ADA backs bipartisan commission on Medicaid reform
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Posted Feb. 14, 2005 |
By Craig Palmer Washington — The Association offered "strong support" for legislation announced Feb. 9 by Sens. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) and Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) to establish a bipartisan commission on Medicaid and the uninsured.
"As Congress and individual states begin to contemplate and propose Medicaid reform options, it is critical to ensure an open dialogue with all Medicaid stakeholders," ADA President Richard Haught and Executive Director James B. Bramson said in letters to the sponsors. "Your commission would allow policymakers, practitioners, provider institutions, patients and others to work together to provide necessary reforms to this important program.
"The Association looks forward to working with you to pass this legislation and address ways to strengthen and improve the dental Medicaid program and the Medicaid program as a whole."
The legislation has 12 Senate cosponsors and the support of more than 20 national organizations. Reps. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.) and Donna Christensen (D-V.I.) said they would introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
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