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SHUTTERSTOCK

Children’s health services could see trims even under scaled-back Medicaid cuts

To make up for lost dollars, states could have to reduce payments to providers, curb benefits or reduce enrollment, potentially harming children and others as states try to fill the gap

May 13

The exterior of Spencer Hospital in Iowa

Spencer Hospital is one of the smallest hospitals in Iowa still offering inpatient mental health care. | TONY LEYS/KFF HEALTH NEWS

Medicaid payments barely keep hospital mental health units afloat. Federal cuts could sink them.

Hospital industry leaders say spending cuts could accelerate a decades-long wave of psychiatric unit closures, forcing people to drive long distances for care or resort to costly emergency services

May 12

SHUTTERSTOCK

WA hospitals push for veto of lower state insurance reimbursements

Opponents of the bill say reducing costs to hospitals for state and school employees could shortchange hospitals up to $100 million a year, and likely increase the cost of care for others

May 12

Oregon State Hospital in Salem. | OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY

Oregon’s mental health needs outweigh its ability to provide services, report shows

Limited data collection and inadequate funding are key barriers to Oregon’s behavioral health improvement efforts

May 9

SHUTTERSTOCK

Contentious bill backed by behavioral health providers gets another hearing

A revised version of the bill affecting medical and behavioral care for foster kids and others in the custody of the state has won another hearing after facing major criticisms earlier in the session

May 8

Kaiser Permanente in Oakland on Aug. 2, 2022. | PHOTO MARTIN DO NASCIMENTO, CALMATTERS

Kaiser in the hot seat as California lawmakers blast company for skipping mental health hearing

Union representatives, legislators, patients and others testified about Kaiser’s ongoing troubles with its behavioral health operations, but the company was a no-show

May 8

SHUTTERSTOCK

Meet the group chipping away at public benefits one state at a time

A conservative think tank has worked for more than a decade to reshape the nation’s public assistance programs, including cutting Medicaid and placing new restrictions on food stamps

May 8