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State Advocate To-Do List for 2013 outlines issues that advocates may want to address in 2013 in anticipation of the changing health care environment. 10 pp. (January 2013)

The 2013 New Year's Budget Deal and Medicaid: The Next Cliff explains how the deal that averted the fiscal cliff affects Medicaid. It also discusses additional upcoming threats to Medicaid and what advocates can do to protect the program. 2 pp. (January 2013)

Budget Timeline is a chart showing important dates in the federal budget process and the outcome of the fiscal cliff. 1 p. (January 2013)

Designing Consumer-Friendly Health Homes discusses six key decisions that states need to make when they set up Health Homes. It also explains the challenges that state advocates should address to ensure that Health Homes improve care for Medicaid beneficiaries. 22 pp. (January 2013)

Health Homes in Medicaid: Challenges and Opportunities for Advocates defines Health Homes and discusses their potential to improve care for vulnerable patients, the role that advocates can play, and challenges that states and advocates will face. It includes a chart that summarizes key details of Health Homes in IA, MO, NC, NY, OH, OR, and RI. 19 pp. (November 2012)

Talking Points: Medicaid and the Federal Deficit 4 pp. (November 2012)

Deficit Reduction: Tell Your Legislators to Protect Medicaid outlines points for evaluating deficit reduction proposals and how to talk to members of Congress about these proposals. 4 pp. (November 2012)

What's Wrong with Per Capita Caps in Medicaid? explains this kind of cap, how it's different from what we have today, how such caps would be set, and the many problems with a system that uses per capita caps. 4 pp. (November 2012)

Will Congress Throw Medicaid Off the Fiscal Cliff? answers two basic questions: How did we get here?, and Where are we now? 2 pp. (November 2012)

The Medicaid Upgrade: Required and Optional Medicaid Eligibility Changes for 2014 is a chart that outlines changes that states are required to make and changes that they have the option to pursue in order to make the eligibility process more streamlined and consumer-friendly. 4 pp. (November 2012)

Cutting Medicaid: Ineffective and Harmful quickly lays out the arguments for why cutting Medicaid is bad for enrollees, for middle-class families, for health care providers, and for states. 2 pp. (September 2012)

To Republicans: Don't Balance the Budget through Medicaid Cuts lays out reasons why Congress shouldn't trade defense spending cuts for cuts to the Medicaid program. These defense cuts are part of the automatic spending cuts that will take effect January 2013 as part of the deficit reduction deal. 4 pp. (August 2012)

The Supreme Court Decision: What It Means for Medicaid gives an in-depth look at the Court's ruling on Medicaid and what advocates can do to make sure their state expands coverage. 8 pp. (August 2012)

Investing in Medicaid Contributes to Better Education explains how Medicaid coverage can actually help children in ways that help them perform better at school. 2 pp. (August 2012)

A Closer Look: The Supreme Court's Health Care Decision explains what was at stake in the case against the Affordable Care Act, how the Supreme Court ruled, and the impact of the ruling on the law. 4 pp. (August 2012)

Medicaid's Success: Good Care discusses the quality care that people get in the Medicaid program and its popularity among those who use it. 4 pp. (August 2012)

Evaluating Managed Long-Term Care Proposals in Your State: Key Areas for Advocacy provides questions related to consumer input, program structure, plan selection, consumer protections, plan evaluation, and state readiness that advocates should consider as states design their managed long-term care programs. 19 pp. (June 2012)

Managed Long-Term Care in Medicaid: What Advocates Need to Know explains potential benefits and drawbacks of managed long-term care in Medicaid. It also describes alternative options for restructuring long-term care and offers advice for managing expectations for savings. 11 pp. (June 2012)

State Plan Amendments and Waivers: How States Can Change Their Medicaid Programs provides an overview of state plan amendments and waivers and explains what each can mean from an advocacy perspective. 12 pp. (June 2012)

Increasing Cost-Sharing in Medicaid: A Bad Solution to Budget Issues explores how cost-sharing negatively affects Medicaid beneficiaries, Medicaid, and the health care system. 8 pp. (June 2012)

Key Issues in the Final and Interim Final Rules on Establishing Exchanges and Expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act 4 pp. (April 2012)

Medicaid Cuts Will Hurt Illinois' Economy explains how the governor's proposed cuts would damage the state's economy and hurt Illinoisans who depend on Medicaid. 8 pp. (April 2012)

Republicans Again Propose Slashing Funding for Medicaid, Medicare, and Other Health Programs details how the Republican proposal would affect the states. It provides state-level data on the federal funding each state would lose, the additional burden on taxpayers, and the rise in the number of uninsured residents. 18 pp. (April 2012)

How the Affordable Care Act Makes the Section 1115 Waiver Process More Transparent: An Advocate's Guide explains the new rules that will give advocates and consumers a bigger voice in the waiver process. It describes when advocates can comment on waivers, and it offers tips on how to take advantage of all the opportunities the new rules provide. 6 pp. (April 2012)

Getting Covered: Finding Health Insurance When You Lose Your Job is designed to help consumers who've lost their health coverage sort through possible options for new coverage, including COBRA, Medicaid, CHIP, other federal and state programs, and the individual market. 12 pp. (Updated February 2012)

Making the Most of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs): What Advocates Need to Know provides an overview of ACOs; the promise they hold; and how they could change Medicare, Medicaid, and the health care landscape. It also identifies key challenges in their development and suggests how advocates can get involved in ways that benefit patients. 12 pp. (Updated February 2012)

Medicaid: Essential to America's Hospitals and Communities provides state-level data highlighting how important hospitals are to state residents at every stage of life, whether or not they are covered by Medicaid. It also explains that hospitals are vital economic engines and that federal Medicaid cuts could harm many communities. 4 pp. (February 2012)

Implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: A 2012 State To-Do List for Exchanges, Private Coverage, and Medicaid gives state advocates an in-depth blueprint for action in 2012, outlining issues to start thinking about and tasks that deserve immediate attention. 10 pp. (February 2012)

Putting the Accountability in Accountable Care Organizations: Payment and Quality Measurements examines some of the challenges that advocates will face when working with policy makers, insurers, and providers to develop mechanisms that ensure that beneficiaries receive high-quality care at a lower cost. 9 pp. | Determining Shared Savings or Losses 6 pp. (January 2012)

Designing Consumer-Friendly Beneficiary Assignment and Notification Processes for Accountable Care Organizations discusses the challenges advocates will face when developing these processes, and it recommends certain notification requirements and beneficiary protections. 8 pp. (January 2012)

Talking Points: The Republican Presidential Candidates Call for Medicaid Cuts lays out reasons why Congress shouldn't trade defense spending cuts for cuts to the Medicaid program. These defense cuts are part of the automatic spending cuts that will take effect January 2013 as part of the deficit reduction deal. 4 pp. (December 2011)

The Bottom Line: How the Affordable Care Act Helps America's Families shows the net financial effects of the Affordable Care Act on family budgets. We found that lower- and middle-income families, both uninsured and insured, will be financial winners. | State Reports 18 pp. (October 2011)

Simplifying Enrollment and Eligibility with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) explains the benefits of aligning income calculation rules in Medicaid, CHIP, premium tax credits, and Basic Health programs (where applicable) through MAGI. 6 pp. (October 2011)

Medicaid: A Lifeline for Blacks and Latinos with Serious Health Care Needs examines how essential Medicaid is for blacks and Latinos with cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease, or heart disease or stroke. Cutting Medicaid would put them at risk. The Affordable Care Act will greatly help blacks and Latinos afford coverage. Released in partnership with seven other groups. 26 pp. (October 2011)

Presumptive Eligibility: A Step toward Streamlined Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP explores how the Affordable Care Act expands presumptive eligibility to help states streamline enrollment and discusses the important role that presumptive eligibility can play in helping low-income people get access to care during and after the implementation of the new law. 12 pp. (September 2011)

To Build a Strong Affordable Care Act, Protect Medicaid explains that Medicaid is the foundation for health reform and briefly discusses the proposals that could damage Medicaid. Those working to implement health reform need to understand how threats to Medicaid could undermine their work. 7 pp. (September 2011)

Medicaid's Impact in the States: Helping People with Serious Health Care Needs examines how vital Medicaid is for residents with cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease, or heart disease or stroke. For these people, Medicaid can be the difference between life and death, and program cuts would put them at risk. Released in partnership with three other groups. 14 pp. (September 2011)

A Message to Congress and the Super Committee: "Don't Just Cut Programs-Raise Revenues" explains that increasing revenue needs to be a substantial part of the deficit reduction equation because spending cuts alone would hurt the economy and low- and middle-income Americans. 6 pp. (September 2011)

The Super Committee: Where They Stand on Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act provides a profile of each member's position on these key issues. It also includes each member’s stance on increasing revenues as an option for reducing the deficit. 10 pp. (August 2011)

Medicaid, Deficit Reduction, and the “Super Committee” offers talking points on the importance of Medicaid and the costs that would result from cuts to the program. 3 pp. (August 2011)

Medicaid, the Budget, and Deficit Reduction: The Threat Continues explains the threat to Medicaid posed by the debt ceiling compromise and urges advocates to speak up about the importance of Medicaid and the dangers of cutting the program. 7 pp. (August 2011)

The Basic Health Option: Will It Work for Low-Income Consumers? provides a framework for advocates to think about whether this option, created by the health care law, will work for their state. It covers program basics, discusses the problems it might address, and raises key issues that can affect the direction such a program might take. 12 pp. (July 2011)

Medicaid Really Does Matter—And Here's a Study Proving It presents talking points on a new study that unequivocally shows the positive value of Medicaid. 2 pp. (July 2011)

Medicaid, the Budget, and Deficit Reduction: Keeping Score of the Threats discusses how advocates can fight proposals that would dismantle Medicaid, some of which could result from behind-closed-door budget talks. 7 pp. (Updated July 2011)

Jobs at Risk: Federal Medicaid Cuts Would Harm State Economies provides state-level data that show the devastating impact the House Republican budget proposal would have. The proposal's substantial Medicaid cuts would harm program enrollees and their families and lead to a loss of business activity and jobs in all states. 17 pp. | Calculator (June 2011)

Cutting Medicaid: Harming Seniors and People with Disabilities Who Need Long-Term Care assesses the human impact of proposed Medicaid cuts on those who need long-term care, as well as their families. It provides state-specific numbers on how many people would be affected by cuts, as well as on how the cuts would hurt families and state workers. 17 pp. | State Reports 4 pp. (May 2011)

A Guide for State Advocates: State Demonstrations to Integrate Medicare and Medicaid explains the requirements for demonstrations, discusses possible models of integration, and provides guidance to advocates on how to get involved in the planning process. 10 pp. (April 2011)

House Republicans Propose to Slash Funding for Medicaid, Medicare, and Other Health Coverage Programs takes a closer look at how the recent budget proposal would harm seniors, children, and state economies, including state-specific numbers. 19 pp. (April 2011)

What the House Budget Resolution Means for America's Seniors and People with Disabilities is A Q & A on the possible consequences of the House budget resolution for two groups that would be disproportionately affected by Medicare and Medicaid cuts. 4 pp. (April 2011)

The Health Care Law: Good News for Caregivers discusses how the health care law will help build the long-term care workforce, encourage states to expand home- and community-based services in Medicaid, improve resources for caregivers, and expand protections for people in long-term care facilities. 7 pp. | The Affordable Care Act: Provisions that Will Help Caregivers 6 pp. (March 2011)

