Medicaid patients to get free cell phones via 'Lifeline Assistance program'

Officials from Redwood City, Calif.-based health benefits management firm Medagate say they want to give cell phones to Medicaid beneficiaries in all 50 states to better communicate with patients, deliver health messages or reminders, and engage beneficiaries in wellness programs. Funded through the federal Lifeline Assistance program, beneficiaries receive the free phone, plus up to 250 free minutes of calling time per month. Announcement