Medicaid Funding Reductions
ALDA Executive Director, Dr. Zack Studstill, participated in a meeting called by Dr. Don Williamson, State Health Officer to discuss required Medicaid funding cuts for the remainder of fiscal 2012. Dr. Williamson asked each group represented to suggest cost savings in their area that could be considered by Medicaid. There are no cost saving suggestions that will not be costly to both patients and Medicaid providers. However, we must be at the table and seek workable solutions.
On a related item, ALDA has joined with other health care groups in supporting cigarette user fee legislation. Income generated from the fees would go directly to support Medicaid funding both now and in the future. However, Governor Bentley has so far resisted supporting this legislation citing his campaign pledge of no new taxes. You can help your Association's effort to support Dental Medicaid Funding by calling or emailing the Governor's office and urging the Governor to demonstrate his leadership and commitment to the health of Alabama Citizen's by agreeing to sign into law cigarette user fee or tax legislation passed by the legislature for Medicaid Funding.