Applying for Health Coverage Online: The Affordable Care Act Helps Americans Enroll discusses provisions in the Affordable Care Act that call for states to have one streamlined online application that allows consumers to apply for Medicaid, CHIP, and premiums credits available to purchase health coverage in state exchanges. The brief also examines where states are now in the implementation of an online application process. 20 pp. (March 2011)

Protecting Seniors and People with Disabilities: Why It Is Important to Preserve the Maintenance of Effort Requirement in the Affordable Care Act discusses how stripping the maintenance of effort requirement from the ACA will have negative consequences for the many people who depend on Medicaid by allowing states to change eligibility requirements. 4 pp. (February 2011) | State Reports

Express Lane Eligibility: Early State Experiences and Lessons for Health Reform reviews the early experiences of four states under the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) and how those experiences can be instructive as states move to implement health reform. The states are Alabama, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Jersey. 19 pp. (January 2011)

Enrollment Policy Provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act outlines the provisions that apply to Medicaid, CHIP, and the exchanges, and those that encourage coordination of enrollment procedures among the three programs. 6 pp. (Updated December 2010)

The Medicare Drug Benefit: How Much Will You Pay? presents tables that detail the basic benefit, as well as the low-income benefit for those who are and aren't enrolled in Medicaid. 4 pp. (Updated November 2010)

Express Lane Eligibility: What Is It, and How Does It Work? explains how express lane eligibility programs work in light of the 2009 Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA), and describes options for states in designing their programs. 7pp. (October 2010)

Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act: Reframing the Debate addresses concerns about the effect of the Medicaid expansion on state budgets and outlines the many benefits that the Medicaid expansion will bring to states and the uninsured. 4 pp. (October 2010)

Implementing Health Insurance Exchanges: A Guide to State Activities and Choices describes the requirements in the Affordable Care Act that exchanges must meet and outlines key questions that states and consumer advocates will need to consider as the exchanges are designed. 30 pp. (October 2010)

Health Reform Provisions that Expand Access to Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) briefly outlines key provisions, including the State Balancing Incentive Payments Program, the Community First Choice Option, and Changes to the Medicaid 1915(i) option. 2 pp. (September 2010)

Expanding Coverage for Recent Immigrants: CHIPRA Gives States New Options examines the provision that lifts the "five year bar" for legally residing immigrant children and pregnant women. It discusses how states can take advantage of this new option to expand coverage—and why they should. 11 pp. (updated August 2010)

Five Good Reasons Why States Shouldn't Cut Home- and Community-Based Services in Medicaid outlines why cutting home- and community-based services in Medicaid is a bad idea for states that are facing budget shortfalls. | Sources 6 pp. (July 2010)

Health Reform: New Opportunities for States to Invest in Home- and Community-Based Services is a series of state-specific fact sheets that explore the new options for states to expand home- and community-based services through the health reform law and the reasons why expanding this type of services is a good idea. 7 pp. (Summer 2010)

Covering Pregnant Women: CHIPRA Offers a New Option discusses the new option that states have to provide pregnant women with comprehensive health care during pregnancy and for a limited postpartum period, and a simple administrative way to do so. 11 pp. (July 2010)

How Health Reform Helps Low-Income Children discusses how health reform sustains Medicaid and CHIP funding, enhances enrollment in the programs, further expands children's coverage, and increases their health care benefits. 4 pp. (July 2010)

Streamlining Citizenship Documentation: States Can Make Documenting Citizenship and Identity Easier discusses several important changes that the CHIP Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) made to the citizenship documentation requirement that make it less burdensome for consumers and states. 11 pp. (June 2010)

Long-Term Services: Provisions in the New Health Reform Law outlines key provisions that expand coverage, including the Community First Choice Option, the State Balancing Incentives Payment Program, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Program, and extending the Money Follows the Person Medicaid demonstration project. 10 pp. (May 2010)

Moving toward Health Equity: Health Reform Creates a Foundation for Eliminating Disparities summarizes provisions that will expand access to care through Medicaid and community health centers, and that address health disparities by promoting language access, increasing workforce diversity, and reauthorizing the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. 7 pp. (May 2010)

Early Medicaid Expansions under Health Reform discusses how states can expand their Medicaid programs under a state plan amendment prior to 2014-and why they should. 4 pp. (May 2010)

The First 90 Days: A State Advocate's To-Do List provides an overview of the provisions to be implemented in the first 90 days, including coverage for uninsured people with pre-existing conditions, grants for consumer assistance offices, and Medicaid and CHIP maintenance of effort requirements. | pdf version 8 pp. (April 2010)

Helping People with Long-Term Health Care Needs: Improving Access to Home- and Community-Based Services in Medicaid discusses how health reform gives states incentives to strengthen home- and community-based services in Medicaid. 4 pp. (Updated April 2010)

A Summary of the New Health Reform Law describes the major changes in health coverage that health reform will bring, including Medicaid and CHIP coverage, the affordability provisions, the exchanges, individual and employer responsibility requirements, improvements in private market coverage, and changes to Medicare and long-term services. 21 pp. (April 2010)

Help Is on the Way: 12 Reasons to Embrace Health Reform discusses key improvements in the new health reform law, including clamping down on insurance company abuses, offering tax credits to small businesses, expanding Medicaid, and improving Medicare. 8 pp. (March 2010)

Maintenance of Effort Requirements under Health Reform discusses how health reform changes the maintenance of effort requirements that are already in place for state Medicaid and CHIP programs. 2 pp. (March 2010)

Improving Language Access: CHIPRA Provides Increased Funding for Language Services discusses the increased funding for language assistance services (interpretation and translation) and how states cover these services for Medicaid and CHIP enrollees who are limited English proficient, or LEP. 7 pp. (February 2010)

