'Super Committee' cuts in Medicaid spending could have major impact on state budgets

Also, in other Medicaid news, a Florida official testifies in court that the state system for children has no major problems while criticism grows of plan to turn over the Medicaid program to managed care companies.

Stateline: Medicaid Explained: How Would Lower Provider Taxes Affect State Budgets?
The Obama administration's current deficit reduction proposal, now before the so-called congressional "Super Committee," includes a variety of measures designed to roll back federal Medicaid spending. But one -; a lower cap on the taxes that states charge hospitals, nursing homes and other health care organizations -; would have the biggest potential impact on state budgets (Vestal, 10/6).

Health News Florida: 'Taxpayer Rip-Off' Predicted For Medicaid
Turning over Florida's Medicaid program to private managed-care companies statewide will result in a "taxpayer rip-off of epic proportions," opponents warn in a new report. ... The report lists published incidents of fraud or overcharging by HMOs that treat Medicaid patients – mostly low-income children, the elderly and disabled (Gentry, 10/5).

The Associated Press/Miami Herald: Fla. Health Official: Child Medicaid Program Is OK
One of the state's top Medicaid official told a judge that Florida's health insurance program for poor children has no major problems, children are able to access care and any contrary statements other health officials have made to the Legislature were exaggerations. Beth Kidder, testifying in a class-action lawsuit against the state, also told U.S. District Judge Adalberto Jordan this week that the state's Medicaid system is providing quality care for the 1.7 million children enrolled. Kidder's testimony contradicted statements other state health officials have made to the Legislature, saying the Medicaid program needs more money and warning that patients faced a critical shortage of specialists (Kennedy, 10/5).