Washington

The Department of Health and Human Services has renewed a Pennsylvania program that aids Medicaid beneficiaries in getting needed medical services.

The state's 1915 (b) waiver program is a primary case management system process in which health care services for Medicaid enrollees are coordinated by one physician. According to the state, the system has reduced the number of inappropriate emergency room visits and saved nearly $6 million in costs.

“Using case managers to assure continuity of care puts those with low incomes on a level playing field when it comes to access to proper health care,” said HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson. “It allows health conditions to be treated before they become emergencies and people end up much sicker and in an expensive emergency room setting.”

In other Pennsylvania news, a bill has been introduced in the state legislature that would require insurers to provide “optional health insurance benefits payable with respect to home health care in accordance with a home health care plan of treatment.” At press time in mid-May, SB 759 was awaiting consideration by the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance.