Federal Spending on the Health Care Safety Net from 2001-2004: Has Spending Kept Pace with the Growth in the Uninsured?

This report examines federal spending on the health care safety net and finds that it has not kept pace with the growth in the uninsured from 2001 to 2004.

Report (.pdf)

Executive Summary (.pdf)

This analysis examines how much immigrants are contributing to the increasing uninsured population from 1994 to 2003.

Issue Brief (.pdf)

Executive Summary (.pdf)

Threadbare: Holes in America’s Health Care Safety Net

This report describes the impact of coverage gaps in our safety net through the perspectives of those who provide care to the uninsured and first-hand accounts of the uninsured who are seeking care.

Report (.pdf)

This issue brief describes how Medicare beneficiaries navigate the Medicare Part D exceptions, appeals, and grievances processes to get access to medically necessary prescriptions not covered under their Medicare prescription drug plans. It identifies and describes policy issues that may make it difficult for beneficiaries to utilize the processes.

Issue Brief (.pdf)

This issue brief describes Medicare drug benefit policy issues for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care settings, such as assisted living facilities and board and care facilities. The brief addresses differing rules for nursing home and non-nursing home settings, as well as for dual eligibles residing in long-term care facilities.

Issue Brief (.pdf)

These issue briefs, prepared by the Centers for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., provide information about how the Medicare drug benefit will affect beneficiaries. The briefs address issues related to dual eligibles, residents of nursing home and assisted living facilities, and the Part D exceptions and appeals processes.

Medicare Part D: Issues for Dual Eligibles on the Eve of Implementation

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for Residents of Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Special Problems and Concerns

The Exceptions and Appeals Process: Issues and Concerns in Obtaining Coverage Under the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit

Medicare Part D: Issues for Dual Eligibles on the Eve of Implementation

This issue brief describes how dual eligibles are treated under the Medicare drug benefit and the issues raised by their transition from Medicaid to Medicare drug coverage. The brief also explores key differences in the Medicare drug benefit compared to Medicaid drug coverage (formularies, copayments, and appeals policies) which could make the shift especially challenging for dual eligibles.

Issue Brief (.pdf)

Still keeping in mind that many employers are trying to find ways to deal with the rising cost of health insurance…  Suppose your employer gave you the following two options.  Which option would you choose?

Based on those who have health insurance through their or their spouse’s employer (n=1542)

                76                OPTION ONE: You continue to receive the same health care coverage you have now, but you are required to pay a higher monthly premium

                19                OPTION TWO: Your employer switches to a health plan that is more restrictive and offers fewer benefits, but you continue to pay the same monthly premium you pay now

                5                Don’t know

                1                Refused

Would you prefer to have your employer pay for all or part of your health insurance at work, or would you rather buy health insurance yourself, with your employer giving you the cash amount they would have contributed – or doesn’t it make much difference to you? 

Based on those who have health insurance through their or their spouse’s employer (n=1542)

                55                Employer pay for all or part of your health insurance at work

                7                Buy health insurance yourself, with your employer giving you the cash amount they would have contributed

                37                Doesn’t it make much difference to you

                1                Don’t know

                *                Refused

What if your employer gave you the cash amount they would have contributed to your insurance, and you had to buy health insurance on your own.  Do you think purchasing your own coverage would make it EASIER or HARDER for you to …, or wouldn’t it make much difference? 

Based on those who have health insurance through their or their spouse’s employer (n=1542)

Asked of one-half of sample (n=755):

a              get a good price for health insurance

                6                Easier

                81                Harder

                10                Would not make a difference

                3                Don’t know

b              find or keep health insurance if you are sick

                4                Easier

                79                Harder

                15                Would not make a difference

                2                Don’t know

Asked of one-half of sample (n=787):

c              handle administrative issues, such as filing a claim or signing up for a policy

                4                Easier

                73                Harder

                21                Would not make a difference

                2                Don’t know

d              find a plan that matches your needs well

                9                Easier

                71                Harder

                17                Would not make a difference

                2                Don’t know

This fact sheet summarizes the early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment (EPSDT) Medicaid benefit for children and the current issues and debates that could impact the benefit.

Fact Sheet (.pdf)