Capitol Report for April 30th, 2008

Transforming Healthcare in Missouri
Our current healthcare system is broken, inefficient, and ineffective. Healthcare costs continue to skyrocket, and the traditional model of healthcare is failing to meet the needs of Missouri’s citizens. Healthcare entitlements now compose over 1/3 of our state budget and yet, nearly 700,000 Missourians are without health coverage. This system cannot be reformed, it must be transformed if we are going to be successful in solving these problems.
Last year, the General Assembly transformed Missouri’s Medicaid system from a reactive healthcare model to a prevention driven system with the establishment of MoHealthNet. This new approach enabled patients to take control of their healthcare decisions, which will allow these healthcare consumers to make better healthcare decisions and demand accountability.
This year, the Missouri State Senate has continued working to find solutions to the challenges plaguing our healthcare system. As we work to finalize the legislative package, I believe we are on track to develop a solution that does not recklessly expand government entitlements, but does create a consumer driven model where low income Missourians are directly invested in their healthcare choices. This legislation will not only ensure more Missourians have access to healthcare coverage; it will also promote preventative care and greater transparency of healthcare costs.
As we enter the final weeks, the passage of the Healthcare Transformation Act will be at the top of our agenda. Most importantly, we must ensure that our healthcare policies are focused on driving down cost while increasing the efficiency and accountability of our healthcare system. I believe these solutions will only be successful if patients are invested in their healthcare and have the power to demand transparency, quality, and affordability.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.