Monday, April 18, 2005

Medicaid loophole for middle class at risk Chicago Tribune story - "For years, middle-class seniors have been emptying their bank accounts and signing away their homes so they can qualify for nursing home care under Medicaid--the government's health program for the poor--when they become frail and ill. It's a perfectly legal practice. But with Medicaid budgets soaring nationwide, state and federal officials are floating proposals to crack down on these financial arrangements and make seniors pay more for long-term care. Unless changes are made, experts warn, Medicaid will be burdened with huge bills as Baby Boomers age, threatening the program's ability to serve poor Americans."  
  

Mental health reform adopted (Michigan) Detroit News story - "State health officials have adopted a 12-month plan to begin reforming mental health care in Michigan. The program is drawing mixed reviews from advocates for people who are mentally ill and their families. The Department of Community Health will try to improve the system, in part, by: Emphasizing recovery as 'the organizing principle for adult mental health services;' Clarifying the requirements consumers and their families must meet to participate in the system; Reducing a sometimes wide variance in eligibility and services available from different providers. Some families desperate for improvement say they are happy for any progress, but they think more can be done..."