Healthcare Roundup—Alaska out of Medicaid funds; groups warn SNAP cuts will hit Medicare, Medicaid

LePage replies to Medicaid expansion lawsuit, AG won't represent him

Maine Gov. Paul LePage continues to drag his feet on expanding the state's Medicaid program and has filed a response to a lawsuit brought about because of his inaction.

Advocates in the state filed suit against the two-term governor last month for not submitting an application to ensure half a billion dollars in annual federal funding, one of the first steps in expansion.

“Now that Medicaid Expansion is the law, it is my responsibility to implement it, and I will. But until they adequately fund it, there is nothing we can do,” LePage said in a statement. “Before we can proceed with expansion, DHHS needs both the staff to implement it and the money to pay the bills that will come due when the state plan amendment is approved."

LePage has strongly opposed expansion and said in a lawsuit last week that the governor's administration can't act until the state legislature appropriates the remaining state funds required. 

Additionally, the state Attorney General Janet Mills’ office has declined to represent him in the lawsuit. Mills, a Democrat, is running for governor in the November election. (Statement)

Alaska's Medicaid funding is running out

In other state Medicaid news, Alaska's funds for the program are scheduled to run out before the end of next month, putting providers in a bind.

The state's health department has already begun delaying payments to large providers last week, KTOO Public Media reported, and the fund will completely dry by June 30. 

"We're trying to do the least amount of harm possible to the smaller providers who are reliant on Medicaid funding," Shawnda O'Brien, assistant commissioner for the state's Department of Health and Social Services, said.

The financial deficiency is due to the state government's decision to reduce funding in order to cut down on spending. (KTOO)

Groups warn that SNAP cuts will lead to increased Medicaid, Medicare costs

More than a dozen groups are warning lawmakers cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will lead to more spending on Medicare and Medicaid.

The groups, including AARP, Center for Medicare Advocacy, and Medicare Rights Center, in a letter to leaders on the House Committee on Agriculture said when access to nutritional food is hindered there becomes greater dependence on medical care.

"Food insecure seniors experience lower nutritional intakes and are more likely to suffer from diabetes, depression, limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, heart attacks, gum disease, and asthma," the letter said. "Consequently, these increased healthcare costs are directly passed on to taxpayers through Medicare and Medicaid."

Congress is currently debating whether to cut SNAP funding as part of a largest legislative package regarding farming and agriculture. (Statement)