Leavitt Appoints Medicaid Advisory Commission Members

WASHINGTON–Department of Health and Human Services Secretary
Mike Leavitt has appointed 28 members to a committee that will
advise the government on ways to slow the rapid growth of the
Medicaid program. The Medicaid Advisory Commission–which was
formed as a result of a 2006 budget compromise in Congress earlier
this year–is made up of health policy leaders, state health
department officials, public policy organizations, individuals with
disabilities and others with special expertise.

Former Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist will chair the commission,
and former Maine Gov. Angus King will serve as vice chair.

On Sept. 1, the committee will submit its first report, which
will suggest ways for Medicaid to save $10 billion in spending
growth during the next five years. The group’s final report, set
for December, will focus on the long-term sustainability of the
massive health care program, addressing issues such as ways to
provide long-term care and how to expand coverage to more Americans
while being fiscally responsible.

“I look forward to having a robust conversation in an open and
bipartisan manner with the commission members,” said Leavitt.
“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.”

Of the 28 committee members, only 13 have voting rights. Leavitt
also is holding open two spots for current governors so they can
join after Sept. 1, when the commission begins to concentrate on
long-term reform strategies.

The group will hold its first public meeting July 27 in
Washington, D.C. Visit www.cms.hhs.gov/advisorycommittees
for more information.

To view the commission’s charter, click here.