Trending News Today: New Medicaid Managed Care Program Moves Away From Fee-for-Service Billing

The flagship hospital of the National Institutes of Health suffers from low morale and continual patient safety concerns, a new report found. According to The Washington Post, the staff’s concerns include poor management and communication, lack of accountability, and outdated equipment. Additionally, the staff expressed their frustration with the lack of transparency regarding “misadventures and unexpected events,” with some employees reporting that they often learned about patient safety-related events from news reports.

The new Medicaid managed care program that launches August 1, 2017, will impact more than 200,000 individuals in Virginia, according to WTOP. A recent report from the Virginian-Pilot said the program will shift many patients with complex medical issues from a fee-for-service system to a managed care format. Patients most affected include those who have dual eligibility, meaning they receive both Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, 6 insurance companies contracted with the state will guide enrollees’ care and prevent duplicated services, WTOP reported.

Texas’ largest assisted-living facility for Medicaid recipients is shutting its doors, reported The New York Times. After nearly 2 decades of operation, the owner of the Westchester Plaza cited years of budget deficits for closing its doors. The residents—–who are mostly low-income, intellectually or physically disabled adults—­­will have until August 10, 2017 to find a new place to live. Westchester Plaza spokeswoman Kelli Weldon said that the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services have staff on site to monitor the closure activities.