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August 28 is an exciting day in Missouri’s state health care system. Thanks to the vision of Governor Matt Blunt and the hard work of the Missouri General Assembly, the state’s new Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, becomes effective on this day. It marks a major turning point in the quality of care for Missouri citizens that depend on the state’s safety net health program for their care.
MO HealthNet is not simply a minor reform, but is a major new direction focused on health, wellness and prevention for participants. It embraces technology and emphasizes primary and preventive care in order to achieve better health outcomes. Participants will choose a health care home and health care provider that will actively engage them in creating a health care plan that is tailored to meet their individual needs. This ensures each participant, regardless of their condition, will receive optimal health care leading to a better quality of life. The first significant rate increase for physician related services was implemented July 1, 2007. The legislation establishing MO HealthNet, Senate Bill 577, sends a clear signal that this is the first in a series of expected increases that will enable more physicians to participate in the program leading to improved access.
Already, thousands of people are reaping the benefits from MO HealthNet’s new approach. Nearly 1,000 foster care youth became eligible to receive full medical benefits when the bill was signed into law on July 2nd. When fully implemented, more than 13,500 additional children could gain access to health care because of a change in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). And, nearly 30,000 people are already enrolled in the Chronic Care Improvement Program (CCIP), which matches participants suffering from chronic illnesses with a health care coordinator to develop an individualized health care plan. And, when implemented the new Ticket to Work Program will extend medical coverage to workers with disabilities.
These changes are indicative of the efforts being made to ensure MO HealthNet participants have access to quality health care. MO HealthNet’s goal is to achieve the highest possible level of care for each participant regardless of their health status. Outcomes will be closely monitored and changes will be made to ensure the new program serves Missourians well.
The problem of Missouri’s uninsured is complex and requires a multifaceted solution, which includes but is not solely dependent on MO HealthNet. I am excited about the direction of MO HealthNet and look forward to equally exciting opportunities as we continue the work to extend coverage to the state’s uninsured.
