THE VALUED VOICE

WHA Medicaid Policy Work Group Kicks Off 2019-21 Biennial Budget Planning

On May 3, WHA reconvened the WHA Medicaid Policy Work Group (MAWG) to assist in identifying the highest priority issues for WHA to advance during the 2019-21 biennial budget. The MAWG will meet over the next several months to guide the development of the WHA biennial budget strategy pertaining to Medicaid policy. The MAWG has provided valuable and informative feedback during the past several budget cycles.

Wisconsin Medicaid Director Heather Smith provided an overview of the Medicaid budget and administration priorities, which include opioid abuse, telehealth and health care workforce recruitment. Smith welcomed ideas from WHA membership as the Department of Health Services develops their agency budget this summer.

WHA President/CEO Eric Borgerding encouraged the Work Group to think creatively about targeted reimbursement strategies, and to think “beyond the hospital walls” to initiatives with community partners that influence overall population health and ensure other stakeholders are at the table.

Lisa Ellinger, WHA vice president, public policy, provided an overview of Medicaid funding and enrollment, a status report on the reinsurance (1332) and childless adult (1115) waivers, and facilitated a group discussion on reimbursement, financing, coverage, care coordination and population health.