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Medicaid is the United States health program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources. It is a means-tested program that is jointly funded by the states and federal government, and is managed by the states.

Poll reveals that thin majority of Americans continue to support health care reforms

A slim majority of Americans continues to favor moving forward on health care reform now despite an intensifying ad war and a political climate of contentious town hall meetings that coincide with rising concerns about the reform effort, according to the August Kaiser Health Tracking Poll.

20 Aug 2009

Perot Systems to provide back-office functional support to Community Health Plan of Washington

Community Health Plan of Washington (CHP Washington) and Perot Systems Corporation (NYSE: PER) (www.perotsystems.com) today announced an agreement where Perot Systems will provide technology and business process services to improve the Seattle-based health plan's back-office functions. The scope of services to be managed by Perot Systems includes claims processing, claims adjustments, enrollment, premium billing, and configuration.

20 Aug 2009

Covering Kids & Families Michigan campaign aims to enroll 50,000 children in healthcare coverage plans

As Michigan's children head back to school, the Michigan Cover the Uninsured Network (MCTUN) and some of the state's leading organizations are making a special outreach effort to ensure that eligible children and families have access to free and/or low cost health coverage through the state's Medicaid and MIChild programs.

20 Aug 2009

Medicare picks twelve New Jersey hospitals to test incentive system

Twelve New Jersey hospitals and their participating physicians have received approval from the federal government to test an innovative new incentive method that aims to reduce healthcare costs while improving quality of care.

19 Aug 2009

Medicare Part D premiums to rise slightly

Medicare Part D drug premiums are expected to increase slightly while the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services details which states have the highest rates of prescription drug use.

19 Aug 2009

Texas Public Policy Foundation says health plans would cause more harm than good

The health care reform plans pending in the U.S. Congress would cause more harm than good, according to a study released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

19 Aug 2009

Medical fraud creates unknown amount of waste

Lawmakers seek a reduction in the amount of money lost each year to medical fraud. Meanwhile, two Miami doctors are convicted of Medicare fraud.

19 Aug 2009

Delay in appointing Medicare Chief baffles lawmakers

To the puzzlement of Congress and health care experts around the country, Mr. Obama has not named anyone to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services," The New York Times reports.

19 Aug 2009

Study shows lower short-term mortality rates in patients hospitalized for AMI

From 1995 to 2006, hospital 30-day death rates decreased significantly for Medicare patients hospitalized for a heart attack, as did the variation in the rate between hospitals, according to a study in the August 19 issue of JAMA.

19 Aug 2009

Cost of physician reimbursement for diabetic leg amputations misconstrued

The cost of doctors performing lower-limb amputations for people with diabetes has been misconstrued during recent health care reform discussions, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

19 Aug 2009

AMG-SIU to discuss the essentials of audit preparation at the NAMPI conference

Allied Management Group – Special Investigation Unit (AMG-SIU) will be speaking at the National Association for Medicaid Program Integrity (NAMPI) conference later this month to educate members on the essentials of audit preparation. AMG-SIU began as an audit firm providing consulting services to the health care industry more than 35 years ago. The company is now actively working with health groups across the U.S. to prepare for MIP audits in addition to their other services.

19 Aug 2009

Affiliated Computer Services collaborates with clients to develop business solutions for managing downturn

As companies and government agencies navigate unprecedented economic challenges, some organizations are finding innovative ways to save money but also improve services and productivity. Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (NYSE: ACS) is working closely with its clients to develop successful business solutions designed to help them manage the economic downturn and prepare for the eventual rebound.

19 Aug 2009

High cost of Tennessee's state program under the reform microscope

TennCare, the plan enacted in the mid-1990s to cover the Tennessee's uninsured through a public insurance program which nearly bankrupted the state, is fueling national debate about a public option, The Wall Street Journal reports.

18 Aug 2009

Medicare pilot project links hospital payments to quality

Data to be released today examines a pilot project by Medicare that links hospital payments to the quality of care.

18 Aug 2009

Sebelius to discuss health care fraud prevention

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will give the keynote address at the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Annual SMP (formerly called Senior Medicare Patrol) Conference taking place August 18-20 in Washington, D.C.

18 Aug 2009

Florida: Confusion surrounds cost of Medicaid expansions included in reform proposals

Health News Florida reports on a flap over how much the proposed expansion of Medicaid included in some health reform proposals would cost the state of Florida. The news service examined a story published in the Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

17 Aug 2009

Ratio of health lobbyists to lawmakers tops 6:1

"If there is any doubt that President Barack Obama's plan to overhaul U.S. health care is the hottest topic in Congress, just ask the 3,300 lobbyists who have lined up to work on the issue," Bloomberg reports, noting that the number amounts to six lobbyists for each member of Congress.

16 Aug 2009

Obama heads west to gain momentum for reform

President Barack Obama is again heading West in hopes of winning support for his health reform push, The Associated Press reports.

16 Aug 2009

Verizon introduces new security capabilities for health care industry

As the health care industry moves from paper-based to electronic record-keeping, protecting confidential patient information becomes vastly more complex. To address this issue, Verizon is unveiling two new capabilities designed to help safeguard the growing exchange of electronic patient data between hospitals, clinics, physicians, insurers and patients.

14 Aug 2009

Arcadia resources announces Q1 2009 financials

Arcadia Resources, Inc. (NYSE Amex: KAD), a leading provider of home care, medical staffing, and pharmacy services under the Arcadia HealthCare(SM) brand, today announced results for its fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2009.

13 Aug 2009