Reports, fact sheets and explainers on the Uninsured from the Kaiser Family Foundation

Health Care Use and Chronic Conditions Among Childless Adult Medicaid Enrollees in Arizona

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

Based on 2007 Medicaid claims data in Arizona, this report provides an analysis of health care utilization and health conditions for childless adults and compares them with parents and adults with disabilities. Understanding the health care use and needs of low-income childless adults can help inform other states’ efforts to care for these adults under the Medicaid expansion in 2014.

Enrollment-Driven Expenditure Growth: Medicaid Spending during the Economic Downturn, FFY2007-2010

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

This report presents data on changes in Medicaid's enrollment and spending between federal fiscal year 2007 and federal fiscal year 2010, a period which includes the worst economic downturn in the United States since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Understanding The Medicaid And CHIP Maintenance of Eligibility Requirements

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

This fact sheet examines the provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that require states to maintain eligibility and enrollment standards for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. These maintenance of eligibility (MOE) provisions were designed to keep Medicaid and CHIP coverage stable until coverage expands under the health reform law.

Five Key Questions About Medicaid And Its Role in State/Federal Budgets and Health Reform - Fact Sheet

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

This fact sheet highlights key issues about Medicaid, including the structure, financing and purpose of the program, its role for low-income beneficiaries, its share of the federal budget and state budgets, and the significant implications of the coverage expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

5 Key Questions and Answers About Medicaid

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

This chartpack addresses five key questions about Medicaid.

Uninsured Quiz

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Take the Uninsured Quiz to gauge how much you know about the uninsured population and the consequences of not having health coverage.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll -- April 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

The April Health Tracking Poll gauged Americans' opinions of the Affordable Care Act in the wake of the Supreme Court oral arguments in the legal challenges to the health reform law in March.

Massachusetts' Proposed Demonstration to Integrate Care for Dual Eligibles

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

This brief examines Massachusetts' proposal to CMS to create an integrated service delivery and payment model in that state. Massachusetts is the first state to submit such a proposal as a part of a nationwide effort guided by CMS.

An Update on CMS's Capitated Financial Alignment Demonstration Model For Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

This policy brief describes significant characteristics of CMS's capitated financial alignment model for dual eligibles and summarizes key dates in the state demonstration approval and plan selection processes.

Pulling It Together: The Falloff in Utilization: "There's Something Happening, Here, What It Is Ain't Exactly Clear"

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

In his latest column, Kaiser Family Foundation President Drew Altman looks at the falloff in utilization of health services.

Using Data and Technology to Drive Process Improvement in Medicaid and CHIP: Lessons From South Carolina

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

This brief examines South Carolina as a case study example of how states can utilize data and technology to improve Medicaid processes and increase enrollment for children and low-income families.

States Getting a Jump Start on Health Reform's Medicaid Expansion

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

This short paper highlights efforts by six states (California, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington) to expand Medicaid to low-income adults through the new health reform law option or Section 1115 waiver authority in order to help prepare for the expansion of Medicaid under health reform in 2014.

KaiserEDU.org Tutorial: Overview of the Uninsured

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

This tutorial provides a look at the uninsured and why they lack coverage, and addresses trends in coverage, the correlation to economic and employment conditions, and the impact of coverage on access to care. How the Affordable Care Act is expected to reduce the number of uninsured is also addressed.

Medicaid and Community Health Centers: The Relationship Between Coverage for Adults and Primary Care Capacity in Medically Underserved Communities

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

This issue paper compares the strength of community health centers in states that have expanded Medicaid coverage for adults to health centers states with more limited Medicaid coverage for adults.

Community Health Centers: The Challenge of Growing to Meet the Need for Primary Care in Medically Underserved Communities

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

This policy brief profiles community health centers and the patients they serve, discusses how health centers are<br />funded, and traces the history of health center growth. It closely examines the recent reduction in both federal appropriations and state grants for health centers, state cutbacks in benefits for adult Medicaid<br />beneficiaries, and the anticipated impact of President Obama’s FY 2013 request for federal funding for<br />health centers.

Establishing Health Insurance Exchanges: An Overview of State Efforts

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

This issue brief examines states' progress in setting up the state-based health insurance exchanges through which millions of Americans are expected to purchase coverage under The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) beginning in 2014.

