Medicaid is one of the largest programs run by State government with a budget of $1.7 billion in state and federal funds per year; the goal is to maximize savings while improving the quality of health care for Alaskans. In April of this year, the Legislature passed a Medicaid reform bill, SB 74. The Department of Health and Social Services has calculated savings from the bill to be $33 million next year and up to $113 million by fiscal year 2022. Reform measures include:
- Adding new tools to stop fraud and prevent waste and abuse of funds
- New delivery models focused on payments for quality health care
- Expanding the use of telemedicine
- Taking advantage of a change in federal rules to maximize 100% federal payments from Medicaid for Alaskans who are also eligible for Indian Health Services
- Expanding primary care management
- Monitoring and reporting requirements for reform measures
As Chair of the Senate Health and Social Services Committee, my staff and I were involved with my colleagues in drafting and passing SB 74. My office will continue to work on ways to improve our Medicaid program throughout the interim.
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