In Nephrology News & Issues' quarterly column, State of the States, Wendy Funk Schrag, LMSW, ACSW, provides insights on Medicaid and health care policy changes that are happening at a state level.

January 2012

A review of Medicaid rate reductions in 2011
Thirteen states levied Medicaid payment reductions for dialysis providers last year as they struggled to balance budgets.

October 2011

Health insurance exchanges: Friend or foe?
According to the Accountable Care Act (ACA), health insurance exchanges must be ready for consumers by Jan. 1, 2014.

July 2011

State of the States: CMS proposes framework for making Medicaid changes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is developing Federal guidelines to help states evaluate access to care requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries after program changes are made.

April 2011

State of the States: Medicaid raided to close budget gaps
As the slowly recovering economy continues to limit operating revenue for states, many are using a variety of methods to close their budget gaps.