States in Need: Congress Should Extend Temporary Increase in Medicaid Funding examines why states continue to need this federal help. It includes state-specific data on the federal Medicaid support in the President's budget and on the many positive economic impacts of extending this fiscal relief. 15 pp. Print copies free (February 2010)

Helping People with Long-Term Health Care Needs: Improving Access to Home- and Community-Based Services in Medicaid discusses how health care reform will give states incentives to strengthen home- and community-based services in Medicaid. 4 pp. Print copies free (October 2009)

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Soften the Blow during Tough Economic Times discusses how these programs have served as an effective health care safety net for many newly uninsured families, particularly for children. 3 pp. Print copies free (October 2009)

Health Coverage in Communities of Color: Talking about the New Census Numbers takes a closer look at the latest data and finds that communities of color continue to bear the brunt of the uninsured crisis. This fact sheet looks at who is uninsured, poverty levels of different racial and ethnic groups, and why public programs are vital to communities of color. 4 pp. Print copies free (September 2009)

What's Next for CHIP-Funded Adult Coverage? examines how the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) changes coverage for parents and for adults without dependent children. 11 pp. Print copies $5.00 (August 2009)

Better Coverage for Children discusses how the health reform legislation that is before Congress will help cover uninsured children, and their families, by making insurance more available and affordable and by expanding Medicaid. 4 pp. Print copies free (August 2009)

10 Reasons to Support the Health Care Reform Bills provides a quick rundown of the most exciting provisions in the health reform bills pending in Congress, including provisions that will help middle-class and low-income families, small businesses, and seniors and people with disabilities. 7 pp. Print copies free (July 2009)

More Funding for CHIP, Different Rules: How Does CHIPRA Change CHIP Funding? summarizes the new federal financing rules for CHIP, as well as the improvements to the financing system that will help ensure that states have the funding they need to get more children covered. 12 pp. Print copies $5.00 (June 2009)

The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA): Addressing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities examines four key provisions in the new law: investing in outreach, increasing access for legal immigrant children and pregnant women, increased funding for interpretation and translation services, and establishing new quality of care measures. It also includes action steps for advocates. 12 pp. Print copies $5.00 (June 2009)

CMS Guidance on Increased Medicaid Funding Provides Important Protections for Medicaid Consumers discusses two important aspects of the guidance, the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement, and how the enhanced FMAP will be applied to states that expanded Medicaid eligibility after July 1, 2008. 3 pp. Print copies free. (April 2009)

Covering the Uninsured in Medicaid describes the critical role Medicaid must play in ensuring coverage for all low-income Americans as part of health care reform. 2 pp. Print copies free (April 2009)

Covering More Children, Rewarding Success: State Performance Bonuses discusses the new system of performance bonuses created by the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA). These bonuses are designed to reward states for enrolling more uninsured low-income children in Medicaid. 12 pp. Print copies $2.00 (April 2009)

CHIPRA 101: Overview of the CHIP Reauthorization Legislation discusses the major provisions of the reauthorization, including those pertaining to new funding, changes in eligibility, getting more children enrolled, and improving children's health. Print copies $2.00 (March 2009)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: House Bill Health Coverage Provisions for the Unemployed Are Essential describes key differences in the health coverage provisions in the Senate and House versions of the economic recovery package, namely temporary Medicaid for unemployed workers and COBRA subsidies, and explains why the House provisions are crucial for helping unemployed workers and their families keep health coverage. 2 pp. Print copies free. (February 2009)

Critical Care: The Economic Recovery Package and Medicaid examines the latest state reports of newly enacted or proposed cuts to Medicaid and CHIP. It also provides state-level estimates of the economic impact of the proposed temporary increase in federal Medicaid funding in the House American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 14 pp. Print copies $5.00 (January 2009)

A Shot in the Arm for West Virginia: Increasing Health Coverage for Working Families discusses the state's opportunity to reduce the number of uninsured residents by expanding Medicaid to more parents. The report also examines how expanding parent coverage could boost the state's economy, creating new jobs, wages, and business activity. 13 pp. Print copies $5.00 (January 2009)

A Painful Recession: States Cut Health Care Safety Net Programs documents one impact of the current recession by examining state cuts in Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The report also shows, on a state-by-state basis, how temporarily increasing federal funding for Medicaid can stimulate state economies, increasing business activity, jobs, and wages. 25pp. Print copies $10 (December 2008)

Mountain Health Choices: An Unhealthy Choice for West Virginians continues our analysis of the state's radical Medicaid reform program. Problems with the program include a confusing enrollment process; lack of clear information; and lack of access to key health care services, particularly mental health care. 8 pp. Print copies $2 (August 2008)

Precarious Position: States Must Balance Declining Revenues with a Growing Need for Medicaid Several states are proposing to balance their budgets by cutting Medicaid—raising cost-sharing, shrinking eligibility, or reducing benefits. This issue brief discusses Medicaid cuts in a number of states and recommends congressional action to bring fiscal relief to the states. 12 pp. Print copies $2 (July 2008)

Five Good Reasons to Increase Health Coverage for Parents discusses the reasons why states should strengthen the health and economic security of families by expanding health coverage for parents. 4 pp. Free (July 2008)

Screening for Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Eligibility is intended as a reference to help determine whether someone may qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP coverage. Each question includes federal and state-specific information. (Families USA, originally published in 2004, updated June 2008 - online only)

Bad Medicine: The President's Medicaid Regulations Will Weaken State Economies. The Bush Administration issued seven new Medicaid regulations in 2007 that together will strip an estimated $50 billion in federal funds from states over the next five years. These state-specific reports quantify the impact that these changes will have on state economies. 4 pp. Free (April 2008)

