You are a top policy advisor for your state in relation to its Medicaid program. Your governor has asked for your input into an evaluation of the states existing Medicaid program in light of its escalating health care expenditures. This will require that you conduct an extensive review of the program, its current goals and objectives, and whether in its current form, it is able to meet these both cost-effectively and equitably.
In a 4-5 page paper, present your Medicaid program evaluation findings as well as any recommendations that you would make to your governor about ways that the Medicaid program might be revised going forward.
In your written response consider the following points:
What are the primary achievements of your states current program? Be specific and support with resource information.
What are current shortcomings that you have identified in your states program? Be specific.
As you look to re-design your states Medicaid program, what would be your primary policy decision-making goal? Effectiveness or Equity?
If Effectiveness is critical- how do your program design recommendations reflect this?
If Equity is critical- how do your program design recommendations reflect this?
In what ways can program changes be made that can increase effectiveness while maintaining equity?
What recommendations would you make to the governor to reduce program costs? To improve program outcomes? What are some potential unintended consequences of your recommendations?
Summarize your policy reform recommendations and reflect on whether Medicaid should be an Entitlement or Block Grant funded program. How does your perspective align with your primary policy decision-making goal?
