News Release
HHS Secretary Names Medicaid Advisory Commission MembersHHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced 13 voting members and 15 non-voting members of an advisory commission charged with identifying reforms necessary to stabilize and strengthen Medicaid. Consisting of health policy leaders from both sides of the aisle, state health department officials, public policy organizations, individuals with disabilities and others with special expertise, the commission will submit its first report to Secretary Leavitt by Sept. 1. Through the FY 2006 budget agreement, the Department of Health and Human Services agreed to create this commission to develop proposals on the future of the Medicaid program. "In Washington and state capitols across America, there is consensus that now is the time to reform and modernize Medicaid," Secretary Leavitt said. "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." In addition, the Secretary is holding open two vacancies on the commission for current governors so that they may join after Sept. 1, 2005, when the commission focuses on the longer-term methods of modernizing the Medicaid program. The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices will serve as a working group tasked with informing the commission on the range of issues that will be considered. Former Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist will chair the commission and former Maine Governor Angus King will serve as vice-chair. The commission members are:
In addition to the voting members, the commission will consist of the following non-voting members:
The Medicaid commission must submit two reports to Secretary Leavitt. By Sept. 1, the commission will outline recommendations for Medicaid to achieve $10 billion in reductions in spending growth during the next five years as well as ways to begin meaningful long-term enhancements that can better serve beneficiaries. The commission, for its first report, also will consider potential performance goals for Medicaid as a basis of longer-term recommendations. The second report, due Dec. 31, 2006, will provide recommendations to help ensure the long-term sustainability of Medicaid. The proposals will address key issues such as:
A full copy of the commission's charter is available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/faca/mc/default.asp. |
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Last revised: July 8, 2005