MHPA Commends North Carolina Senate on Medicaid Reform Plan

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA), the leading advocacy organization representing Medicaid managed care organizations, congratulates North Carolina's Senate for approving on second reading a real Medicaid reform plan that will deliver coordinated, high quality care to the needy in The Tar Heel State while providing much needed budget predictability for state taxpayers.

North Carolina's yearly Medicaid budget is now over $13 billion, and has required nearly $2 billion in additional state funds over the last five years.  Because of the negative effect on other state priorities, Governor McCrory wisely proposed in April 2013 to reform Medicaid using a managed care model that is used by the majority of states to provide better care for less money.

"We applaud the Senate's efforts to do what's best for not only the health of North Carolina's underserved, but also for the fiscal health of the state," said Jeff Myers, MHPA's president and CEO. "An outlier among its southern neighbors, North Carolina is finally following in the footsteps of 37 other states -- including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas -- that know that moving from a fragmented system of care to mainstream use of capitated risk-based plans really works.  Insurers, doctors, and hospitals working together on a level playing field will provide higher quality care for less cost."

"We also commend Governor McCrory for starting the process of moving Medicaid to being more responsive to the citizens of North Carolina," Myers added. "We look forward to working with the administration, state legislators, and the other key health care players at the table as we strive toward the shared goal of providing quality coordinated care for Medicaid beneficiaries while providing budget stability and savings for North Carolina taxpayers."

About MHPA

Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA) is the leading national trade association solely focused on representing the universe of Medicaid health plans. Specifically, MHPA works on the behalf of 117 commercial and non-profit member health plans that serve over 18 million lives. MHPA provides advocacy, research and organized forums that support the development of policy solutions to enhance the delivery of quality health care to Americans in need. For more information, visit Medicaid Health Plans of America at http://www.mhpa.org.

Contact: Joe Reblando
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SOURCE Medicaid Health Plans of America