The chartpack and summary of findings from a comprehensive survey that assesses Latino attitudes in the 2004 election year. The third annual survey of Latinos from the Pew Hispanic Center and the Kaiser Family Foundation, the new survey examines political issues and the presidential election campaign, the economy, health care, Iraq and immigration.

Summary and Chartpack (.pdf)

Children’s Medicaid and SCHIP in Texas: Tracking the Impact of Budget Cuts

The case study details the impact of Texas’ legislative actions on enrollment in its Medicaid and SCHIP programs. Texas experienced the largest SCHIP enrollment decline in the nation between June 2003 and December 2003.

Executive Summary (.pdf)

Full Report (.pdf)

Checking Up on Children’s Health Coverage: A Progress Report on Medicaid and SCHIP

At a July 23, 2004 Washington, DC policy briefing two new Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured reports show State Children’s Health Insurance Program enrollment declined in the second half of 2003 and examine what led to Texas’ enrollment decline.

News Release

Report – Children’s Medicaid and SCHIP in Texas: Tracking the Impact of Budget Cuts

Report – SCHIP Program Enrollment: December 2003 Update

Report – Update on the Florida Enrollment Freeze

Webcast and Transcript of Briefing

This report examines the early experience with the Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card Program, prices offered by card sponsors, and potential savings for enrollees. The report presents information about approved discount card programs, including sponsors, enrollment fees, and drugs covered, as well as beneficiary education and outreach efforts by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The pricing analysis shows that discount cards can deliver savings off of full retail drug prices, but also that savings for individual beneficiaries can vary significantly across card programs. In contrast to predictions that market forces would result in lower drugs prices, no notable price changes were observed after the program’s initial start up period.

Executive Summary (.pdf)

Report (.pdf)

SCHIP Program Enrollment: December 2003 Update

The latest survey of states on State Children’s Health Insurance Program shows an enrollment decline in the second half of 2003–the first decline in the six-year history of the program.

Report (.pdf)

Topline findings from the May/June 2004 Kaiser Health Poll Report survey, including knowledge and opinions about the new Medicare prescription drug law.

Survey Toplines (.pdf)

This paper identifies and examines consumer protection issues that arise from the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. Key issue areas include: beneficiary information, marketing, enrollment and disenrollment, the drug benefit package and cost-sharing, the appeals process, concerns for low-income beneficiaries, challenges for nursing home issues, and fraud and abuse.

Report (.pdf)

Q&A with Drew Altman on Healthcare Issues in Boston Sunday Globe

In a Boston Sunday Globe Q&A published on Sunday, July 18, Kaiser Family Foundation President Drew Altman discussed rising healthcare premiums and their impact on families.

“Q&A with Kaiser’s Drew Altman on Healthcare Issues” by Kimberly Blanton

The President’s FY 2005 Budget Proposal: Overview and Briefing Charts

The overview and briefing charts present information on the President’s FY 2005 budget proposal to Congress beginning with federal surplus/deficit spending historical data and a summary of the overall composition of the Administration’s budget request. The charts then detail information on the President’s funding proposals for major health programs.

Overview & Briefing Charts (.pdf)

The New Medicare Rx Benefit: Challenges for Maintaining Access to Prescription Drugs

With the launch of the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit less than 18 months away, and growing interest in beneficiaries’ access to medications in the future, the Kaiser Family Foundation is pleased to release two new publications that examine issues concerning access to medications raised by the implementation of the new Part D Medicare prescription drug benefit.

The New Medicare Drug Benefit: Potential Effects of Pharmacy Management Tools on Access to Medications

The New Medicare Prescription Drug Law: Issues for Dual Eligibles with Disabilities and Serious Conditions