WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) today announced the creation of a Medicaid Task Force to strengthen and sustain the critical program for the nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Upton announced that Health Subcommittee Vice Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) will chair the Republican task force. Upton’s announcement builds upon the Health Subcommittee’s substantial legislative efforts over the last several months.
“Medicaid was created 50 years ago to help the nation’s most vulnerable, and we owe it to folks to ensure we fulfill that promise of quality care," said Chairman Upton. “Rep. Guthrie and all the members of the task force will be important stewards as we work to strengthen and sustain Medicaid for years to come."
“Improving Medicaid services is an issue I have long been passionate about," said Rep. Guthrie. “Both patients and providers should have confidence that the Medicaid program is working properly. Together, my colleagues and I will examine the program to determine how to ensure the program is best serving the needs of those who rely on it. I look forward to working with my colleagues and all stakeholders to complement and build upon the important work the committee has already undertaken to improve the Medicaid program."
Upton appointed the following Energy and Commerce members to serve on the task force:
* Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) Chairman
* Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
* Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN)
* Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN)
* Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX)
* Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY)
* Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX)
* Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)
Medicaid was created in 1965 as a joint federal-state program to finance health care coverage for the low-income and the most vulnerable Americans. Medicaid is the nation’s largest health insurance program and has a significant, direct impact on the health care system, patients, and the federal budget. Medicaid currently covers more than 71 million Americans - more than Medicare - and up to 83 million may be covered at any one point in a given year.
The Health Subcommittee recently convened the following Medicaid-related hearings:
Nov. 3, 2015 - Examining Legislation to Improve Medicare and Medicaid
Oct. 23, 2015 - Reviewing the Accuracy of Medicaid and Exchange Eligibility Determinations
Sept. 18, 2015 - Improving the Medicaid Program for Beneficiaries
Sept. 11, 2015 - Strengthening Medicaid Program Integrity and Closing Loopholes
July 8, 2015 - Medicaid at 50: Strengthening and Sustaining the Program
June 24, 2015 - Examining the Administration’s Approval of Medicaid Demonstration Projects
