Governor Heineman has vocally opposed the expansion of Medicaid in Nebraska on the ground that it is unaffordable. At the risk of exposing the cynical side of my nature, it seems obvious to me that the governor’s stance on the issue inspired the proponents’ strategy to get LB577 passed. The strategy? To push Medicaid expansion… more
There are a lot of Latin phrases you learn when you’re in law school. Some of them have even made their way into common, everyday English! One of those is the warning caveat emptor, “Let the buyer beware.” Expressed in more modern terms, caveat emptor serves the same purpose as the reminder that, if a… more
Author’s Note: This is the fifth in a series of articles about Nebraska’s Medicaid program, the Unicameral’s apparent intent to expand it, and the many reasons why expansion is an uncommonly bad idea. Although they don’t have to be read in order, here are links to the previously-published articles in the series: NE Medicaid Expansion:… more
Author’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles about Nebraska’s Medicaid program, the Unicameral’s apparent intent to expand it, and the many reasons why expansion is an uncommonly bad idea. Although they don’t have to be read in order, here are links to the previously-published articles in the series: NE Medicaid Expansion:… more
In recent days, the Lincoln-Journal Star has published what amounts to a one-two punch in the form of articles intended to push a bill expanding Nebraska’s Medicaid program to provide coverage for prenatal care. Senator Kathy Campbell, a Republican, embarked on this crusade to expand Medicaid well over two years ago when some 1600 pregnant… more
POLL: Which do you, as a taxpayer, prefer? A) Spending in excess of $50 million federal taxpayer dollars ANNUALLY to study Asian carp in the hope of developing a way to control and, ultimately, eradicate them from the nation’s rivers before they invade the Great Lakes; or B) Spending up to $9.5 billion to erect… more
“The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.” ~ James Madison, 1829 So, all quiet on the health care front? Definitely not. There were recent news reports about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to consolidate and hear several health care law… more
One of GiN’s readers has kindly offered to share his letter written to the NU Board of Regents about President Millken’s proposal to extend medical benefits to domestic partners of University System employees. The letter appears below, and thanks to Michael for sending it in. I’d also like to report that this subject has garnered… more
Nebraska was one of only fourteen states to see the successful passage of a State Sovereignty Resolution in the two year period 2009 – 2010, while well over thirty states had resolutions. In other words, the passage of the Nebraska resolution on April 13, 20101 , was no small thing. It took an organized effort… more
Note: Even if you don’t live in Nebraska, you are likely to find this article of interest. In fact, we would ask you to read it and see if you notice similar phenomena in your area. If so, we encourage you to leave comment (see bottom). A few weeks ago, Linda told me she wanted… more