For immediate release Contact: Wanda Fowler 859-244-8157
CSG releases report on state Medicaid programs Many state Medicaid programs spend almost 80 percent of their budgets treating individuals with chronic illness. Some states are turning to disease management programs as a strategy to address cost and quality concerns, according to a new report from The Council of State Governments. Disease management, which covers a range of activities designed to treat individuals with chronic illnesses, has been used in commercially insured populations to improve the quality of care and reduce costs associated with chronic disease. CSG staff conducted a national survey of state programs to assess whether state Medicaid officials made any distinction in services provided to rural and urban residents, and whether the different needs of rural residents were addressed in program development and implementation. The report, released this month, found impediments to disease management for Medicaid populations that are common in other aspects of Medicaid service delivery. In addition, the surveys and interviews conducted for the report suggest challenges specific to rural Medicaid disease management are not systematically addressed in the implementation of statewide programs. The report includes key information on rural health, chronic disease and disease management programs, with an emphasis on rural Medicaid disease management programs. Nearly one-fourth of the 35 respondent states had a contract with a managed care organization that offered disease management services that were not required by the state. In addition, the report includes case studies of Medicaid disease management programs in Indiana, Kentucky, Montana and Washington that provide additional information on program design, enrollment, participation, opportunities and challenges associated with implementing and operating programs in rural areas. To obtain a copy of the report, e-mail Wanda Fowler at wfowler@csg.org or check out the report here. |
THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS 
State News Trivia
In the United States, 84.2 percent of citizens were covered by health insurance in 2006, according to the 2008 Book of the States, published by The Council of State Governments. Which state has the highest percentage of residents covered by health insurance? Which state had the lowest percentage?
States Address Dropout Problems
Stateline Midwest examines policy strategies in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio to address those states' high school dropout problems.
CSG/ERC Supports Increases in LIHEAP
In the face of rising energy prices, which put an increased burden on low-income families throughout the U.S., The Council of State Governments/Eastern Regional Conference is supporting increased funding for low-income heating assistance program.
affecting state governments.
