Alaska is one of six states chosen to participate in the 2015-2016 Medicaid Leadership Institute which will begin in October.
Governor Bill Walker said the invitation to participate is due to the Alaskan waivers applied for after his choice to accept federal funding for expanded Medicaid in July, the impacts of which can be seen locally.
Gov. Walker: “The revenues from that really go to the local hospital, the local providers. Central Peninsula Hospital will be a significant beneficiary of expanded Medicaid because services are provided now which go uncompensated, so now they’ll be compensated.”
The Institute brings together state health care directors and senior agency staff to teach them a curriculum designed to develop necessary skills necessary to provide high-quality, cost-effective healthcare through their Medicaid programs.
In regards to the program’s expansion designating state funding in the future if the federal government drops out, Walker said there is an escape plan in the contract and he is also still working on reform.
Gov. Walker: “I’m certainly working with some legislators on a reform package that will address some of the concerns by those who were concerned about accepting expanded Medicaid so I will much rather negotiate than litigate, so hopefully the negotiations will be fruitful and we’ll not continue to litigate.”
Representing Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services will be Director of Health Care Services Margaret Brodie and Deputy Commissioner Karen Forrest.
Other states named to participate in the Institute are Connecticut, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.