Coverage

The 26th annual Workers’ Compensation Report produced by the National Academy of Social Insurance provides the only comprehensive data on workers’ compensation benefits, coverage, and employer costs for the nation, the states, the District of Columbia, and federal programs. With a five-year study period spanning 2017-2021, this is the second annual report to cover the COVID-19 pandemic period, which permits an early understanding of the adaptation of workers’ compensation to the pandemic and general reversions to pre-pandemic trends. The report includes tables, figures, and appendices detailing outcomes related to workers’ compensation benefits, costs, and coverage.

This KFF policy watch examines three key questions to monitor as states navigate the unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment provision initiated during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Examining changes in Medicaid enrollment, the report notes a nearly 10% decline in Medicaid enrollment nationally, with significant state-level variations. As states progress through renewals, the article emphasizes the unpredictable trajectory of Medicaid enrollment at the process's conclusion, acknowledging the potential return to pre-pandemic levels. Confronting challenges posed by procedural disenrollments and new enrollments, the report explores the implications for Medicaid participation and broader trends in healthcare coverage...

On Monday, February 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated State Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Basic Health Program Vaccine Toolkit. This updated toolkit serves as a consolidated and comprehensive compilation of vaccination policies, including related flexibilities and coverage and payment requirements, for states to consider as they transition away from the COVID-19 public health emergency and implement Inflation Reduction Act coverage requirements. It also includes additional considerations states may make to enhance vaccination coverage and access, including provider qualifications, immunization registries, and payment considerations.

On January 11, Mathematica published a blog titled “A Quick Guide to Choosing Federal Medicaid Authorities to Address Health-Related Social Needs.” This blog explores the three most common federal Medicaid authorities that enable states to offer health-related social needs (HRSN) services to Medicaid-enrolled individuals: Section 1915 HCBS waivers, Managed Care In Lieu of Services (ILOS), and Section 1115 demonstrations. It also discusses key factors to contemplate as a state Medicaid official when choosing how to cover HRSN services, emphasizing considerations such as the intended population, types of services, and program features.

On December 13, KFF released a snapshot analyzing the different types of coverage that people with Medicare have and the demographic characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries with these different coverage types, based on data from the 2021 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS). This snapshot of coverage highlights that roughly half of all beneficiaries are enrolled in traditional Medicare and about half are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, such as an HMO or PPO. Among beneficiaries in traditional Medicare, most have some type of additional coverage that helps limit their exposure to Medicare’s cost-sharing requirements.

KFF recently released an issue brief that describes the findings from the organization’s nationally representative survey on Medicare beneficiary satisfaction. The brief, “Overall Satisfaction with Medicare is High, But Beneficiaries Under Age 65 With Disabilities Experience More Insurance Problems Than Older Beneficiaries” presents findings from KFF’s 2023 Survey of Consumer Experiences with Health Insurance. Based on the survey, Medicare beneficiaries, overall, are more satisfied with their health insurance coverage than adults with other types of insurance; however, those Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 with disabilities are less likely than those age 65 or older to give positive ratings to the overall performance...

On June 27th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance to states, outlining new mandatory coverage requirements for approved adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and their administration, without cost sharing. Starting from October 1, 2023, as mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) must provide coverage and payment for these services. The guidance also specifies the requirements for states to claim a one percentage point increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for these services.

This infographic provides information on coverage and costs for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. The resource describes people on Medicare, financial needs among beneficiaries, programs supporting low-income beneficiaries, and ways to improve access.

This issue brief summarizes the current evidence surrounding the effects of Medicaid expansion on coverage, access, affordability, health outcomes, and economic indicators. The paper draws primarily from evidence examined in 202 studies reviewed in a previous KFF literature review on this subject.

Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Management Associates released a report about implementing coverage and payment initiatives in Medicaid. The data for this report was collected from the 16th annual budget survey completed by the Medicaid directors and Medicaid staff in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Included in the report is information on the policy changes to the Medicaid programs in each state that were implemented in FY 2016 or planned for implementation in FY 2017.