As states struggle to balance budgets, Medicaid services are being targeted for severe cuts, and in some cases, elimination. Read the full story

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the New York State Attorney General’s office reached a $24 million settlement with three home health care agencies that allegedly billed Medicaid for services provided by hundreds of home health aides who lacked proper training credentials. Read the full story

Western Missouri District Court, Kansas City, MO

Supportive services workers who care for people with Medicaid in community-based residential care settings are not exempt from federal minimum wage and overtime requirements, confirmed a U.S. district court in Western Missouri. Read the full story

“Do you know where your tax dollars are going?” That’s the theme of a public relations and advocacy campaign launched by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East to reform the home care industry in New York. Read the full story

The state of Florida has agreed to spend up to $27 million to settle a class action lawsuit brought by Medicaid recipients who argue they were forced into nursing homes. Read the full story

President Barack Obama

President Obama has released a proposed budget outline for 2010 that includes a downpayment on universal health care coverage. Obama identified eight key principles for health care reform:

• Aim for universality
• Maintain choice of insurance and doctors
• Ensure affordable coverage
• Protect Americans financial health
• Invest in prevention and wellness
• Improve patient safety and quality of care
• Be fiscally responsible and sustainable
• Provide portability

Carol Regan, director of PHI’s Health Care for Health Care Workers initiative, applauded the budget: “This is a signficant step forward, and I urge Congress to act this year to ensure quality affordable health care for all Americans, including tens of thousands of uninsured direct-care workers.” Read the full story