A Guide to the Medicaid Appeals Process

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

This guide provides a comprehensive look at the appeals process for the Medicaid program, which differs significantly from those available through the Medicare program and private health insurance.

Pulling it Together: The ACA and Fluoridation: The Power of Political Symbols

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

In his latest column, Kaiser Family Foundation President Drew Altman looks at looks at why public opinion on the ACA has been so resistant to change and compares the debate about the health law to the debate about fluoridation in an earlier era.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll -- March 2012

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

As the oral arguments on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) begin in two weeks before the Supreme Court, the March Kaiser Health Tracking Poll finds that Americans' views on the case mirror their views on the health reform law and that they expect parts of the ACA to continue whatever the Court rules.

Policy and Political Implications of the Supreme Court Case on the Affordable Care Act

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

The March 2012 briefing featured experts analyzing the policy and political implications of the pending U.S. Supreme Court case on the Affordable Care Act.

Where are States Today? Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility Levels for Children and Non‐Disabled Adults

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

This updated fact sheet  provides an overview of Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and state-funded coverage eligibility levels for non-disabled children and adults today and how this coverage will be impacted by the health reform law.

The Role of the Basic Health Program in the Coverage Continuum: Opportunities, Risks & Considerations for States

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

This brief assesses the potential benefits and drawbacks to states from implementing a Basic Health Program under the Affordable Care Act.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll -- February 2012

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

The February health tracking poll finds most Americans oppose Medicare premium support proposal even with a newly offered traditional Medicare option, though arguments in favor can lessen opposition. The poll also finds that among women, Democrats are twice as likely as Republicans to support a Federal requirement that health insurance plans cover contraceptives.

Key Facts on Health Coverage for Low-Income Immigrants Today and Under Health Reform

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

This fact sheet provides an overview of coverage options for immigrants today and under health reform, and highlights key barriers to enrollment and access.

Key Issues to Consider for Outreach and Enrollment Efforts under Health Reform

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

This report identifies key issues to consider for outreach and enrollment efforts in implementing the coverage expansions under health reform.  It is part of the Health Reform Roundtables series.

Small Area Variations and the ACA’s Coverage Expansions

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Small Area Variations and the ACA’s Coverage Expansions

Mapping the Effects of the ACA's Health Insurance Coverage Expansions

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

This analysis estimates the share of the non-elderly population in over 2,000 geographic areas across the U.S. who had family income up to four times the poverty level in 2010 and were either uninsured or buying coverage on their own. The analysis includes an interactive tool that allows users to enter in their zip codes and see the percentage of people in their communities who could be helped by subsidies to help pay for private insurance or eligible for Medicaid starting in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act.

A Mid-Year State Medicaid Budget Update for FY 2012 & A Look Forward to FY 2013

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

This KCMU report finds that, while most states are on track with their Medicaid budget and enrollment trends for FY 2012, some states are trying to close 2012 budget gaps by making mid-year revisions, including restricting additional benefits and provider payment rates. The report builds on findings from Kaiser's most recent comprehensive 50-state Medicaid budget survey.

State Fiscal Conditions & Medicaid

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

This fact sheet summarizes the relationship of Medicaid with state budgets and discusses the current fiscal situation in the states and how it is affecting Medicaid programs.

A Guide to the Supreme Court's Review of the 2010 Health Care Reform Law

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

This brief examines the pending Supreme Court case challenging the 2010 Affordable Care Act, including the key constitutional questions issues and the parties' legal arguments.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll -- January 2012

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The January Health Tracking Poll probes the public's views and expectations about the Supreme Court case on the health reform law and the public's knowledge and opinions of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's health care positions.

Performing Under Pressure: Annual Findings of a 50-State Survey of Eligibility, Enrollment, Renewal, and Cost-Sharing Policies in Medicaid and CHIP, 2011-2012

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The annual 50-state survey of Medicaid and CHIP eligibility rules, enrollment and renewal procedures and cost sharing practices, found that, despite continued fiscal pressures on states, eligibility policies remained stable in nearly all state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs during 2011.

Briefing, Survey Examine 2012 Data From 50-State Survey of Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility and Enrollment Policies

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Report and other materials from the Jan. 18, 2012 public briefing on KCMU's annual 50-state survey of Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility and Enrollment Policies.

