Louisiana House Bill HCR43

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/29/19
• Engrossed: 4/30/19
• Passed: 5/6/19

Caption

Urges the secretary of La. Dept. of Health to reconsider the department's policy of excluding the majority of Medicaid enrollees from quarterly income verification

Impact

The resolution highlights the need for thorough eligibility reviews, particularly for the estimated one million Medicaid enrollees who are currently exempt from these checks. The legislative auditor has identified a concerning trend where around 8% of enrollees are found to be ineligible for benefits, indicating potential waste of state funds. By pushing for quarterly reviews, HCR43 could help ensure that Medicaid assistance is allocated to those who genuinely qualify, thereby potentially saving the state millions and improving program accountability.

Summary

HCR43 is a resolution urging the Louisiana Department of Health to reconsider its policy of excluding a significant portion of Medicaid enrollees from quarterly income eligibility verification. The bill stems from concerns regarding the rapid growth of Louisiana's Medicaid program, which saw a 124% increase in spending from 2009 to 2018, alongside a rise in the total state budget of only 19% during the same period. With the intent to curb Medicaid costs and ensure that expenditures are made correctly, the resolution aims to address the inefficiencies in how eligibility is determined for Medicaid expansion enrollees.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HCR43 appears supportive among legislators concerned about state spending, especially those advocating for fiscal responsibility. The resolution reflects a proactive approach to managing the Medicaid program, aligning with broader efforts to streamline government spending. However, it may also draw criticism from advocacy groups concerned about the potential implications for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children who may face increased barriers to eligibility verification.

Contention

Notably, there exists contention regarding the balance between ensuring fiscal responsibility and safeguarding access to essential healthcare services for vulnerable groups. While proponents see the need for verifying Medicaid eligibility to avoid misuse of state resources, opponents might argue that stringent verification processes could result in eligible individuals losing access to necessary health services due to bureaucratic hurdles. The challenge lies in implementing cost-control measures without adversely affecting those who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs.