House Republicans are again moving a solution through their chamber to contain Medicaid costs while improving patient health.
The measure recommended Wednesday by the House Health Committee is nearly identical to the bill that passed the House by a wide margin last year. It remains dramatically different from what the Senate envisions Medicaid reform to be and symbolizes the chasm between the two chambers.
The House bill plan envisions by mid-2020 nearly all Medicaid patients would be served by medical providers who receive a fixed amount of money for each patient they treat. Doctors and hospitals would assemble networks that enter agreements with the state.
Senate Republicans prefer giving private managed-care companies the chance to oversee large groups of patients. Senators warn the House plan won’t control costs sufficiently.