Semper Reformanda
Think we’re almost done with changes from Obamacare? Think again. Things won’t settle down any sooner than 2017, and they could actually get even wilder after that.
Medicaid
Articles
Hoosiers shopped around before picking Obamacare exchange coverage
One-third of Indiana’s buyers on Obamacare exchanges were new to their health plans this year—tying Indiana for sixth among the 37 states using the federal exchange.
Babies, business and the bottom line
For years, employers have focused on preventing huge health bills that can result from their older workers. But now Leonard Hoops, the CEO of Visit Indy, is trying to get employers to focus on the costs of the youngest members of their health plans: premature babies.
Nursing homes in Indiana have more money than ever
Through partnerships with county-owned hospitals, Indiana’s nursing homes pulled in about $260 million last year in extra federal funds. That means participating nursing homes enjoyed a 10 percent bonus check.
Carmel business owner ordered to repay $720K for Medicaid fraud
A central Indiana woman who owned two businesses has been ordered to spend three years on probation and repay all of the money she unlawfully received in Medicaid payments.
Analysis: Nursing home moratorium would yield smaller-than-expected savings
The Legislative Services Agency predicts a three-year ban on new skilled nursing beds would save the state $2.2 million—not the $24.6 million reported by the state in December.
More of St. Vincent’s profits ‘ascending’ to its owner
St. Vincent’s operations produced a healthy profit margin of 10 percent last year, but nearly half of that money—$134 million—was shipped to Ascension Health, St. Vincent’s parent organization. That’s nearly 5 percent of what Hoosiers and their health plans pay for care at St. Vincent each year.
HIP 2.0 approval means 40,000 Hoosiers must end their Obamacare coverage
An estimated 40,000 Hoosiers who already bought health insurance on the Obamacare exchanges now must end those plans and enroll in the expanded Healthy Indiana Plan. Otherwise, they’ll be on the hook to pay back thousands of dollars in Obamacare tax credits.
Obamacare’s effects on Lilly: Modest pain, no gain
Since Obamcare was expected to boost insurance coverage nationally by 32 million people, drugmakers like Eli Lilly and Co. stood to benefit. But it’s not working out that way. At least not for Lilly.
Study: Nursing home building boom is costing state millions
The state Medicaid program will pay $24 million more due to the nursing home building boom that occurred in 2014, according to an analysis by accounting firm Myers & Stauffer. The nursing home industry will use that figure to once again argue for halt to new construction.
Indy dentist accused of $260,000 in false claims
Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said Dr. Bernice Avant was charged Thursday with one count of Medicaid fraud and four counts of theft.
The moving target bedeviling attempts to cut health care costs
In health care, 5 percent of patients account for 50 percent of costs. Trouble is, those patients aren’t the same from year to year. Not even close.
Data show 1 in 5 uninsured Hoosiers gained health coverage this year
Even without Medicaid expansion, Obamacare appears to have substantially reduced the more than 900,000 Hoosiers that go without health insurance during a year.
Obamacare exchange 2.0: Anthem far from the cheapest plan
There are more choices and better deals in the 2015 Obamacare exchange, but if you want the same coverage as last year, it’s going to cost you more.
Top 4 questions for Hoosier health care after GOP takes control of Congress
On Obamacare, the new Republican-controlled Congress should “leave the façade of the building and then demolish the inside of it,” according to one GOP leader. If Republicans take that approach, here are four things that could change in the next two years.
Report provides glimpse into liberal concerns about Pence’s HIP 2.0
A new think tank report, which appears to jibe with Obama administration concerns, calls for “significant revision” to the Pence plan.
Thousands affected by Medicaid eligibility change
A change in how eligibility for Medicaid is determined could save Indiana $26 million this fiscal year by pushing thousands of residents off coverage but providing first-time benefits to even more at lower costs.
State settles with drug maker over Medicaid fraud charges
The Indiana attorney general’s office has recovered more than $181,000 for the state Medicaid program by joining with other states and the federal government in a fraud settlement.
While Pence and Obama dance, these folks are waiting
The Hoosiers waiting for Gov. Mike Pence and President Obama to work out a deal to expand health coverage have median household incomes of less than $10,000, typically have no college education and are disproportionately minorities.
Advocates seek action on Indiana Medicaid plan
Health care advocates and industry lobbyists are asking federal officials for speedy approval of Indiana's request for a Medicaid expansion.