Public Employee Press

Political Action 2003
Roberts named to Medicaid task force

State Senate Majority Leader Joseph F. Bruno has appointed DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts to his new Medicaid Reform Task Force Advisory Board.

“This position will let me keep a sharp eye on the money,” said Ms. Roberts. “I will be working to make sure Medicaid funds are spent carefully to meet the needs of working people, the poor and our communities.”

Mr. Bruno created the bipartisan panel of health care experts and providers, health care employee unions and government leaders in June to help improve the state Medicaid system. The panel will hold public hearings and forums throughout the state before making its recommendations to the Senate Task Force on Medicaid Reform, which State Senator Kemp Hannon will chair.

“This advisory panel’s members bring a wealth of information and depth of perspective that are critical to making the task force a success,” said Senator Bruno.

Since 1995, Medicaid spending has increased by $17 billion, or 68 percent, for a statewide total of $41.3 billion for fiscal year 2003-04. The task force will focus on the fastest growing spending categories: prescription drugs and long term and acute care.