Senate Journal: Page 803: Tuesday, April 8, 2003
Senate Joint Resolution 4
On motion of Senator Iverson, Senate Joint Resolution 4, a joint
resolution proposing redesign of the Medicaid system, with report of
committee recommending passage, was taken up for consideration.
Senator Iverson moved that the resolution be read the last time
now and placed upon its passage, which motion prevailed by a voice
vote, and the resolution was read the last time.
WHEREAS, Iowa’s current medical assistance program cannot be
sustained in a manner that provides care for participants at the
current rate of growth as demonstrated by cost increases of more
than two percent per enrollee per month for the previous two years;
and
WHEREAS, Iowans deserve a health care safety net that provides
health care that is timely, effective, and responsive to their specific
needs; and
WHEREAS, Iowans would be better served if the current medical
assistance program were redesigned to create insurance-like products
that meets their needs; and
WHEREAS, Iowans would be better served, at a lower cost to
taxpayers, if persons who are at risk of becoming medical assistance
recipients due to their income, health, and current insurance status
could be identified and insured; and
WHEREAS, Iowa’s children and families would benefit from the
use of a medical home model that links children and families to an
ongoing source of medical care that ensures access to and appropriate
utilization of medical services including preventive services; and
WHEREAS, Iowa’s senior population should have more options
available to address their health care needs, including home and
community-based services and assisted living; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE
OF IOWA.
Section 1. A unified group including the governor, the general
assembly, and the department of human services shall seek all
waivers necessary from the centers for medicare and Medicaid of the
United States department of health and human services so that Iowa
will become a laboratory for the nation in redesigning the medical
assistance program. The redesign shall provide for such measures as
state-funded health care spending accounts for families on medical
© 2003 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
Comments about this site or page?
sjourn@legis.iowa.gov.
Please remember that the person listed above does not vote on bills. Direct all comments concerning legislation to State Legislators.
Last update: Wed Apr 9 13:05:00 CDT 2003
URL: /DOCS/GA/80GA/Session.1/SJournal/00800/00803.html
jhf