walgreens to cease new medicare pats

[Butthead]

this could be the beginning of the hellstorm

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011367936_walgreens18m.html

[winmutt]

Medicaid != medicare. Medicaid is administered by states. In this case it is Washington which apparently is paying less than it costs in which case Walgreens is making a completely ration business decision.

[wallypiper]

But it's partially paid for and largely directed by the federal government. Look at your paystub.


a lawsuit by a group of pharmacies and trade associations that said Washington state didn't follow federal law in setting its reimbursement rate, and that that rate is too low. The lawsuit is pending.

States administer the program but do so under federal regulations in order to qualify for federal funds.

[cliff0529]

States administer the program but do so under federal regulations in order to qualify for federal funds.

Yup, the feds match money with the state to fund Medicaid. The more money the state puts forward, the more money they receive from the feds...that is why Sonny and others are pushing so hard for an increase to the already existing Provider Fee (aka Provider Tax).

[highside]

Don't worry, government will step in once no pharmacy takes new Medicaid patients. There will be a new Department of Prescription Drug Distribution which will report directly to the DNC, who evidently already dispenses psychotropic medication to its members.

[winmutt]

You guys are missing the point here. Washington state has decided to pay less, not the feds. Of course it could be a sign of things to come without enough medicaid funding in the future.

[Butthead]

giggle. you are going to hurt troutman and mutt's feelings.


Don't worry, government will step in once no pharmacy takes new Medicaid patients. There will be a new Department of Prescription Drug Distribution which will report directly to the DNC, who evidently already dispenses psychotropic medication to its members.

[Butthead]

that was my point. this is the beginning of a larger issue.


You guys are missing the point here. Washington state has decided to pay less, not the feds. Of course it could be a sign of things to come without enough medicaid funding in the future.

[G_MAN]

Interesting indeed. Butthead, if states follow Washington's lead and cut down on their medicaid funding then the feds (in theory) will cut back on their contributions to the state's. Given your disdain for "wasteful" gubment spending are you routing for this precedent?

[impalanar]

Interesting indeed. Butthead, if states follow Washington's lead and cut down on their medicaid funding then the feds (in theory) will cut back on their contributions to the state's. Given your disdain for "wasteful" gubment spending are you routing for this precedent?

I would be for it. It won't happen, but I am for it.

[G_MAN]

I am as well. But I'm sure the GUBMENT will just up their contribution to make up for what the states take away.

[Butthead]

absolutely. much too much money moves from the states to the fed.


Interesting indeed. Butthead, if states follow Washington's lead and cut down on their medicaid funding then the feds (in theory) will cut back on their contributions to the state's. Given your disdain for "wasteful" gubment spending are you routing for this precedent?

[Troutman]

giggle. you are going to hurt troutman and mutt's feelings.

Huh?