increase in the demand for food stamps, as well as Medicaid and HEAP, which provides assistance with home heating bills. While not every applicant will receive help, the state has made it easier to apply for these programs by accepting applications via the Internet and by telephone. Recent changes have been aimed at helping those who receive aid find jobs.
Original story
With the economy faltering and unemployment rising, more Central New Yorkers are seeking government aid. Welfare officials predict an increase in the demand for food stamps, as well as Medicaid and HEAP, which provides assistance with home heating bills. While not every applicant will receive help, the state has made it easier to apply for these programs by accepting applications via the Internet and by telephone. Recent changes have been aimed at helping those who receive aid find jobs.
Original story
Labels: food stamps, HEAP, Medicaid, new york
Increased cigarette tax may help save Virginia hospital and healthcare jobs
01/21/2009 SARAH BRUYN JONES ROANOKE.COM ROANOKE, VA.
Deep cuts to the state’s Medicaid system of healthcare for the poor could lead to layoffs at nursing home and hospital facilities throughout Virginia. Gov. Tim Kaine proposed doubling the cigarette tax to 60 cents per pack, which would raise another $148 million for Medicaid. The hospital association predicts that without the additional money, 11,314 jobs may be lost. Even with the tax increase, job cuts could still occur given the low rate of Medicaid reimbursement.
Original story
Friday, January 16, 2009
Deep cuts to the state’s Medicaid system of healthcare for the poor could lead to layoffs at nursing home and hospital facilities throughout Virginia. Gov. Tim Kaine proposed doubling the cigarette tax to 60 cents per pack, which would raise another $148 million for Medicaid. The hospital association predicts that without the additional money, 11,314 jobs may be lost. Even with the tax increase, job cuts could still occur given the low rate of Medicaid reimbursement.
Original story
Labels: cigarette tax, Gov. Tim Kaine, healthcare, Medicaid, Virginia
Rhode Island Medicaid agreement criticized as meager
01/13/2009 RAY HENRY ASSOCIATED PRESS VIA BOSTON.COM PROVIDENCE, R.I.
Rhode Island’s congressional delegation says a plan to cap Medicaid spending at $12 billion over five years would leave an $842 million shortfall in the health care program for the elderly, poor and disabled. The cap is part of a deal reached last month between Gov. Don Carcieri and the Bush administration, which would have freed the state to use Medicaid funding in new ways.
Original story
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Rhode Island’s congressional delegation says a plan to cap Medicaid spending at $12 billion over five years would leave an $842 million shortfall in the health care program for the elderly, poor and disabled. The cap is part of a deal reached last month between Gov. Don Carcieri and the Bush administration, which would have freed the state to use Medicaid funding in new ways.
Original story
Labels: health care, Medicaid, Rhode Island
Hospitals in a bind waiting for Medicaid payments
11/19/2008 DEBRA PRESSEY THE NEWS-GAZETTE.COM URBANA, ILL.
Illinois hospitals have not been paid since August for the care they provided for patients on Medicaid. Unpaid medical claims to hospitals and other medical providers totaled $1.6 billion as of last week. According to Illinois Hospital Association, hospitals may not be paid for up to a year. With supply costs rising, borrowing options narrowing, and patients unable to pay bills, hospitals are having to cut expenses and, in some cases, employees.
Original story
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Illinois hospitals have not been paid since August for the care they provided for patients on Medicaid. Unpaid medical claims to hospitals and other medical providers totaled $1.6 billion as of last week. According to Illinois Hospital Association, hospitals may not be paid for up to a year. With supply costs rising, borrowing options narrowing, and patients unable to pay bills, hospitals are having to cut expenses and, in some cases, employees.
Original story
Labels: hospitals, Illinois Hospital Association, Medicaid, unpaid medical claims
Cuts in N.Y. Medicaid and education face opposition
11/09/2008 DANNY HAKIM THE NEW YORK TIMES
New York Gov. David A. Paterson plans to cut Medicaid by billions of dollars due to the declining fiscal condition of the state. Paterson says that he will have to make cuts to programs that he supported as a legislator, among them aid to schools. However, the Medicaid and school aid cuts will be opposed by unions representing teachers and hospital workers, which wield substantial power in Albany. Leaders of the Republican Senate majority also promised to block education cuts.
Original story
Thursday, October 23, 2008
New York Gov. David A. Paterson plans to cut Medicaid by billions of dollars due to the declining fiscal condition of the state. Paterson says that he will have to make cuts to programs that he supported as a legislator, among them aid to schools. However, the Medicaid and school aid cuts will be opposed by unions representing teachers and hospital workers, which wield substantial power in Albany. Leaders of the Republican Senate majority also promised to block education cuts.
Original story
Labels: education cuts, Medicaid, new york, Paterson
Rise in Medicaid applications concerns care providers
10/22/2008 JAY GALLAGHER JOURNAL ALBANY BUREAU ALBANY, N.Y.
The increase in the number of Medicaid applications worries health care providers because of the growing likelihood that the program will have less money to dispense. Applications for Medicaid have spiked, with agencies running out of application forms and fielding more phone calls inquiring about the program. Officials expect the number of applicants to continue to grow as joblessness rises.
Original story
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The increase in the number of Medicaid applications worries health care providers because of the growing likelihood that the program will have less money to dispense. Applications for Medicaid have spiked, with agencies running out of application forms and fielding more phone calls inquiring about the program. Officials expect the number of applicants to continue to grow as joblessness rises.
Original story
Labels: Medicaid
Pennsylvania wants nursing homes to do more for the elderly
6.18.08/The Associated Press via Pennlive.com
Pennsylvania welfare authorities want to encourage nursing homes that serve Medicaid patients to introduce more programs for the elderly who wish to maintain an independent lifestyle. To do so, the department needs federal approval for an incentive package that reduces the number of beds in each nursing home. That will enable them to use the extra money to add independent living units, outpatient rehabilitation facilities and other services for senior citizens on Medicaid.
Original story
Friday, May 2, 2008
Pennsylvania welfare authorities want to encourage nursing homes that serve Medicaid patients to introduce more programs for the elderly who wish to maintain an independent lifestyle. To do so, the department needs federal approval for an incentive package that reduces the number of beds in each nursing home. That will enable them to use the extra money to add independent living units, outpatient rehabilitation facilities and other services for senior citizens on Medicaid.
Original story
Labels: Medicaid, nursing homes, Pennsylvania, welfare
N.J. state Medicaid office may have leaked personal information
05.01.08/phillyburbs.com
An audit of the state’s Medicaid Web site found personal information on 1 million poor people, such as Social Security numbers, names and addresses, were not properly protected from Internet predators.
Original story
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
An audit of the state’s Medicaid Web site found personal information on 1 million poor people, such as Social Security numbers, names and addresses, were not properly protected from Internet predators.
Original story
Labels: audit, information leak, Medicaid, Social Security
New pads make life difficult for patients
02.25.08/WOWK-TV Charleston, W.Va.
A policy on tamper-proof prescription pads aimed at preventing fraud could make life more difficult for Medicaid recipients in West Virginia. The program starts in April.
Original story
A policy on tamper-proof prescription pads aimed at preventing fraud could make life more difficult for Medicaid recipients in West Virginia. The program starts in April.
Original story
Labels: Medicaid, prescriptions, West Virginia
On Poverty.Org is organized by students at
washington and lee university in Lexington, VA.
Supervisor: Prof. Ed Wasserman.
WEBMASTER: Kat Greene. Site Editors: Kat Greene, Melissa Caron.
Marketing DIrectors: Abby SteinBock, Betsy Chaplin.
Technology Supervisors: James Dick, Ilgiz Soubanov