Jul
24
Written by:
Elizabeth Roberts
7/24/2009 12:00 PM
I met with Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Gary Alexander and his staff yesterday for an update on the global Medicaid waiver, which is aimed at limiting spending on public health programs and adding flexibility in services through reform.
It’s clear the implementation of the global waiver will require focused and coordinated efforts on behalf of all the groups who rely on Medicaid for medical coverage, including children, adults with disabilities and those needing long-term care—Rhode Island’s most vulnerable populations.
Although I opposed the funding mechanism in the global waiver, I have championed for many years the underlying programmatic reform goals of providing more cost-effective services in community settings. Many questions and challenges still remain regarding the implementation of this wide-sweeping reform effort.
I do, however, see real opportunities for positive changes as groups that have not traditionally worked together are joining forces to influence how the global waiver is implemented.
Advocates for children, adults with disabilities, seniors and others needing long term care are at the same table working to make sure reforms are implemented in a way that best serves the most vulnerable. At a time when health care reform commands our attention nationally and locally, this coalition can become a positive force for needed reforms.
As leader of the Long-Term Care Coordinating Council, I will be carefully and vigorously monitoring the global waiver implementation process. Visit http://www.ltgov.ri.gov/longtermcare for more info on LTCCC and stay tuned here for more updates on the global waiver process.
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