Latest news with #Medicaid-funded
11-07-2025
- Politics
Judge rejects a challenge to Michigan's decades-long ban on publicly funded abortions
DETROIT -- A judge has rejected a challenge to Michigan's longtime ban on taxpayer-funded abortions for low-income residents, saying a group that brought the lawsuit had no standing to file it. Michigan voters in 2022 approved a sweeping constitutional amendment ensuring a right to abortion. But a ban on most taxpayer-funded abortions has been in place for decades, no matter which political party has controlled the Legislature or the governor's office. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of YWCA Kalamazoo, which pays for abortions sought by women in southwestern Michigan. The group says more than 75% have incomes that would qualify them for state support if Medicaid-funded abortions were allowed. Judge Brock Swartzle of the Michigan Court of Claims dismissed the lawsuit on July 3, saying YWCA Kalamazoo was the wrong party to bring a challenge. 'The YWCA is not an individual and it, as a nonprofit organization, does not have reproductive freedom,' the judge said in an 18-page opinion. 'Further, the YWCA does not provide abortion care and is not directly affected by a law that denies funding for abortions.' Michigan's Medicaid program only pays for abortions to save a woman's life or to end pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. Abortion and related services are available through Medicaid in 17 states, according to the American Civil Liberties Union and the law firm Goodwin Procter, which both represent YWCA Kalamazoo.
Winnipeg Free Press
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Judge rejects a challenge to Michigan's decades-long ban on publicly funded abortions
DETROIT (AP) — A judge has rejected a challenge to Michigan's longtime ban on taxpayer-funded abortions for low-income residents, saying a group that brought the lawsuit had no standing to file it. Michigan voters in 2022 approved a sweeping constitutional amendment ensuring a right to abortion. But a ban on most taxpayer-funded abortions has been in place for decades, no matter which political party has controlled the Legislature or the governor's office. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of YWCA Kalamazoo, which pays for abortions sought by women in southwestern Michigan. The group says more than 75% have incomes that would qualify them for state support if Medicaid-funded abortions were allowed. Judge Brock Swartzle of the Michigan Court of Claims dismissed the lawsuit on July 3, saying YWCA Kalamazoo was the wrong party to bring a challenge. 'The YWCA is not an individual and it, as a nonprofit organization, does not have reproductive freedom,' the judge said in an 18-page opinion. 'Further, the YWCA does not provide abortion care and is not directly affected by a law that denies funding for abortions.' Michigan's Medicaid program only pays for abortions to save a woman's life or to end pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. Abortion and related services are available through Medicaid in 17 states, according to the American Civil Liberties Union and the law firm Goodwin Procter, which both represent YWCA Kalamazoo. A request for comment from the ACLU was not immediately answered Thursday.
Chicago Tribune
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters to the Editor: Republicans seem intent on hurting the most vulnerable
Members of Congress take the Pledge of Allegiance hundreds of times during their terms in office. It says that liberty and justice are for all. But Republican lawmakers in Washington don't believe the Pledge. Instead, they only want liberty and justice for some. Despite strong opposition, the threats to Medicaid have gotten worse. The budget bill passed by the House in May includes $800 billion in cuts over 10 years. The Senate's version released last week increases those cuts to $1 trillion. The results will be catastrophic. More than 10.3 million Medicaid beneficiaries will lose coverage. More than 4.5 million people with complex needs who live at home may be forced into costlier and lower-quality institutions. More than 4 million family caregivers may lose supports. More than 13,000 people in nursing homes will die. More than 338 rural hospitals will close. Republicans are determined to hurt people who don't deserve it. People like my disabled adult son David, who needs 24/7 support. He lives in a Medicaid-funded group home and attends a Medicaid-funded day activity center, both in Elgin. He's not a statistic. He's one human face of Medicaid. Why is the Republican Congress intent on dismantling safety net programs that David relies on? To give massive tax cuts to wealthy individuals and profitable corporations. So the richest people on the planet can own even more. But taking from David to give to Elon Musk isn't justice for all. In fact, it's not justice at all. Our Illinois senators reject this budget. But if it passes, Illinois will lose money and be forced to cut services. So, please call Republican senators from other states and protest. Their votes affect everyone in the U.S., not just their own constituents. Ask them to live up their Pledge of liberty and justice for all.
Associated Press
24-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
FreedomCare Expands In-Home Care with Medicaid Personal Care Services and Structured Family Caregiving in Ohio
FreedomCare launches Personal Care Services & Structured Family Caregiving in Ohio, helping Medicaid members receive in-home care from loved ones. 'Every Medicaid member in Ohio deserves care that's timely, compassionate, and reliable We're honored to bring our in-home care services to families across the Cleveland area.'— Caitlin Griffin CLEVELAND, OH, UNITED STATES, June 24, 2025 / / -- FreedomCare, a national leader in home-based care solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its Personal Care Services and Structured Family Caregiving program in Ohio. This expansion gives eligible Medicaid members access to trusted in-home care from someone they already know—often a family member or close friend. These two programs, part of Ohio's Medicaid Home Care Services, allow recipients to choose a caregiver to assist with essential daily tasks like bathing, dressing, mobility, and meal preparation. Caregivers are trained and supported by FreedomCare and receive prompt pay for the care they provide. 'Every Medicaid member in Ohio deserves care that's timely, compassionate, and reliable,' said Caitlin Griffin, Ohio Operation Director, at FreedomCare. 'We're honored to bring our in-home care services to families across the Cleveland area. With over 72,000 families already supported nationwide, FreedomCare continues delivering the dignity and respect Ohio families deserve.' FreedomCare manages all the paperwork, provides caregiver training, and offers ongoing support to both caregiver and patient—making personal care services easier and more accessible for families in need. Who's Eligible? If you're a Medicaid member in Ohio, a caregiver for a loved one, or someone advocating on their behalf, FreedomCare can help you determine eligibility and start care quickly. To learn more about FreedomCare's In-Home Care and Personal Care Services in Ohio, visit or call 866-322-6094. About FreedomCare FreedomCare is a leading provider of Medicaid-funded home care solutions, helping families across Ohio receive reliable, in-home support from caregivers they know and trust. Through programs like Personal Care Services and Structured Family Caregiving, FreedomCare empowers Medicaid members to stay in their homes while receiving the care they need. With over 72,000 families served nationwide, FreedomCare is committed to delivering compassionate care with dignity across every Ohio community. Caitlin Griffin FreedomCare +1 315-304-5151 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Feds increase oversight of Medicaid benefits for ‘non-citizens'
May 27 (UPI) -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is increasing its oversight of states to prevent misuse of Medicaid funding to provide services for those who unlawfully entered the United States. Federal Medicaid funding is only available for emergency medical services for "non-citizens with unsatisfactory immigration status" when they otherwise would qualify for Medicaid coverage, the Health and Human Services Department said in a news release shared with UPI. Some states, though, "have pushed the boundaries" and made taxpayers liable for benefits that are not allowed by federal law. "Medicaid is not and cannot be a backdoor pathway to subsidize open borders," CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said. "States have a duty to uphold the law and protect taxpayer funds," Oz added. "We are putting them on notice - CMS will not allow federal dollars to be diverted to cover those who are not lawfully eligible." CMS is increasing federal oversight of Medicaid at the state level to identify and stop unlawful spending through: Focused evaluations of state Medicaid spending reports. In-depth reviews of states' financial management systems. Assessments of eligibility rules and policies to close loopholes. "Medicaid funds must serve American citizens in need and those legally entitled to benefits," said Drew Snyder, deputy administrator and director of the Center for Medicaid & CHIP Services. "If states cannot or will not comply, CMS will step in," Snyder said. Any unlawful spending of Medicaid dollars by states on "non-citizens" is subject to recoupment of the federal share of such expenses, according to the HHS Department. Snyder on Tuesday notified respective state officials of the increased oversight in a letter with the subject, "Ending taxpayer subsidization of open borders." He cited President Donald Trump's Feb. 19 executive order requiring federal agencies to uphold the rule of law, thwart the waste of taxpayer dollars and protect benefits for U.S. citizens. CMS "is committed to faithfully implementing the president's executive order," Snyder said. "The plain text of federal law ... generally prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining most taxpayer-funded benefits," he wrote. Federal law makes it national policy that "'aliens within the nation's borders not depend on public resources to meet their needs,'" and "'it is a compelling government interest to remove the incentive for illegal immigration provided by the availability of public benefits,'" Snyder said. He encouraged all states to review their policies, systems and internal controls to ensure each legally complies with federal law when claiming medical assistance and administrative expenditures. The Congressional Budget Office in October reported that the Biden administration's open-border policy cost taxpayers more than $16.2 billion to provide Medicaid-funded emergency services for "illegal aliens" after President Joe Biden took office.
