Legislature(1997 - 1998)
04/21/1998 08:25 AM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 369 "An Act relating to Medicaid coverage for certain eligible children and pregnant women; relating to primary care case management and managed care services as optional services and to premiums and cost-sharing contributions under the Medicaid program; establishing the Healthy Families Alaska program; and providing for an effective date." JULIE WILD-CURRY, PROGRAM MANAGER, HEALTHY FAMILIES PROGRAM, FAIRBANKS spoke in support of the Healthy Families Program. She acknowledged the benefit of a control group, but stressed that resources would be better spent to provide services. She noted that the states of Hawaii and Arizona have conducted studies with control groups. Research showed that their programs resulted in a more nurturing home and environment and more positive parent child interaction. There were no cases of child abuse or neglect in those studied during a 10-year period. She summarized that the program can reduce the cost to society. HB 369 was HELD for further consideration during the meeting. HOUSE BILL NO. 369 "An Act relating to Medicaid coverage for certain eligible children and pregnant women; relating to primary care case management and managed care services as optional services and to premiums and cost-sharing contributions under the Medicaid program; establishing the Healthy Families Alaska program; and providing for an effective date." MARILYN KASMAR, ANCHORAGE spoke in support of HB 369. She maintained that it makes good sense to increase eligibility levels for Medicaid to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. There are 23,900 children and 800 pregnant women in Alaska that do not have insurance coverage. The expansion would offer coverage to 11,600 of the uninsured children and all 800 of the pregnant women. Uninsured children are more likely to have greater medical expense later in life. She noted that 41 states provide better care for pregnant women and children than Alaska. She asserted that the expansion could be paid through the $31 million dollar savings in the federal F/MAP rate (the federal match in Medicaid payments). She stressed that congressional leaders have indicated that reauthorization of the money will be difficult if it is not used for health care. For every .28 cents spent on health care for children Alaska will receive .72 cents from the federal government. HB 369 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
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