Reward/Penalty Plans for Wellness: Coming Soon to an Office Near You? Encouraging healthy lifestyles is important, but might some wellness plans place your access to health care at risk? This piece explores some of the hidden effects that reward/penalty plans for wellness may have on consumers, as well as the problems that these plans might present in both employer-sponsored coverage and Medicaid. 8 pp. Print copies $2 (January 2008)

Insure Missouri: Too Little, Too Late examines Governor Blunt's proposal to provide health coverage to uninsured Missourians. It finds that the plan's eligibility criteria leave out many low-income uninsured adults, the coverage offered is missing key benefits, the cost-sharing is too high, and the plan is built on shaky financing mechanisms. 10 pp. Print copies $2 (January 2008)

Healthy Maryland: A Building Block for Maryland's Economy examines the Healthy Maryland Initiative, which will boost the state's economy and extend coverage to more than 100,000 Marylanders who are currently uninsured. 10 pp. Print copies $2 (October 2007)

The Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Requirement One Year Later examines the citizenship documentation law, including changes that have been made since its implementation in July 2006, as well as its impact on states, Medicaid applicants, and Medicaid enrollees. The issue brief also discusses potential improvements to the requirement contained in the CHIP reauthorization legislation. 8 pp. Print copies $2 (September 2007)

Kids Waiting for Coverage: How Many Are in Your State? provides national and state-by-state estimates of the numbers of uninsured children who could be covered under the House and Senate CHIP reauthorization bills, as well as a discussion of how successful CHIP has been since its enactment in 1997. 16 pp. Print copies $2 (September 2007)

Screening for Medicaid and State Children's Health Program (SCHIP) Eligibility is intended as a reference to help determine whether someone may qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP coverage. Each question includes federal and state-specific information. (Families USA, originally published in 2004, updated 2007)

Best Practices: How States Can Reduce the Burden of the Citizenship Documentation Requirement reports on the results of a nationwide survey regarding how states are implementing the DRA. 12 pp. Print copies $2 (May 2007)

Unwilling Volunteers: Tennesseans Forced Out of Health Care. Tennessee should serve as a cautionary tale for what can happen when a state tries to reduce the cost of programs that provide health coverage to its residents. Personal stories and photographs of Tennessee's unwilling voluteers. 80 pp. $15.00 (April 2007)

Using Blunt Force on Missouri's Most Vulnerable Population analyzes the damage that could be done by SB 577, a proposal to replace the state's Medicaid program. 10 pp. Print copies $2 (March 2007)

Health Opportunity Accounts: What Are They, and Why Should State Advocates Care? explains what health opportunity accounts (HOAs) are, how they operate, and who can and cannot participate in them. It also discusses why advocates should be concerned about this sweeping provision of the DRA. 9 pp. Print copies $2 (March 2007)

SCHIP and Children's Health Coverage: Leveling the Playing Field for Minority Children examines the important role that SCHIP plays in reducing disparities in access to care, as well as how the SCHIP reauthorization process can be used to further this effort. 4 pp. Free (December 2006)

Vermont's Health Reform Laws discusses the basics of the state's two new laws, known as "Catamount Health." The piece also examines how Catamount Health will be financed, how the laws build on existing health coverage programs, and pros and cons of the laws. 6 pp. Print copies $2 (December 2006)

SCHIP 101: What Is the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and How Does It Work? explains the basics about SCHIP, including who qualifies for SCHIP, how SCHIP is financed, and whether eligible are children getting enrolled. 4 pp. Free (November 2006)

SCHIP and Children's Health Coverage: Fitting the Pieces Together examines where children, including low-income children, get their health coverage, as well as how SCHIP and Medicaid have reduced the number of uninsured children. 4 pp. Free (November 2006)

TABOR: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing examines the effects that so-called "Taxpayer Bill of Rights" (TABOR) state amendments will have on health care. It finds that these anti-consumer conservative initiatives will cripple a state's ability to respond to residents' needs or unforeseen disasters and will result in cuts to essential health care programs, including Medicaid. 6 pp. Print copies $2 (August 2006)

New Medicaid Regulations Discriminate against U.S.-Born Children of Immigrants focuses on a specific provision of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), which has established regulations for citizenship documentation requirements for Medicaid. This provision creates an arbitrary and harmful distinction between children who are born in the U.S. to immigrants versus those born to citizens. 4 pp. Free (August 2006)

The Burden of Proof: New Regulations Worsen Citizenship Documentation Requirement in Medicaid examines the likely consequences of the new Medicaid citizenship documentation regulations and advises advocates on how to mitigate the harm these requirements may cause. 11 pp. Print copies $2 (July 2006)

Analysis of the Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Regulations discusses the interim final regulations that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued in July. The regulations alleviated the burden of documenting citizenship for several important groups of Medicaid beneficiaries and applicants. However, there are still many areas of concern in the new regulations, and millions of eligible Americans will have their coverage delayed or denied because of these onerous requirements. 8 pp. Print copies $2 (July 2006)

Citizenship Update: Administration Creates Additional Barriers to Medicaid Enrollment addresses several important questions regarding the citizenship documentation requirement for Medicaid under the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), including what advocates can do to help mitigate the potential harm caused by the requirement. 11 pp. Print copies $2 (June 2006)

Cost-Sharing and Premiums: Shifting Costs to Those Who Can Afford It Least explains the new premium and cost-sharing options of the so-called Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) and offers strategies for advocates whose states choose to make changes that could harm people on Medicaid. 8 pp. Print copies $2 (May 2006)

Medicaid Benefit Package Changes: Coming to a State Near You? explains the changes that states can choose to make in their Medicaid benefit packages as a result of the so-called Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), as well as the harm that might come from implementing such changes. 8 pp. Print copies $2 (March 2006)

