December 9, 2003
Access to Health Insurance, Medicaid Lead List of State Health Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the states’ fiscal crisis shows signs of subsiding, the health policy priorities of the nation’s health leaders seems to be changing, says a National Conference of State Legislatures survey of state health policy leaders.
“This time last year, as states were awash in red ink, most health policy leaders were talking about closing a Medicaid budget gap,” said Lee Dixon, director of NCSL’s Health Policy Tracking Service. “What we’ve found this year is as state revenues become more stable, states are able to address other pressing needs that might have been further down the wish list during the lean budget years.”
Results of the 2004 State Health Care Priorities Survey show that while overall Medicaid costs are still a pressing issue, access to health insurance has become the nation’s health policy leaders number one issue.
Survey results by the numbers:
| 43 | States are likely to address access to health insurance; |
| 42 | States may address pharmaceutical cost control measures in their Medicaid programs; |
| 41 | States may consider creation of or modifications to pharmaceutical assistance programs; |
| 38 | States are expected to address a Medicaid budget shortfall; |
| 34 | States may address nursing home quality and safety issues; |
| 34 | States are likely to address nutrition and obesity issues; |
| 34 | States are likely to consider measures addressing childhood diabetes programs; |
| 33 | States may consider changing nursing home reimbursement rates; |
| 33 | States are expected to review or modify assisted living regulations; and |
| 32 | States may consider creating or expanding intrastate prescription drug bulk purchasing pools. |
The release of NCSL’s 2004 State Health Care Priorities Survey comes as the nation’s state legislative health committee chairs and other leaders gather in Washington, D.C. Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss these and other important issues. Journalists are welcome to attend the Health Leaders Seminar meetings. For more information, visit NCSL’s website at www.ncsl.org.
NCSL’s Health Policy Tracking Service conducted a survey of state health policymakers to anticipate the issues, priorities and initiatives that may be addressed in the upcoming legislative session. Participants in the survey include state legislators, legislative staff and executive agencies in 49 of 50 states (Mississippi did not respond).
Copies of the report can be obtained by contacting NCSL’s Health Policy Tracking Service at 202-624-5400 or by e-mail at info@hpts.org
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. They provide research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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