Also, regarding drawbacks of being a Medicaid patient, I have seen first-hand (a close relative), who was discharged from the hospital at the drop of a hat (much too soon), even when involved in a high-risk pregnancy, considerable pain, low blood pressure, swollen extremities, etc. The medical staff, although very competent and caring, said they had no choice due to new rules regarding Medicaid patients.
I know for Medicare, under Affordable Health Care Act, hospitals will be penalized 1% of their Medicare payments for Inpatient Readmissions. In total, 2,211 hospitals will lose some part of their inpatient Medicare payments in FY 2013.