Missouri legislation approved $34 million to spend towards Medicaid transformation for July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020. Since this approval, Generate Health, FLOURISH’S backbone organization, has built a Medicaid Collaborative to work with health systems and other groups advocating for Medicaid. This group aims to strategize around improving Medicaid for Missourians and hold decisionmakers accountable to a shared set of guiding principles.
“Medicaid transformation can be a game changer for addressing maternal and infant mortality in our state,” said Abby Buckhouse, manager of policy and advocacy at Generate Health. “For example, Ohio made these issues a major priority for its Medicaid funding, and over the past several years the state has seen multiple initiatives like FLOURISH make strides in major cities, while hospitals and managed care companies have also invested in maternal and infant mortality interventions. We’re trying to do the same thing here in St. Louis, but without the resources, we can only get so far.”
Many other organizations, including, Paraquad, Jamaa Birth Village, Missouri Family Health Council, and Missouri Health Care for All have joined the collaborative. The Medicaid Collaborative will recommend that policymakers adhere to these guidelines when considering any proposed changes to Medicaid:
- Put participants first, considering how proposed changes ultimately impact low-income children and families, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities.
- Ensure access to quality care for Medicaid recipients, removing barriers like lack of transportation to get to the doctor.
- Develop a culture of transparency by releasing outcomes data at least annually.
- Establish stability, accountability and oversight systems that ensure Medicaid works effectively for its participants.
Additionally, representatives from these organizations are outlining their strategic approach to advance Medicaid in Missouri that ultimately benefit its participants.
“Our main goal is to change the overall narrative of Medicaid, not Medicaid itself,” said Abby. “We don’t consider it Medicaid transformation so much as strengthening Medicaid. Medicaid should be most effective for those who receive it.”
More organizations are expected to join the Collaborative in the coming weeks. The group plans to begin meeting in December to address their approach going forward.
If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Abby Buckhouse at abuckhouse@generatehealthstl.org.
