Medicaid reform changes were announced with Governor Bill Walker’s intent to expand the program on Thursday.
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Valerie Davidson stated the federal monies for expansion will save Alaska approximately $6.6 million in general funds in the first year.
Davidson: “We’ve identified reforms that will save about $240 million in the next six years but we have planned additional reforms to the tune of an additional $330 million that are available over the next six years.”
One step already taken by the Department for reform…
Davidson: “We have retained a Medicaid redesign contractor who has come on board, we are actually going to be having a Webinar on July 27.”
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Heidi Drygas said in the first six years of expansion over 4,000 jobs will be added in various industries.
Drygas: “That will be jobs in the service industry, in construction, and in other industries. The Department of Labor is working with private sector partners to expand healthcare training to meet this local demand.”
Governor Walker sent his expansion intentions to the Legislative Budget and Audit committee.
The committee has 45 days wherein a number of things may happen: recommend that the state accept the federal and Mental Health Trust Fund Authority money as outlined in the Governor’s letter; recommend the state not accept that money; or provide no response.
The legislature may also call itself into a special session to address Medicaid expansion.