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icai

Behind the Billions: How Medicaid Autism Billing Became a Hotspot for Scams

May 29, 2026

Medicaid spending on autism therapies has ballooned in recent years, drawing attention not just for its growth but for the staggering gaps in oversight that allowed fraud to thrive. A federal audit found Colorado alone handed out $77. 8 million in questionable payments for Applied Behavior Analysis

health

Health Coverage in 2025: What the Numbers Really Say

May 28, 2026

In 2025, roughly one in twelve Americans was without health insurance, a figure that has not changed much from the previous year. This steady rate masks an underlying shift: the number of people lacking coverage has risen by about 800, 000, largely because the U. S. population grew. A notable portio

politics

Louisiana’s Budget Cuts Spark Debate Over School Funding and Teacher Pay

May 23, 2026

Louisiana lawmakers had to tighten their belts after state revenue forecasts dropped sharply. The cuts followed a $112 million reduction in projected earnings for this year and another $104 million next year, forcing tough choices in the budget. One big loss? Nearly $75 million that was supposed to

crime

Crackdown on Minnesota health care scams: Over $90 million in taxpayer funds misused

May 22, 2026

Across Minnesota, 15 individuals now face serious charges after allegedly diverting more than $90 million in public health care funds. Federal authorities say the fraud unfolded through multiple programs meant to support people with disabilities, children needing autism care, and families struggling

opinion

Protecting Public Funds Without Punishing Those in Need

May 14, 2026

Pennsylvania takes fraud seriously, but not at the cost of making life harder for people who truly need help. The state runs one of the tightest Medicaid and benefit programs in the country—no surprise, since every dollar wasted on fraud could have fed a family or treated a patient. Instead of just

politics

How Washington Can Save Millions by Listening to Insiders

May 1, 2026

Lawmakers in Washington are talking a lot about audits these days, but there’s a smarter way to catch fraud before it drains public funds. A bill proposed by Rep. David Hackney aims to reward whistleblowers who expose cheating in government programs—not just Medicaid. Right now, Washington is one of

health

New Deadlines for Medicaid Drug Pricing Plan Give Extra Time to Companies and States

April 30, 2026

Government health officials recently pushed back several important dates tied to a new policy that could lower prescription drug costs under Medicaid. Instead of finishing applications by late spring, drug manufacturers now have more than a month extra to join the program. The original deadline had

finance

Medicaid Expansion: Does It Really Pay Off Long‑Term?

April 27, 2026

When people qualify for Medicaid through the expansion program, they gain immediate access to health care. This study looks beyond the first few months and asks whether those benefits stick around over time. Researchers followed adults who joined the program and tracked their financial health for

health

Doula Help Shown to Boost Mom‑Baby Health

April 27, 2026

A recent review of dozens of studies finds that having a doula—someone who supports expectant parents before, during, and after birth—can lower stress for mothers and increase the chances that babies are breastfed early. The research pulled data from 22 earlier investigations, most of which used

opinion

Virginia weighs risky dental cuts in budget squeeze

April 23, 2026

Virginia lawmakers face tough choices as they look for ways to balance the state budget. One proposal under review would limit Medicaid dental coverage for adults—a move that might seem like quick savings but could actually cost more in the long run. Research shows that when states cut dental benefi