Medicaid

The change started April 1.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A new state provision says health care providers can’t receive Medicaid funds from insurers if there has been a work stoppage at the facility in the last five years, unless workers have since unionized or there’s a “labor peace agreement"; the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources wants to attract more people to the outdoors, and is targeting communities that have historically been excluded or lack resources to engage in outdoor activities; and we preview March Madness and look back on previous tournaments hosted in the city.

Efforts to unionize healthcare workers in Pittsburgh and across the state may be getting a shot in the arm, thanks to a little-noted change the state wants to make in its handling of Medicaid funds.

State officials say they are working to make sure as few people as possible lose coverage.

The increase in the number of children enrolled in the program is likely due to the pandemic’s economic impacts, such as the loss of jobs or income, as well as to rule changes early in the pandemic.

On today’s program: A preview of the race for Pat Toomey’s Senate seat, which a pool of candidates are vying to fill, most recently including Congressman Conor Lamb; we learn what impact a year of postpartum health care coverage could have on parents when Medicaid access is expanded in April; and how Allegheny County is vaccinating raccoons against rabies.

On this week's Explainer: Sam Dunklau on GOP efforts to change the state's election laws; Sarah Boden on what it costs for care at UPMC Presbyterian; and Kate Giammarise discusses concerns among some lawmakers over a proposal to outsource some Medicaid services.

Enrollment in the program is up more than 14% in Pennsylvania.

There are many ways to measure the pain being felt by people in Cumberland County.More families in the region are becoming homeless, social services…

On today's program: Reporter Kate Giammarise explains why fewer people are receiving welfare from the state, despite the pandemic’s ongoing economic…