Health Care — 3 million children lose Medicaid coverage

Presented by CVS Health — Three million fewer kids have Medicaid coverage today compared to the end of the pandemic-era protections and beginning of the "unwinding" of coverage in April, according to a new analysis.

View Online Health Care Health Care PRESENTED BY  The Big Story  3 million children have lost Medicaid insurance this year Three million fewer kids have Medicaid coverage today compared to the end of the pandemic-era protections and beginning of the "unwinding" of coverage in April, according to an analysis from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families.  © AP Texas and Florida alone account for more than 1 million of the children who have lost coverage. The total decline for adults and children due to the "unwinding" process is now at approximately 7.8 million, the analysis found.   When the Biden administration allowed states to begin the unwinding process, officials estimated about 15 million people would lose coverage. Since the process started April 1, the U.S. is more than halfway to that mark.    Separately, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra sent letters Monday to governors of nine states that had the highest numbers of kids losing coverage — Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.    Becerra said he was "alarmed" by the numbers, and urged the states to take advantage of dozens of federal strategies and policies HHS has put forward, as well as the 400 state flexibilities the agency has approved to make re-enrollment easier — including expanding Medicaid.   The 10 states that have not expanded have disenrolled more children than the 41 expansion states and D.C. combined, HHS said.     "I urge you to ensure that no eligible child in your state loses their health insurance due to 'red tape' or other bureaucratic barriers during the Medicaid enrollment process," Becerra wrote.     Some people who lose coverage end up moving to private insurance plans or the Affordable Care Act exchange, but the full impact won't be known until more data is available.   Welcome to The Hill's Health Care newsletter, we're Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will be impacting the health care sector this week and beyond: How the Supreme Court could restrict access to abortion pills The Supreme Court is re-entering the debate on abortion, as it agreed this week to hear an appeal from the Biden administration about access to the abortion pill mifepristone.   While an argument date isn’t set, a decision will likely come in June, almost exactly two years after the same justices overturned Roe v. Wade.  Whatever the court decides could have sweeping ramifications. 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Water bead warning: Why major retailers are pulling popular toy “When we look at hepatitis B, and hepatitis C specifically, we also see higher death …  Full Story A MESSAGE FROM CVS HEALTH CVS Health: Delivering the future of health care CVS Health is helping seniors connect with primary and virtual care, mental health and wellness services and prescription drug cost savings, all while offering a more personalized experience. Learn how CVS Health is delivering health care that's convenient, personalized and affordable. In Other News  Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Largest nursing home in St. Louis closes suddenly, forcing out 170 residents ST. LOUIS (AP) — The largest skilled nursing facility in St. Louis has closed suddenly, forcing about 170 residents to be bused to other care centers. Many left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. 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John Fetterman (D-Pa.) vowed Monday to work to block the $14.9 billion sale of U.S. Steel Corp. to Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel, which he … Read more Comer pushes back on reporting on 'shell company' to manage land  House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) pushed back on reporting characterizing one of his business ventures as a shell company, defending … Read more What People Think  Opinions related to health submitted to The Hill: The US is suffering from chronic drug shortages — Congress must act  House transparency bill is a major first step to transform health care in America   You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Check out The Hill's Health Care page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  1625 K Street NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20006 Copyright © 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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