With the enactment of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, states have gained increased flexibility over benefits and cost sharing for certain currently eligible Medicaid populations without having to obtain a waiver of Medicaid rules.
New findings from the Kaiser Family Foundation's 2004 survey of the experiences of Medicaid beneficiaries under Utah's 2002 waiver provide insights into the implications of limited benefits for the low-income population.
Under a waiver, Utah expanded coverage for primary care services to low-income uninsured parents and adults, offsetting costs by limiting benefits and raising cost sharing for poor parents, most with incomes below 54 percent of the federal poverty level, already covered by Medicaid.
A case study report examining the creation and implementation of Utah's waiver through interviews with key stakeholders and an analysis of state enrollment data and quarterly reports is also available.
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