The move, strongly condemned by advocates for the poor, will likely affect relatively few Americans who rely on Medicaid. States will not be allowed to alter Medicaid coverage for poor children, pregnant women, seniors or disabled Americans, Verma said. Republicans have long wanted to convert federal Medicaid funding into block grants to states, arguing this would help rein in federal healthcare spending. That means that any American who meets the eligibility standards is entitled to health coverage. The most recent GOP effort to shift Medicaid to block grants failed in 2017 when the party’s drive to roll back the 2010 healthcare law collapsed.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 30, 2020 17:03 UTC