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Notes from the field: Nov. 25

By Richard Pizzi

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson wants to transform the state’s Medicaid program. A $300 million budget shortfall is spurring his efforts.

State budget cuts in Ohio have devastated safety-net programs for vulnerable populations, including healthcare programs.

The state of Maine is switching to a new Medicaid payment system in early 2010, and the transition has some providers nervous.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed an order establishing a state public health advocate.

Ratings news

Blanchard Valley Health System’s “consistent operating profitability” snags it an underlying ‘A-“ rating on revenue bonds from Fitch ratings. The northwest Ohio health system operates two acute care hospitals with total of 175 beds.

Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'BBB+' rating to the approximately $50.9 million South Lake County Hospital District revenue bonds issued on behalf of South Lake Hospital in Clermont, Fla. The ratings firm has also upgraded the rating on approximately $16.5 million outstanding series 2003 bonds to 'BBB+' from 'BBB'.