Lawmakers Tackle Medicaid Reform

None by KCPW

Committee Convenes, Co-chair Sets Expectations

(KCPW News) State lawmakers today (yesterday) held their first meeting of a new committee aimed at reforming Utah's Medicaid system.

"The future isn't real bright in terms of funding the basic programs of Medicaid," says State Senator and Committee Co-Chair Sheldon Killpack.

Today's meeting and the next few will attempt to bring the 12 lawmakers on the committee up to speed on the extent of federal funding cuts and the growing needs that are pressuring the state's Medicaid offering. Killpack says one year is probably not long enough to solve what ails the system.

At best, Killpack hopes the committee will form the beginnings of a plan to better contain costs and administer basic Medicaid services. Proposals for consideration include buying prescription drugs in bulk, creating a list of preferred drugs for Medicaid patients and demanding greater accountability from enrollees.

Utah Department of Health Director David Sundwall delivered a series of requests to lawmakers on the committee, starting with a plea to "consider that Medicaid is not just a problem, but a blessing in the lives of about 265,000 Utahns currently qualified for it."

Sundwall assured lawmakers that Utah's Medicaid system is already one of the most efficient in the nation, with low administrative costs and very tight eligibility requirements. Sundwall also attempted to debunk prevailing misconceptions about the people who rely on Medicaid.

"Do you know the average Medicaid beneficiary is on it less than a year?" questioned Sundwall. "These are not chronically dependent welfare people, it's a transitory thing for most of them. Most of those move on once their life is in better shape and this is a program that gives access to much needed medical and long-term care for those in need."

Sundwall says he and the Governor are open to advice from lawmakers about ways to further streamline the Medicaid system in Utah. He also asked the committee to avoid sacrificing current public health programs to solve Medicaid funding shortfalls. Those programs include an obesity initiative, immunization advocacy and pandemic flu preparation. The Medicaid Interim Committee will meet at least once a month through the end of the year.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW