Posted on
September 5, 2020
in Reforming Medicaid in Louisiana
Medicaid enrollment in Louisiana has exceeded initial projections — As of November, 2017, 450,610 people were enrolled, as opposed to the 306,000 that were projected. Because of increased spending on Medicaid, Louisiana has ignored other priorities in the State, such as education and transportation. The Congressional Budget Office thinks that continued reliance on Medicaid will reduce incentives to work.
To reform Medicaid, Louisiana lawmakers should start to unwind expansion by freezing eligibility. Following that, Louisiana should submit a comprehensive waiver to reform Medicaid that could add consumer-driven options, increase wellness incentives, and more.