Sometimes things that seem scary at first can turn out to be really helpful, right?  Take insurance exchanges, for example.

The final recommendations of the Program Streamlining and State/Local Responsibilities Work Group of the State’s Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) are now out and up on the web.  As you may or may not know, this group was charged with the following duties:

• Identify the administrative hurdles that prevent New Yorkers from accessing the health care coverage they need.
• Explore ways to make enrollment easier by reducing paperwork and other administrative requirements while keeping in line with health reform.
• Consider consolidating programs to reduce confusion and administrative costs, with an emphasis on long term care.

Number one recommendation: New York should establish its own Exchange to best meet the needs of its residents and small businesses.

 Enough said.

To access the final report of the Program Streamlining and State/Local Responsibilities Work Group, click here. 

 Behavioral Health Reform Workgroup recommendations are also up, if you’re interested!