President Bush's Fiscal Year 2007 Budget: Analysis of Key Health Care Provisions Includes discussion and commentary on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Medicaid, and Medicare. 13 pp. Print copies $2 (February 22, 2006)

Millions Must Now Prove Citizenship to Keep Medicaid Coverage explains the implications of this provision of the so-called Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) and outlines steps advocates can take to mitigate the negative consequences of this new requirement. 8 pp. Print copies $2 (February 2006)

Overview: Medicaid and the Deficit Reduction Act 101 discusses highlights of the new law. It divides the law's provisions into two sections: changes that make it harder to get onto Medicaid, and changes that make it harder for people on Medicaid to get services. 6 pp. Print copies $2 (February 2006)

Reforming" Medicaid: How State Waivers Will Hurt Racial and Ethnic Minorities examines the potentially negative impact that recently proposed changes to the South Carolina and Florida Medicaid programs will have on minority health. This issue brief also explores the role of Medicaid in improving access to health care for racial and ethnic minorities and analyzes the threat that state Medicaid waivers pose to the health of minority populations. 7 pp. Print copies $2 (November 2005)

Good for Kids, Good for the Economy: Health Coverage for All Kids in Illinois
A discussion of how Governor Blagojevich's All Kids proposal would expand health coverage for the state's children while helping the economy, bringing federal dollars to the state and generating significant economic activity. 8 pp. Print copies $2 (October 2005)

Faced with budget shortfalls and rising Medicaid costs, states are asking the federal government for broad discretion to increase cost-sharing in Medicaid. Cost-Sharing in Medicaid: It's Not about "Skin in the Game"—It's about Lives on the Line discusses how increased cost-sharing deters low-income people from enrolling in coverage and seeking necessary health care, which leads to higher costs in the long run. 4 pp. Free (September 2005)

The Choice: Health Care for People or Drug Industry Profits This report examined drug industry profits and spending patterns to determine if Medicaid payments to drug companies could be reduced without harming either Medicaid enrollees' access to medications or the drug companies' ability to conduct necessary research and development. | Key Findings 36 pp. $15.00 (September 2005)

Gearing Up Series--The Holes in Part D: Gaps in the New Medicare Drug Benefit (Part 1 of 2)
This brief discusses the three major kinds of gaps associated with the Part D benefit: 1) the financial gap beneficiaries will face; 2) the drug coverage gap; and 3) the enrollment gap. 15 pp. Free (July 2005)

Gearing Up Series--Filling the Holes in Part D: The Essential Role of State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (Part 2 of 2)
This brief examines the key decisions states will have to make when determining how their Pharmacy Assistance Programs can provide wraparound coverage and explains the special role of these programs under the Medicare drug law. It also discusses how these programs can help with enrollment. (July 2005)

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Analysis of the National Governors Association's Medicaid Reform Proposal 8 pp. Free (July 2005)

Trouble Brewing? New Medicare Drug Law Puts Low-Income People at Risk
The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) was touted as a program that would help all Medicare enrollees, particularly the neediest, obtain prescription drug coverage. Now there is evidence that a flaw in the MMA will cause serious harm to many of the most vulnerable elderly and people with disabilities. 8 pp. Free (July 2005)

State-Level Impact of Federal Budget Agreement on Medicaid contains tables showing how much money states could lose if Congress adopts its proposed Medicaid cuts, as well as tables showing how many children and seniors could be covered if those cuts weren't made. 3 pp. (Revised May 9, 2005)

Utah's Primary Care Network Medicaid Program provides a summary of the program and discusses the negative impact the program has had on the state's Medicaid program and the people who rely on Medicaid. 8 pp. (April 2005)

Showdown in the Show-Me State: Governor Blunt vs. Medicaid
This report looks at Missouri's proposed severe Medicaid cuts, which would drive the state from the middle of the road to the bottom of the pack in terms of coverage for parents. 8 pp. Free (March 2005)

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers—One Bottom Line: Huge Medicaid Cuts Proposed discusses the many conflicting numbers proposed for Medicaid cuts and what they really mean for the program. (March 11, 2005)

Cut Medicaid--Increase Health Disparities: How Cuts to "Optional" Beneficiaries Will Affect Minority Health
The lack of true distinction between mandatory and so-called "optional" enrollees. Tthis brief also analyzes how proposed Medicaid cuts that target "optional" enrollees will exacerbate health disparities because they will have a disproportionate impact on the health care and health outcomes of racial and ethnic minorities, particularly African-American seniors in nursing homes. 5 pp. Free (February 9, 2005)

"Capping Medicaid Funding: How Block Grants Would Hurt States discusses how capping federal Medicaid funding and turning the program into a block grant would harm both Medicaid beneficiaries and state budgets. 2 pp. (December 2004)

Medicaid: Good Medicine for State Economies, 2004 Update
Medicaid provides essential health care services for an estimated 51 million people of all ages and economic classes. Medicaid also plays a unique role in stimulating state economies. This report provides national and state-level data on the effects of Medicaid spending on state business activity, employment, and employee earnings. 25 pp. $15.00 (May 2004)

Share of Medicaid and SCHIP Funding Paid by the Federal Government, State by State 2 pp. Free (Rev. March 2004)

Immigrant Provisions of the Senate Prescription Drug Bill: A Good Investment in America's Future discusses the provisions of the Medicare prescription drug bill, which would give states the option of offering Medicaid and SCHIP coverage to children and pregnant women who are legal U.S. residents. (July 14, 2003)

The National Governors Association Medicaid Block-Grant 2 pp. Free (June 2003)

Capping Medicaid Funding: The Problem with Block Grants 2 pp. Free (June 2003)

