4 stories
A new economic analysis of a University of Utah mindfulness-based treatment for opioid misuse found potential savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars per patient when accounting for healthcare, criminal justice, and lost productivity costs. The study builds on earlier research demonstrating the therapy's clinical effectiveness in reducing opioid misuse. The analysis did not specify implementation timelines or whether the intervention is currently covered by Medicaid in any state.
Washington's WA Cares Fund, the nation's first publicly administered long-term care insurance program, begins providing coverage on July 1, 2026. The program offers eligible workers up to $36,500 in lifetime benefits for long-term services and supports, funded through a 0.58% payroll tax. Dozens of applications have already been submitted. The launch follows years of legislative debate and program delays since the payroll tax collection began in 2023.
A nationwide survey of over 3,800 people who gave birth in 2023-2024 found Medicaid beneficiaries reported worse outcomes and care experiences compared to those with private insurance. The Listening to Mothers survey documented limited care access and patients feeling unheard during pregnancy and delivery. The findings highlight persistent quality gaps in maternity care delivery for Medicaid-covered pregnancies, which account for approximately 42% of all U.S. births annually.
Washington state faces litigation over budget cuts that reduced tens of millions in state funding for assisted living facilities serving Medicaid patients. Democratic lawmakers made the cuts to address a budget shortfall this year. The lawsuit challenges the state's decision to reduce payments to these facilities. The cuts affect assisted living providers that rely on Medicaid reimbursement for long-term care services.
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