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This updated policy brief presents data on the range of resources currently directed to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in resource poor settings, including bilateral, multilateral, and private sector support, as well as domestic funding by affected country governments. Issue Brief (.pdf)
Implications of the New Medicare Law for Dual Eligibles: 10 Key Questions and Answers This publication is designed to provide a more detailed explanation of the change in drug coverage policy for dual eligibles under the new Medicare law, as well as explore its implications for the individuals affected by it. Issue Paper (.pdf)
For a number of years, Governors and other state policymakers have maintained that Medicare - rather than state Medicaid programs - should play the key role in providing prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries, including those who also qualify for Medicaid because they are impoverished and/or have extensive health care needs (i.e, the "dual eligibles"). Although the new Medicare prescription drug benefit law shifts drug coverage for dual eligibles from Medicaid to Medicare, it does…
This brief focuses on one subset of “flexibility” issues: the current federal benefits and cost-sharing rules that apply with respect to long-term care. Issue Paper (.pdf)
This issue brief focuses on one subset of “flexibility” issues: the current federal benefits and cost-sharing rules that apply with respect to acute care. Issue Paper (.pdf)
Medicaid: Current Benefits and Flexibility Two issue briefs discuss the minimum requirements for states to receive federal Medicaid matching funds and the options states have under federal law and waivers to tailor their Medicaid programs. Medicaid as a Health Insurer: Current Benefits and Flexibility Medicaid as a Long-term Care Program: Current Benefits and Flexibility
This Briefing Note explores the issues presented for the design and administration of a new Medicare drug benefit by dually eligible nursing facility residents. Issue Paper (.pdf)
As the U.S. Congress continues to search for an agreement on the form of a Medicare prescription drug benefit, the Commission has two new reports related to the debate. One new publication reports on findings from an October 26 discussion with state Medicaid officials on the implications of a Medicare drug benefit for states and dual eligibles. The other report provides state-level estimates on spending on dual eligibles and illustrates the effects of scenarios where…
This issue paper provides state-level estimates on spending on dual eligibles and illustrates the fiscal effects of scenarios where the federal government assumes the cost of prescription drugs, Medicare premiums, acute care, and long-term care for this population. Issue Paper (.pdf)
This issue paper examines the policies in the HIFA waiver initiative that provide incentives for states to use Medicaid/SCHIP funds to assist in the purchase of private insurance options. It also reports on how states have responded to these new policies and what key policy questions are raised about premium assistance programs. Issue Paper (.pdf)
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