Secrets to Success: An Analysis of Four States at the Forefront of the Nation’s Gains in Children’s Health Coverage

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

This paper analyzes the experience of four states -- Alabama, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Oregon -- that have significantly improved health coverage of children in recent years.

Pulling it Together: 2012: The ACA, and More

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In his latest column, Kaiser Family Foundation President Drew Altman looks ahead at the wide range of health policy issues and marketplace changes that will be in play inside and outside the Beltway in 2012.

Health Affairs Article: Medicaid Expansion Under Health Reform May Increase Service Use & Improve Access For Low-Income Adults With Diabetes

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

This analysis finds that Medicaid’s role in financing diabetes care will grow when many low-income uninsured people with diabetes become eligible for Medicaid as the program expansions under the Affordable Care Act in 2014.

Performance Measurement Under Health Reform: Proposed Measures For Eligibility and Enrollment Systems and Key Issues and Trade-offs to Consider

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

This brief seeks to inform the development of performance measures for states' eligibility and enrollment systems under health reform by presenting a list of potential performance measures and identifying key issues and tradeoffs to consider in selecting and developing measures.

The Texas Health Care Landscape

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

This fact sheet summarizes the Texas health care landscape, including data on demographics, population health, the uninsured and the state Medicaid program.

The California Health Care Landscape

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

This fact sheet summarizes the California health care landscape, including data on demographics, population health, the uninsured and Medicaid.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll -- December 2011

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The December Tracking Poll finds the recent dip in support of the health reform law has been fully reversed, and the concept of health exchanges has wide, bipartisan support.

Medicaid Enrollment: December 2010 Data Snapshot

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

This snapshot examines the increase in Medicaid enrollment between June 2009 and June 2010 that brought the total number of enrollees above 50 million for the first time in the program's history.

Changes in Health Insurance Coverage in the Great Recession, 2007-2010

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

This issue brief examines changes in health insurance coverage over the last decade, with a focus on how changes in the economy, particularly during the "Great Recession" of 2007 to 2009, have affected coverage and the number of uninsured.

Women's Health Insurance Coverage: Fact Sheet

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

This fact sheet provides updated statistics on health coverage and describes the major sources of health insurance for non-elderly adult women ages 18–64, including employer-sponsored coverage, Medicaid, individually purchased insurance, and Medicare. It also provides data on the more than 19 million women who are uninsured, and summarizes the major implications of the health reform law for women and their health coverage.

Health Insurance Coverage of Women Ages 18 to 64, by State, 2009-2010

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

This fact sheet provides state-by-state data on the uninsured rate, as well as rates of private insurance coverage and Medicaid coverage, among women nationally, in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Resources on Immigrants and Health Care Coverage

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Foundation's Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured has collected some recent resources on the health coverage of America's immigrants.

Money Follows the Person: A 2011 Survey of Transitions, Services and Costs

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

This report provides an update on the Money Follows the Person demonstration grant program, which provides states with enhanced federal matching funds for 12 months for each Medicaid beneficiary transitioned from an institutional setting into a community-based setting.

Pulling it Together: The Most Popular Provision in the ACA?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

In his latest column, Kaiser Family Foundation President Drew Altman discusses the importance of a surprise finding in this month’s tracking poll – the most popular provision in the ACA is a requirement that health plans provide consumers with a short, easy to understand summary of their health insurance benefits and coverage.

Kaiser Health Tracking Poll -- November 2011

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

The November Health Tracking Poll takes a closer look at public opinion and knowledge about specific provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and finds that individual elements of the law are viewed favorably by a majority of the public.  Overall, Americans remain somewhat more likely to have an unfavorable view of the law (44%) than a favorable one (37%).

The HPV Vaccine: Access and Use in the U.S.

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Food and Drug Administration has approved two vaccines against infection by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.  Initially, the vaccines were recommended only for girls and young women, but in 2011 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broadened them to include boys and young men. The fact sheet discusses HPV and cancers related to the virus, use of the HPV vaccines for both females and males, and insurance coverage and access to the vaccines.

Faces of Medicaid

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

This online project of the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured profiles individuals and families from across the country who rely on the Medicaid program and describes the diverse ways in which Medicaid helps them. The nation’s public health    insurance program for low-income people covers millions of children and parents in working families, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. It will expand significantly under health reform in 2014.