Reforming Government. Empowering Patients.
Medicaid and Health Safety Net Reform
Media Inquiries
Paragon policy analysts are available to discuss our analytics and advice on a broad range of topics, including, but not limited to:
– Public Health
– Private Health
– Medicare
– Medicaid
Note: Only inquiries from media entities will be considered; for any other requests, please contact us.
Deadline Contact
Paragon Communications Office [email protected]
Medicaid and Health Safety Net Reform
To transform Medicaid and the safety net to improve the well-being of the recipients and ensure that it is accountable to the taxpayers.
- The purpose of a health care safety net is articulated in Medicaid’s statutory charge: “Furnish rehabilitation and other services to help such families and individuals attain or retain capability for independence or self-care.” 42 USC 1396
- Medicaid delivers poor results, failing both those who rely on the program and taxpayers.
- Personal empowerment is essential to achieving fulfillment and prosperity as well as the best program outcomes.
- Overall well-being encompasses much more than medical care and is, in large part, a function of family, friends, community, work, and faith or sense of purpose.
- Medicaid’s current financial structure, with an open-ended federal reimbursement of state expenditures, leads to significant improper and inappropriate spending in the program that disproportionately benefits special interests rather than the intended recipients.
Goal 1: Accountable and Efficient Program
- Ensure that eligible recipients receive the most efficient services in the right setting and at the right time.
- Use proper incentives to maximize actual value for patients from public spending.
- Develop appropriate standards to assess the program’s outcomes.
- Realign incentives and reform financing so both the federal government and states are accountable for results and concerned about the value of the programs.
Goal 2: Improved Health and Well-being of Patients
- Give patients opportunities to choose holistic, individualized health care options.
- Empower recipients to improve health outcomes through proactive, healthy behavior, social and community engagement, and smart interactions with the health care system.
- Consider the overall impact of the variety of social welfare programs on recipients and their incentives to lead the most productive and meaningful lives.