Medicaid

Why is it hard to give away free health insurance?

Keith Seinfeld — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:34:34 +0000

You might imagine everyone without health insurance will gladly sign up for free or subsidized coverage once it’s available this fall, under the Affordable Care Act.

However, it hasn't worked out that way for children. A high-profile effort to cover all the uninsured kids in Washington has stalled.

Been to the Emergency Room a lot? Let’s talk.

Keith Seinfeld — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:55:32 +0000

If you’ve been to an emergency room in Washington in recent months, you're probably in a new database.

The goal is to treat more injuries and illnesses outside the emergency department, in a simpler setting, which should save money, curb drug abuse and also benefit patients.

State limits non-emergency ER visits by Medicaid recipients

Dave Meyer — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:55:24 +0000

The state of Washington is limiting Medicaid recipients to three non-emergency Emergency Room visits per year, beginning October 1st.

Visits over the limit won't be covered by Medicaid, and hospitals will be allowed to bill patients for those services.

Program gives doctors access to records wherever they are

Keith Seinfeld — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:40:13 +0000

If you’ve ever been to a hospital or doctor who can’t seem to get your medical records, be thankful for a new web-service launching this month. It allows doctors, hospitals and health insurers to quickly send medical records to each other, even if they're not in the same network.

Washington praised for how it cares for the poor and sick

Keith Seinfeld — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:01:59 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-976645.mp3

When it comes to caring for its poorest and sickest people, Washington state appears to be doing better than the rest of the country. At least, that’s the view from a new study that looks at Medicaid spending.

Public spending on health-care is a hot political topic these days, as states and the federal government try to balance their budgets. Researchers were wondering: How do the 50 states compare in their spending on Medicaid, which covers low-income people? Do some states spend more because they pay doctors higher fees?

Health clinics expanding, but also cutting services

Keith Seinfeld — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:26:23 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-966069.mp3

Health clinics that cater to low-income people have been expanding.