Recent articles by David Levine from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=126272833 David Levine is a GOVERNING contributor. Medicaid Fraud: Is it Worth States’ Time to Fight it? http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-medicaid-fraud-fight-value.html As health care for the poor expands, so does the potential for Medicaid abuse. Three states’ experiences with fraud prevention give insight into its value. Will Insurance Ever Cover a Cancer Test That Saves Money, Lives? http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-cancer-test-saves-money-lives.html A test that could curb deaths from the leading cancer killer is fighting for approval. Communities Fill Dental-Coverage Holes http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-absent-dental-coverage-reform-communities-fill-gaps.html Rather than wait for lawmakers and insurers to provide adequate coverage, some dentists and public health advocates have taken it upon themselves to try to reduce the number of ER visits for dental problems. Can Iran's Health-House Model Help Mississippi Reduce Disparities? http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-iran-health-house-model-helps-mississippi-reduce-disparities.html Health-care stakeholders are watching Mississippi's experience with a system created in Iran in the 1980s closely to see if it's worth promoting nationwide. In Wake of Meningitis Outbreak, Who Will Oversee Compounding Pharmacies? http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-who-will-oversee-compounding-pharmacies.html Investigations uncovered a loophole that some compounding pharmacies exploited for financial gain. Now, regulators and policymakers must decide who’s going to close it -- the feds or the states. Georgia Counties Extend Health Insurance to Pets http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-georgia-counties-expand-insurance-to-pets.html Some public employees and residents now get 25 percent off all types of veterinary services. Prescription Drug Abuse Fight May Get Easier http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-prescription-drug-abuse-fight-may-get-easier.html Nearly every state has a program to track prescription drugs, but most lack the technology to keep up. Pilot programs in Indiana and Ohio may change that. As Health Exchange Deadline Looms, States Race Against the Clock http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-health-exchange-deadline-looms.html The more than 30 states that are scrambling to set up health insurance exchanges as mandated by the federal health-care law have several options for meeting a Nov. 16 deadline. 2 States Try to Tackle Medical Malpractice Reform http://www.governing.com/columns/col-states-tackles-medical-malpractice-reform.html At the root of both Massachusetts' and Oregon's reform efforts is creation of open and honest dialogue -- something missing from most malpractice cases. Michigan Fights Obesity with a 4x4 http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-michigan-fights-obesity.html The state is encouraging residents to abide by four healthy behaviors and monitor four health measures. Now all it has to do is convince people to follow the plan. Killing the Medicaid Expansion Controversy http://www.governing.com/columns/col-killing-medicaid-expansion-controversy.html There are benefits to expanding Medicaid -- like reduced death rates, according to a new study -- but what are the real costs? How Food Stamps Reduced Louisiana's Uninsured Children’s Rate http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-how-food-stamps-reduced-uninsured-childrens-rate.html Louisiana was the first state to embrace “express lane eligibility." Rewarding Preventive Care in South Carolina http://www.governing.com/columns/col-rewarding-preventive-care-in-south-carolina.html South Carolina has set out to end fee-for-service payments and instead put money in the pockets of providers who create healthier populations. Medical Tourism Saves Government Money http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-medical-tourism-saves-government-money.html Even when you include airfare and meals, having public employees travel abroad for health care -- which a growing number of public entities are offering as an option -- can be significantly cheaper. Is Dual-Eligible Coordination Moving Too Fast? http://www.governing.com/columns/col-feds-dual-eligible-coordination.html Some say the feds and states need to slow down their efforts to coordinate care for the millions eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.