Members Appointed to Federal Medicaid Commission
On July 8, 2005, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary
Mike Leavitt announced the official formation of a federal Medicaid commission
charged with recommending short-term and long-term reforms to the program.
The panel consists of 13 voting members and 15 non-voting members. It was
created as a result of negotiations over the fiscal year 2006 federal budget
and will be required to submit two reports. The first, which must be submitted
by Sept. 1, 2005, will include recommendations on how to reduce Medicaid
spending growth by $10 billion over the next five years. The second report,
due December 31, 2006, will include recommendations for stabilizing Medicaid
over the long term, focusing specifically on "how to expand coverage
to more Americans while still being fiscally responsible; ways to provide
long-term care to those who need it; a review of eligibility, benefits,
design, and delivery; and improved quality of care, choice, and beneficiary
satisfaction," Leavitt said.
Leavitt also stated, "In Washington and state capitols
across America, there is consensus that now is the time to reform and modernize
Medicaid. I look forward to having a robust conversation in an open and
bipartisan manner with the commission members. Together with Congress and
the states, we will create a plan that will better help Medicaid fulfill
its commitment to quality care in a way that is financially sustainable." The committee’s first meeting will take place on July 27, 2005.
Source: Medical News Today, 7-12-05
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