This chartpack is part of a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health that examines public opinion on the Medicare prescription drug debate. The survey, a follow-up to a broader, more comprehensive survey released in June 2003 about the Medicare program and proposed changes, finds that a majority of seniors want Congress to pass Medicare prescription drug legislation this year, but most worry that they will still pay too much for drugs even if Congress acts (September 2003).

Chartpack

These toplines are part of a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health that examines public opinion on the Medicare prescription drug debate. The survey, a follow-up to a broader, more comprehensive survey released in June 2003 about the Medicare program and proposed changes, finds that a majority of seniors want Congress to pass Medicare prescription drug legislation this year, but most worry that they will still pay too much for drugs even if Congress acts (September 2003).

Toplines

State governments are an important source of health insurance coverage for retired state employees. Confronted with rising health care costs, budget deficits, and an overall downturn in the economy, this report describes how states are responding to the challenge of financing health care for retirees who tend to be sicker and more costly to cover than active workers. This study, based on survey responses from 43 states and the District of Columbia, captures information on retiree health programs offered by state governments, including benefits, premiums, recent program changes and modifications expected in the future.

Report (.pdf)

As the Census Bureau releases the latest data on health insurance coverage, prior research has shown that health insurance coverage improves access to care and health outcomes. New data from the Kaiser 2003 Health Insurance Survey updates what is known about barriers to access to health care.

Chart Pack (.pdf)

The third annual survey of the 50 states and the District of Columbia reveals that all 50 states and DC implemented Medicaid cost control strategies in FY2003 and they all planned additional action for FY2004 as they cope with fiscal crisis.

Report (.pdf)

The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured released three new reports today on how states are coping with the fourth year of fiscal stress. The third annual survey of the 50 states reveals a far-reaching impact on health coverage for low-income families at a time when enrollment is increasing due to sluggish economic conditions. Some of the findings from the reports include:

• Medicaid spending growth slowed for first time in 7 years. For 2003 it was 9.3 percent, down from 12.8 percent in 2002, as states continue to cope with the fiscal crisis.
• Over the past 3 years, 50 states have taken action to control drugs costs, 50 have reduced or frozen provider payments, 34 have reduced or restricted eligibility, 35 have reduced benefits, and 32 have increased co-payments.
• The primary cause of the fiscal crisis is the falloff in state tax revenue, with the decline in revenue collection being $62 billion, while spending increased about $7 billion in FY2002.
• Medicaid spending growth between 2000 and 2002 has been driven in part by enrollment growth due to the economic downturn, as well as continued increases in hospital and prescription drug costs.
• Despite slower enrollment growth for the elderly and individuals with disabilities, they accounted for almost 60 percent of Medicaid spending growth during 2000-2002, reflecting their greater use of health care services.

News Release (.pdf)

Presentation Slides (.pdf)

States Respond to Fiscal Pressure: State Medicaid Spending Growth and Cost Containment

Medicaid Spending: What Factors Contributed to the Growth Between 2000 and 2002?

The Current State Fiscal Crisis and Its Aftermath

News on Medicaid and State Budgets: July and August 2003 UpdateNews on Medicaid and State Budgets: May and June 2003 Update

View a webcast of the release briefing

Report (.pdf)

Additional news on Medicaid and state budgets

Report (.pdf)

Additional news on Medicaid and state budgets

This report finds that the primary cause of the state fiscal crisis is the falloff in state tax revenue.

Report (.pdf)

The report finds that rapid Medicaid spending growth has been driven, in part, by enrollment increases resulting from the loss of income and private insurance coverage during the current economic downturn, together with continued increases in hospital and prescription drug costs that have affected the entire health care sector.

Issue Paper (.pdf)