Medicaid

Governors are asking for more flexibility to administer Medicaid. In all likelihood that would be a good course of action if the purpose is to deliver appropriate care to those most in need. However, the governors are overlooking something that does not need federal approval. All across America communities are pursuing programs to improve health of local populations through support of healthy lifestyle. Evaluating these programs, measuring effectiveness and sharing lessons learned are the next steps. The governors need to elevate these programs on the public agenda. What if the governors were to establish a goal of reducing the need for Medicaid by 50% over the next ten years? Granted it would be a stretch but that is what goals are about.