Health Journalism 2016

More than 30 state Medicaid departments have transferred the care of their sickest and most vulnerable populations to private managed care contractors, with more states to come. This movement, to date affecting more than one million Medicaid beneficiaries with long term disabilities, chronic conditions and severe mental and developmental problems, has caused great disruption. The transition has been rocky, with some states dropping the process and others facing backlash from patient advocates and caregivers. But other states are reporting improved coordination of care, reduced hospital admissions and cost savings. Why is this happening, what is driving the movement, how are Medicaid beneficiaries faring and why should journalists care? This will be a primer on how to find stories in this rapidly evolving environment.