MEDICAID

Higher Revenues = More for Medicaid

An unexpected revenue surge has helped 14 states to increase funding for their Medicaid programs, according to a new NCSL report. The preliminary survey of budget data from 49 states shows that 28 states ended FY 2006 with a higher year-end balance than they had in FY 2005. Eleven states increased their Medicaid appropriations by more than 10 percent in FY 2006. The largest increases were in Wyoming (26.5 percent), South Carolina (22.5 percent) and Montana (16.8 percent). In Wyoming, a reporting and accounting change largely explains the growth. Seven states budgeted less for Medicaid in FY 2007 than they spent in FY 2006, including Mississippi (-27.7 percent), Maine (-13.6 percent), Kansas (-9.2 percent), Pennsylvania (-6 percent), Ohio (-5.7 percent), Georgia (-1.3 percent) and Kentucky (-0.6 percent). In most states, the declines are explained by accounting changes or one-time supplemental appropriations that boosted the FY 2006 base. For a copy of Preliminary State Budget and Tax Actions 2006 (free to legislators and staff), go to: http://www.ncsl.org/bookstore/productdetail.htm?prodid=0151010144

HEALTH INSURANCE

More Young Adults Go Without

In Florida, as in many states, the number of uninsured young adults is rising. Over the last five years, the number of uninsured young adults in Florida has risen by one third, putting the Sunshine State above the national average for uninsured residents, according to the most recent Florida Health Insurance Study, a telephone survey conducted by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration. The problem is especially pronounced in Miami-Dade County, where nearly half of all residents aged 19-24 are without insurance. The study links this problem to Florida’s large immigrant population and to the area’s lower average income and wages. Additionally, many young adults work in service industries such as hotels, restaurants and clubs that offer few benefits. The study cited cost as the primary reason for young adults forgoing health insurance. When offered insurance through an employer, young adults accepted at the same rate as older adults. A report from the Commonwealth Fund released last May notes that young adults are one of the largest and fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population without health insurance; it describes three policy changes that some states are using to extend coverage to uninsured young adults.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Meth Makers Identified

Looking for new ways to combat the spread of methamphetamine, some states are creating Web sites listing the names of those convicted of running illegal labs. The registries—which have been approved in Tennessee, Minnesota and Illinois—are similar to sex-offender registries. The listings include the offender’s name, birthdate and photograph, as well as the date and location of his or her conviction. Addresses are not disclosed. Seven other states are considering similar measures. There have been no legal challenges to the registries yet, although some have expressed concern about their constitutionality and whether this means extra punishment after an offender has done his or her time. Critics also think that this will make locating a meth dealer that much easier. “One group for whom this registry is going to be an incredibly good resource is people looking to buy methamphetamine,” Graham Boyd, director of the ACLU's Drug Policy Litigation Project, told USA Today.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Online Registry

New Jersey Gov. John Corzine on Aug. 21 signed legislation creating the New Jersey Prescription Drug Retail Price Registry, which will let consumers compare the retail prices of the state’s 150 most commonly prescribed medications. The registry is intended to make it easier for consumers, especially those without insurance and those with large copayments, to shop around for the lowest available price. Consumers will be able to enter their ZIP code and the name of their prescription drug to comparison shop. Information also will be available to consumers via a toll-free telephone number. The state will post the information in English and Spanish. In signing the bill, Gov. Corzine cited a recent study by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute that found price variations of up to 10 percent for commonly prescribed prescription medicines, says the Star-Ledger. “You are talking about big dough. It is something that makes a difference in people’s lives,” said Gov. Corzine. The registry is expected to be operational in early 2007.