Slashing Medicaid: The Hidden Effects of the President's Block-Grant Proposal
This special report shows that the President's recent Medicaid proposal, masquerading as fiscal relief for the states, will actually reduce funding for Medicaid and SCHIP by nearly half a trillion dollars over the next 10 years. The report includes year-by-year reductions in spending as well as state-by-state examples of what the most severe reductions (taking place in 2013) would mean--both in terms of dollars and in terms of the impact on people--if they were implemented today. 16 pp. $5.00. (May 2003)

Share of Medicaid and SCHIP Funding Paid by the Federal Government, State by State (Rev. May 29, 2003 to reflect changes in tax bill) 2 pp. Free. By Dollars | By Percents

What a Temporary Increase in Federal Assistance Will Mean for Your State, 2003-2004 4 pp. Free (Revised May 16, 2003)

Proposed Fiscal Relief to States, FY2003-2004—How Does Your State Fare? compares how states would fare under bipartisan fiscal relief legislation introduced in the Senate and the plan offered by President Bush. 4 pp. (February 21, 2003)

Issue Brief: Preliminary Analysis of New Bush Proposal to Block-Grant Medicaid discusses a proposal from the Bush Administration to radically restructure the Medicaid program. The plan would combine Medicaid and SCHIP funds in the form of a federal block grant and would likely result in reduced access to health care for low-income people. 4 pp. (February 12, 2003)

The Bush Administration's Fiscal Year 2004 Budget: Analysis of Key Health Care Provisions 4 pp. Free. (February 7, 2003)

Medicaid: Good Medicine for State Economies
This report determines the aggregate impact of Medicaid spending on each state's economy. Using an economic model from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the report calculates the new economic activity that will be generated by Medicaid spending in the following three areas: 1) business activity (the increased output of goods and services); 2) employment (the number of new jobs created); and 3) employee earnings (wages and salaries). 25 pp. $15.00 (January 2003)

Medicaid: Good Medicine for California's Economy
This report covers the same territory as the national report, but it also includes some additional information. The California report takes recent proposals by Gov. Davis to cut Medicaid spending and uses the economic multipliers to calculate the consequences of those cuts to California's economy. These calculations are done for the governor's December 2002 proposals (see Table 3 in the report) and for his January 10, 2003 proposals. 19 pp. $10.00. (January 2003) Supplemental Table

Preserving Medicaid in Tough Times: An Action Kit for State Advocates, 2003 Update
Designed to help advocates respond state budget cuts and the effects these cuts may have on Medicaid beneficiaries. Kit includes background information, discussion of options, state-based strategies, case studies, and other resources. $20.00 (January 2003)

Medicaid Managed Care Final Regulations Issued
A Field Report. In June, the Bush Administration released final regulations implementing patient protections for Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled in managed care. This report summarizes the main provisions of these regulations, including state plan requirements, enrollee rights, and grievance systems. 11 pp. $3.00 (September 2002)

Expanding Medicaid: State Options - Could Your State Do More to Expand Medicaid for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities? 12 pp. $3.00. (November 2001)

Research Shows the Negative Impact of Out-of-Pocket Costs on Low-Income People summarizes research on the impact of cost-sharing on low-income people. 2 pp. (August 2001)

Consumer Health Assistance Programs: Report on a National Survey
Consumer health assistance programs come in many shapes and sizes. Some serve Medicare beneficiaries, for example; some serve people in long-term care facilities or those who are privately insured. Families USA conducted a nationwide survey of these programs, and the findings are summarized in this report. 48 pp. $15.00 (July 2001)

The Health Care Safety Net: Millions of Low-Income People Left Uninsured.
A Special Report. 8 pp. $2.00. (July 2001)

Designing a Consumer Health Assistance Program
As health care becomes more complex, many states and localities are developing consumer health assistance programs to meet the needs of consumers within their jurisdictions. This guide reviews some key considerations to keep in mind when designing such programs. 24 pp. $15.00. (June 2001)

Medicaid Managed Care Consumer Protection Regulations: No Patients' Rights for the Poor.
A Special Report. 12 pp. $2.00. (May 2001)

Five Good Reasons for States to Expand Family Coverage
This fact sheet outlines reasons to expand the Medicaid and CHIP programs to include working parents and adults. (April, 2001)

Medicaid Managed Care Regulations Issued: What Do They Do? Will They Be Implemented? provides a short history of Medicaid managed care and examines new regulations that will allow states increased flexibility and give beneficiaries new protections. 6 pp. (March 2001)

Immigrants' Eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP 4 pp. Free. (February 2001)

Expanding Coverage for Low-Income Parents: An Action Kit for Advocates
Designed for the busy advocate, this set of materials will help you design and carry out a campaign to expand coverage of low-income parents in your state. Kit includes background pieces, what other states have done, case studies, media strategies, and a PowerPoint presentation on disk. $15.00. (January 2001)

A Guide to Monitoring Medicaid Managed Care
This guide will help community organizations determine how well managed care plans are serving Medicaid beneficiaries. Provides the how-to's of monitoring projects, from simple "do-it-yourself" efforts to the gathering and analysis of data from many sources. 84 pp. $20.00. (September 2000)

Capping Medicaid Funding: How Block Grants Would Hurt States discusses how capping federal Medicaid funding and turning the program into a block grant would harm both Medicaid beneficiaries and state budgets. 2 pp. (December 2004)

Share of Medicaid and SCHIP Funding Paid by the Federal Government, State by State 2 pp. Free (Rev. March 2004)

The National Governors Association Medicaid Block-Grant 2 pp. Free (June 2003)

Capping Medicaid Funding: The Problem with Block Grants 2 pp. Free (June 2003)

Share of Medicaid and SCHIP Funding Paid by the Federal Government, State by State (Rev. May 29, 2003 to reflect changes in tax bill) 2 pp. Free. By Dollars | By Percents

