The Speaker offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 151.

            A resolution to create a special committee on Medicaid reform and innovation to examine ways to improve the Medicaid program.

            Whereas, The Medicaid program is a federal-state partnership to provide health coverage for certain low income and medically needy individuals; and

            Whereas, For decades, the Medicaid program has become increasingly costly as the number of enrollees as well as the cost of services have risen.  Medicaid expenditures have escalated at a rate that exceeds the state's projected General Fund/General Purpose revenue growth.  Nearly a quarter of the state's GF/GP revenue growth is appropriated within the Medicaid program; and

            Whereas, In order to address the challenges facing this vitally important program, it is imperative that we study Michigan's current Medicaid system and examine the following issues with the goal to develop reforms:

· Improve technology and other efficiencies to save and secure Medicaid funding;

· Explore current and future health care needs of recipients; and

· Examine reform options to ensure the system remains viable for residents in the future

;now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That there be created a special committee on Medicaid reform and innovation comprised of eleven members appointed in the same manner as standing committees of the House of Representatives are appointed.  The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the Speaker of the House.

R 0308 '05