MACPAC report to Congress looks at Medicaid spending and financing

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission yesterday released its June report to Congress, which looks at Medicaid spending and financing at the request of congressional committees with interest in Medicaid. Topics include trends in Medicaid spending, state policy levers to control spending, alternative approaches to federal financing, and state tools for assessing functional eligibility for long-term services and supports. According to the report, total Medicaid spending grew 8% in 2014, largely due to expansion to the new adult group, while Medicaid prescription drug spending increased by 24%. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services projects that spending will grow about 6% annually over the next decade, reflecting moderation of expansion effects, expiration of the primary care payment increase and negotiation with drug manufacturers, the report notes.