Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Chronic Backlogs In Kansas' Privatized Medicaid Program Prompt Threats Of Fines Against Contractor
The company that processes applications for Kansas鈥 privatized KanCare Medicaid program faces potentially steep fines if it doesn鈥檛 fix problems, responsible for massive backlogs, by the end of this week. Maximus, a Maryland-based company that specializes in managing 鈥渉uman service programs鈥 for states and the federal government, has operated the 鈥淜anCare Clearinghouse鈥 since 2016. There have been problems from the start. (McLean, 5/30)
A measure to expand Medicaid under ObamaCare in Utah will appear on the ballot in November after it was certified as having enough signatures. Liberal groups hailed the announcement from the state鈥檚 lieutenant governor as they hope to make the deep-red state the 33rd to expand the health insurance program for the poor under the health law. (Sullivan, 5/30)
The National Health Law Program sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Tuesday that said it received multiple reports from individuals and organizations that were unable to submit comments. The 30-day public comment period ends on June 5 and the letter asks that the deadline be extended for at least one week after repairs to the website. (Ochoa, 5/30)
