Ignagni: "States Should Consider Unintended Consequences for Vulnerable
Populations"
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Health Insurance Plans
(AHIP) President and CEO Karen Ignagni made the following statement
regarding a new white paper on Medicaid issues just released by The George
Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services:
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040830/AHIPLOGO )
"The Medicaid program serves a unique role for over 58 million
low-income and disabled Americans who have no other source of health care
coverage. This new report shows the importance of ensuring all Medicaid
beneficiaries have access to comprehensive, broad-based benefits such as
those provided by Medicaid health plans.
"While we recognize the value of state innovation, we urge that states
proceed cautiously when considering defined contribution or limited benefit
approaches. As states proceed with reform efforts, they should consider the
potential unintended consequences for vulnerable populations covered by
Medicaid.
"The report also notes that comprehensive Medicaid health plans, when
appropriately funded, have the ability to improve the quality of care being
delivered to beneficiaries. Our members have been leaders in health care
innovation. We bring tools and techniques to public and private purchasers
that give consumers affordable and effective options. For Medicaid
beneficiaries, prevention, care coordination and disease management
programs can help improve their health care, while, at the same time,
offering long- term cost savings for states. State Medicaid reform
initiatives should build upon these successful programs."
To view the full report, please visit
http://www.ahip.org/content/pressrelease.aspx?docid=17541
America's Health Insurance Plans - Providing Health Benefits to More Than 200
Million Americans
SOURCE America's Health Insurance Plans
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Related links:
http://www.ahip.org
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040830/AHIPLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Mohit Ghose of AHIP, +1-202-778-8494
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