Home ›
Governor Jim Douglas Comments on State Issues in Federal Reform
Type:
From SCI
September 22, 2009
As we mentioned in Friday’s post, Governor Jim Douglas of Vermont spoke to the National Press Club on Thursday, September 17 about health care reforms in Vermont, his new initiative with the National Governors Association, and the impact of federal health reform on states.
Governor Douglas made several specific comments on the reform bills currently making their way through Congress. He commented on three main areas of the legislation:
- Insurance Reform. The Finance Committee bill lays out federal standards but allows states to maintain the majority of oversight in this area, which would enable federal reforms to be blended with current state efforts. Douglas supports the Finance Committee approach and points out that states will need time to phase in proposed changes in this area.
- Exchanges. Douglas believes it is critical that states manage the exchanges. This would enable states to integrate policies in the exchange with current state initiatives, such as health information exchanges, and to coordinate benefits in the exchange with those in Medicaid, income support programs and food stamps.
- Medicaid expansion. Douglas asks federal reformers to recognize the precarious financial position of states as they consider state matching rates for new Medicaid populations. He points out that there will be many new Medicaid enrollees who are currently eligible but not enrolled who – he believes –should be considered a part of the expansion population.
His comments can be viewed here, in the section from 19:40 – 24:10.
Our hands-on technical assistance is confidential, non-partisan, and supported by RWJF, so there is no cost to the state.



Post new comment