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Paragon Health Institute and Its Landmark Medicaid Reforms

Introduction
Paragon Health Institute, a prominent name in healthcare research, has announced a strategic enhancement to its online platform specifically designed for stakeholders in Medicaid. This update comes as the organization takes a critical stance against fraud and wasteful expenditure that have been prevalent within the program.

A New Resource for Policymakers
With the launch of its new issue library, Paragon aims to consolidate and provide crucial research findings that can guide policymakers and researchers. This library focuses on three core issues:
1. Ending discrimination against vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, the elderly, the disabled, and children.
2. Halting the practice of Medicaid money laundering that exploits taxpayers.
3. Advocating for practical reforms that reflect Americans’ common-sense demands for the Medicaid program.

The Impact of Medicaid Changes
Originally, Medicaid was structured to share financial responsibilities between states and the federal government. However, over the years, this burden has shifted disproportionately towards federal taxpayers, especially following changes introduced under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the ACA, the federal government began covering 90% of Medicaid costs for able-bodied adults while reducing financial contributions for traditional enrollees such as children and seniors, thus repurposing resources from the most vulnerable sectors.

Dismantling Medicaid Money Laundering
One of the most troubling practices highlighted by Paragon is the collusion between states and healthcare providers, resulting in systemic money laundering schemes. These schemes make use of dubious provider taxes and intergovernmental transfers, allowing states to offload their Medicaid financing responsibilities onto federal taxpayers, while local health providers reap significant profits. California has been identified as a notable perpetrator of these practices, funneling tax dollars to fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants at the expense of partnerships serving vulnerable populations.

Public Opinion and Demand for Reform
The findings from Paragon's recent polling data demonstrate a significant desire for reform among the American populace.

• - Over 80% of respondents indicated that able-bodied, working-age adults should meet employment criteria to continue receiving Medicaid benefits.
• - Two-thirds of Americans believe Medicaid should not allocate more funds for able-bodied adults than for other vulnerable groups.
• - A striking 80% of respondents oppose Medicaid payments to healthcare providers that exceed Medicare payments.

Paragon's Vision for the Future
Brian Blase, the president of Paragon Health Institute, is unwavering in his commitment to advocating for sensible reforms in Medicaid. He emphasizes the moral and economic obligations to alleviate discrimination against the most needy segments of the population. "The current structure, which favors able-bodied, childless adults at higher reimbursement rates than for children, seniors, and those with disabilities, must change," he stated on social media.

Conclusion
The initiatives by Paragon Health Institute go beyond merely adjusting another government program; they signify a pivotal effort to realign Medicaid to its fundamental purpose—to serve anyone in genuine need. By defending taxpayer interests and reinstating accountability within the program, Paragon seeks to empower all patients while proposing impactful solutions for the healthcare system overall. Founded in late 2021, Paragon is recognized as a non-profit entity dedicated to health policy research and the advocacy of market-oriented policies, consistently avoiding any lobbying efforts or industry funding.

For further insights into their ongoing research and policy proposals, interested parties are encouraged to visit Paragon Health Institute's research page.