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In further proof that you can't give people something for nothing, states got the green light to start eliminating certain Medicaid benefits such as RX, dental and speech therapy.
This is after certain states, such as Texas, have threatened to end Medicaid...which is an optional program for states.
Of course, if states and the federal government are looking to really save money, they should require random drug testing for anyone on a social program.
Sebelius Gives Green Light to States to Cut Medicaid Benefits | FDL News Desk
"Modifying Benefits. While some benefits, such as hospital and physician services, are required to be provided by State Medicaid programs, many services, such as prescription drugs, dental services, and speech therapy, are optional. States can generally change optional benefits or limit their amount, duration or scope through an amendment to their State plan, provided that each service remains sufficient to reasonably achieve its purpose. In addition, States may add or increase cost sharing for services within limits (see attachment for details). Some States have opted for more basic benefit packages for higher-income enrollees (e.g., Wisconsin provides benefits equivalent to the largest commercial plan offered in the State plus mental health and substance disorder coverage for pregnant women with income between 200 and 250 percent of poverty). A number of States charge beneficiaries $20 for non-urgent emergency room visits or use cost sharing for prescription drugs to steer individuals toward generics or preferred brand-name drugs. To the extent States scale back low-value benefits or add fair cost sharing that lowers inappropriate use of care, savings can be generated."
Also relevant:
http://www.freep.com/article/201102...cutoff-battle-brewing-feel-they-wrote-me-off-
This is after certain states, such as Texas, have threatened to end Medicaid...which is an optional program for states.
Of course, if states and the federal government are looking to really save money, they should require random drug testing for anyone on a social program.
Sebelius Gives Green Light to States to Cut Medicaid Benefits | FDL News Desk
"Modifying Benefits. While some benefits, such as hospital and physician services, are required to be provided by State Medicaid programs, many services, such as prescription drugs, dental services, and speech therapy, are optional. States can generally change optional benefits or limit their amount, duration or scope through an amendment to their State plan, provided that each service remains sufficient to reasonably achieve its purpose. In addition, States may add or increase cost sharing for services within limits (see attachment for details). Some States have opted for more basic benefit packages for higher-income enrollees (e.g., Wisconsin provides benefits equivalent to the largest commercial plan offered in the State plus mental health and substance disorder coverage for pregnant women with income between 200 and 250 percent of poverty). A number of States charge beneficiaries $20 for non-urgent emergency room visits or use cost sharing for prescription drugs to steer individuals toward generics or preferred brand-name drugs. To the extent States scale back low-value benefits or add fair cost sharing that lowers inappropriate use of care, savings can be generated."
Also relevant:
http://www.freep.com/article/201102...cutoff-battle-brewing-feel-they-wrote-me-off-
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