Medicaid advisory panel reactivated

Louisiana’s once-defunct Medical Care Advisory Committee has been reactivated and new members have been appointed. A bill passed by the Legislature earlier this year also reorganizes the committee, which is charged with advising the Department of Health and Hospitals on the state’s Medicaid program. More than 1.2 million Louisiana adults and children receive health care services through the program, ranging from acute to long-term care. With the significant expansion of Medicaid being a major part of all the reform bills in Washington, it is anticipated the Medicaid rolls in Louisiana will grow to more than 1.6 million people, with most of the expansion population being adults. The added cost of this expansion exceeds $2 billion annually, with a $130 million state match. DHH Secretary Alan Levine says he always seeks feedback from affected stakeholders before a policy is implemented, and the reactivated committee will provide his department with good continuity and expertise. The committee will hold its first meeting in January to begin the process of revamping its bylaws and establishing an agenda. For a list of local members, click here.—Jeremy Alford