Alabama Medicaid innovation goes nationwide

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State governments stand to save billions of dollars in Medicaid prescription drug costs thanks to a new rule based on an Alabama cost-saving innovation. Instead of paying for drugs according to drug company price lists, which are often inflated, Alabama Medicaid got federal permission a few years ago to start reimbursing local pharmacies on the basis of what they actually pay for the medications.

Happy Birthday, ACA!

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Health care coverage is better, more accessible and more affordable for thousands of Alabamians thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which marks its first anniversary today. These resources explain how the first year of health care reform affects you, the benefits yet to come, and how the law took shape.

Alabama gets high marks for children's health coverage

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Alabama's aggressive efforts to cover uninsured children have garnered national recognition in a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Secrets to Success: An Analysis of Four States at the Forefront of the Nation's Gains in Children's Health Coverage singles out Alabama, Iowa, Massachusetts and Oregon for their innovations in making health insurance available and accessible for children in low-income families. One breakthrough that helped Alabama set new records for enrollment is a streamlined eligibility process called "Express Lane," for which ACPP provided technical assistance.

Health care reform for Alabamians -- Share your story

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Thousands of Alabama families stand to benefit now from the new health care law. If you're one of them, we'd like to hear your story.

• Has your child been denied coverage for a pre-existing condition?
• Are you a small business owner who will benefit from the new health insurance tax credits?
• Are you a senior who has recently received a $250 rebate check to make it easier to purchase prescription drugs?
• Have you put off getting preventive care like a mammogram or colonoscopy because you simply couldn't afford it?
• Do you have a young adult child who will soon "age out" of your family plan or has aged out already?
• Have you had your care rescinded after you got sick?
• Does your insurance plan currently have a lifetime limit on the care if will provide?
• Are you or someone you know enrolled in the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan?

 If you and your family have experienced these challenges, please contact Jim Carnes at Arise.