What a Temporary Increase in Federal Assistance Will Mean for Your State, 2003-2004 4 pp. Free (Revised May 16, 2003)

The Bush Administration's Fiscal Year 2004 Budget: Analysis of Key Health Care Provisions
4 pp. Free. (February 7, 2003)

Expanding Medicaid: State Options - Could Your State Do More to Expand Medicaid for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities? 12 pp. $3.00. (November 2001)

Research Shows the Negative Impact of Out-of-Pocket Costs on Low-Income People summarizes research on the impact of cost-sharing on low-income people. 2 pp. (August 2001)

The Health Care Safety Net: Millions of Low-Income People Left Uninsured.
A Special Report. 8 pp. $2.00. (July 2001)

Medicaid Managed Care Consumer Protection Regulations: No Patients' Rights for the Poor.
A Special Report. 12 pp. $2.00. (May 2001)

Five Good Reasons for States to Expand Family Coverage
This fact sheet outlines reasons to expand the Medicaid and CHIP programs to include working parents and adults. (April, 2001)

Immigrants' Eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP 4 pp. Free. (February 2001)

Go to Directly to Work, Do Not Collect Health Insurance: Low Income Parents Lose Medicaid
Nearly one million low-income parents in 15 states lost Medicaid coverage over the past four years, due largely to flaws in state implementation of welfare reform. While states have liberalized eligibility levels so more children can qualify for coverage, few states have done so for parents. 41 pp. $15.00. (June 2000)

Uninsured in Michigan: Working Parents Lose Health Coverage
Parents moving from welfare to work often find low-paying jobs that pay enough to make them ineligible for Medicaid, but do not provide affordable health insurance. This Families USA study found that the number of parents on Michigan's Medicaid rolls dropped 25 percent between January 1996 and December 1999. 15 pp. $5.00. (May 2000)

Clouds Over the Sunshine State: Florida's Working Parents Lose Health Coverage
The number of parents on Florida's Medicaid rolls dropped by more than one-third between January 1996 and December 1999. This Families USA study also found that 41 percent of Florida's lower income adults are uninsured. 21 pp. $5.00. (March 2000)

What Did Welfare Reform Do to Medicaid in Your State and What Can You Do About It: An Action Kit for Advocates
Designed for the busy advocate, this set of materials will help you identify problems in your state's administration of Medicaid and, for each problem, suggests solutions. Profiles of successful organizing efforts in four states, ideas for garnering media coverage, and other resource materials included. $15.00. (January 2000)

Losing Health Insurance: The Unintended Consequences of Welfare Reform
A 45-page report showing that 675,000 people--most of them children--lost Medicaid coverage and became uninsured as a result of welfare reform. The report explains that this troubling trend is likely to accelerate in the years ahead. 45 pp. $15.00. (May 1999)

The Quality of Maryland and District of Columbia Medicaid Managed Care Plans: External Reviews
A 36-page report looks at the external quality review process for Medicaid HMOs and finds problems in how external reviews are administered. December 1998

A Guide to Access to Providers in Medicaid Managed Care
This 62-page guide examines how managed care has affected Medicaid beneficiaries' access to primary care physicians and specialists, including "traditional Medicaid providers." Explores problems in access to care, explains access requirements in federal law, and gives suggestions for steps advocates can take to help assure provider availability. Features tables of provider access requirements in state Medicaid managed care contracts. $20.00. Print only. (April 1998)

A Guide to Meeting the Needs of People with Chronic and Disabling Conditions in Medicaid Managed Care
This 44-page guide, written by National Health Law Program and Families USA, examines issues confronting states as they move toward mandating managed care for people with chronic and disabling conditions. The guide discusses problems experienced when either populations or services are "carved out," looks at steps states have taken to ensure quality care, and provides advocates with information about where to make their voices heard. $20.00. Fact sheet also available. Free. Print only. (January 1998)

A Guide to Complaints, Grievances, and Hearings Under Medicaid Managed Care
This 43-page guide, written by National Health Law Program and Families USA, provides an overview of Medicaid managed care enrollees' legal rights, common problems that prevent beneficiaries from receiving an impartial review, examples of what states have done to protect the rights of beneficiaries, and suggestions for ways advocates can help ensure an adequate complaint process is in place. $20.00. Fact sheet also available. Free. Print only. (January 1998)

A Guide to Cost-Sharing and Low-Income People
This 40-page guide addresses the imposition of cost-sharing (co-payments, deductibles, premiums) in both the Medicaid program and the new State Children's Health Insurance Program. Current legal requirements are presented and research on the effects of cost-sharing is summarized. $20.00. Fact sheet also available. Free. Print only. (October 1997)

A Guide to Marketing and Enrollment In Medicaid Managed Care
This guide reviews common problems experienced when states move their Medicaid populations into managed care and discusses solutions to those problems. Includes a chart comparing provisions of various state RFPs used to solicit enrollment brokers. 34 pp. $20.00. Fact sheet also available. Free. (June 1997)

The Wisconsin Welfare Proposal's Minefield: A Medicaid Block Grant. A Special Report
6 pp. Free. Print only. (June 1996)

The New Republican Medicaid Bill: A Chip Off the Old Block. A Special Report
6 pp. Free. Print only. (April 1996)

What Does the National Governors' Association Proposal Mean for Medicaid Beneficiaries? A Special Report 12 pp. Free. Print only. (April 1996)

Hurting Real People: The Human Impact of Medicaid Cuts
This report focuses on ten key features of the Medicaid program. Describes potential problems families will face if policymakers cut fed-eral Medicaid funds and eliminate federal consumer protections. 36 pp. $5.00. Print only. (June 1995)

Medicaid Cutbacks Harm the States. A Special Report
8 pp. Free. Print only. (March 1995)

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