Consumer Choice in Medicaid Reform: Analysis of Medicaid reform in Florida and West Virginia

Abstract

This paper focuses on Florida and West Virginia in particular because these two states have offered some of the most radical steps toward changes in the Medicaid system. Many advocates have highlighted Florida in particular as taking a step in the right direction toward reform. . . . West Virginia, in turn, has presented a plan that places many of recipients who do not comply to a written agreement at risk of losing needed benefits. This paper explores how these reforms have fared in accomplishing their intended goals as well as each of plan's ability to meet expectations of healthcare critics: Have these reforms slowed the spiraling costs of healthcare? How much do the new programs cost Medicaid recipients? How have reforms affected quality care for Medicaid recipients? Do recipients have greater freedom of choice? Are states taking sufficient steps to improve the health of Medicaid recipients, both in the short term and long term? [From introductory section]