Medicare/Medicaid

Potential reform options addressing Medicare’s financial sustainability, and information on the Medicaid and CHIP programs.

A presentation by the Medicare Supplement Work Group to NCOIL
A presentation by the Medicare Supplement Work Group to an NCOIL health committee on Medicare supplement insurance and claim cost trends. (March 1, 2002)
Letter to CMS on Medicare+Choice Risk Adjustment Methodology
Medicare Steering Committee comment letter on proposed changes in the Medicare+Choice risk adjustment methodology and reporting requirements for diagnostic information for use beginning in 2004. (January 30, 2002)
Providing Prescription Drugs to Seniors: A Patchwork of Coverage
Prescription Drug Coverage Work Group issue brief outlining the programs available in the private sector that provide prescription drugs for seniors and to further discuss issues related to prescription drug coverage for this population. The issue brief complements the monograph, "Providing Prescription Drug Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries," which was released in July 2000. (July 2, 2001)
Letter to Senate on Medicare
Medicare Reform Task Force letter to Senate about the debate around changes to the Medicare program, including proposals to provide prescription drug coverage to seniors. (July 17, 2000)
Medicare Reform: Providing Prescription Drug Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare Reform Task Force monograph on one option available to provide prescription drug coverage to seniors – adding prescription drug coverage to Medicare. (July 3, 2000)
Medicare Reform: Evaluating the Fiscal Soundness of Medicare
Medicare Reform Task Force monograph on how Medicare solvency is measured and several proposals to strengthen the financial basis of the program. (July 1, 2000)
Letter to Medicare Commission on Proposed Changes to Benefits
Health Practice Council letter to National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare in response to the questions the commission raised regarding possible changes to the current Medicare benefit structure as well as modifications to the coverage requirements for Medicare supplement insurance. (February 17, 1999)
Actuarial Review of Health Status Risk Adjustor Methodology
Risk Adjustor Work Group report on the health status risk adjustment methodology proposed for implementation by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). (January 14, 1999)
Actuarial Issues in the Expansion of Beneficiary Options Under Medicare+Choice
Expanding Choice for Medicare Beneficiaries Task Force monograph on the actuarial issues concerning the changes to Medicare under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 that will have major impact on the health care market. (January 1, 1999)
“Bottom Line” on Medicare+Choice
Executive summary of the monograph on Actuarial Issues in the Expansion of Beneficiary Options Under Medicare+Choice. (January 1, 1999)
Actuarial Issues in Medicare Expansion
Work Group on Medicare Expansion issue brief discussing the actuarial aspects and potential impact of the Clinton Administration proposal to expand the Medicare program to allow certain individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 to participate on a voluntary "buy-in" basis. The buy-in expansion is intended to be essentially self-supporting financially when viewed over the lifetime of program participants. (January 1, 1998)
Medicaid Managed Care: Savings, Access and Quality
Medicaid Work Group monograph on how cost and utilization savings can occur in managed care programs and provides an overview of components that should be considered when developing and implementing a Medicaid managed care program. (April 1, 1996)
A Guide to Analyzing Medicare Premium Support
Issue guide on Medicare premium support and the potential implications of shifting Medicare to a premium support program. ()