Georgia Department of Community Health Announces Updated Medicaid Redesign Timeline
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has announced an updated timeline for the Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program/PeachCare for Kids®) Redesign Initiative.
“We expect to announce our decision about the new delivery model for the Medicaid and CHIP redesign this summer,” said DCH Commissioner David A. Cook. “We are extremely pleased that Medicaid stakeholders from around the state have provided significant input that is being fully evaluated. We are also doing extensive data and financial modeling of the various options for Medicaid going forward. Throughout the entire redesign process, we have remained steadfast in our desire to craft a redesign delivery model that balances patient need with long-term financial sustainability.”
DCH created three stakeholder task forces shortly after the Strategy Report was released in late January. Task force groups include the Aged, Blind and Disabled; Providers; and Children and Families and are comprised of physicians, hospitals and other health care providers, advocates, caregivers, sister agencies and others. An informal work group focusing on Mental Health and Substance Abuse has been formed as well. Each group has met multiple times to offer feedback, concerns and recommendations regarding the Redesign Initiative. These groups will continue to meet throughout the recommendation, procurement and implementation phases of the process.
Additionally, the department has taken into consideration input from more than 30 focus groups that met across the state last fall and more than 400 online survey responses. DCH continues to accept feedback at MyOpinion@dch.ga.gov.
DCH is projecting that it will begin the vendor procurement process to fulfill the redesign decision requirements with a Request for Proposals sometime this fall. Officials plan to award the vendor contract(s) in early 2013, with a projected implementation roll-out starting in the first half of 2014.
“DCH is fully aware of the impending U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the Affordable Care Act,” Cook said. “We are taking all possibilities into consideration as we weigh our options against our goals and strategies.”
About the Georgia Department of Community Health
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) conducts the business of health care for Georgians. Through effective planning, purchasing and oversight, DCH provides access to affordable, quality health care to millions of Georgians, including some of the state’s most vulnerable and underserved populations.
DCH is responsible for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids®, the State Health Benefit Plan, Healthcare Facility Regulation and Health Information Technology in Georgia.
David A. Cook serves as Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Community Health.
To learn more about DCH and its dedication to A Healthy Georgia, visit www.dch.georgia.gov and for more information about the Medicaid and CHIP Redesign Initiative, visit www.dch.georgia.gov/medicaidredesign.