Public Forum on Reducing Medicaid Cost, Improving Efficiency to be Held at Hofstra University on Friday

ALBANY, NY (January 27, 2011) – The New York State Medicaid Redesign Team, created by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to conduct a comprehensive examination of New York's Medicaid program, will hold a public hearing on Friday at Hofstra University in Hempstead.

The forum is among seven regional hearings being conducted across the state to solicit suggestions from the public and stakeholders on ways to eliminate waste and inefficiency while improving quality in the Medicaid program. No pre-registration is required. Individuals wishing to speak will be asked to register on site. All presentations will be limited to two minutes to accommodate as many speakers as possible.

LONG ISLAND (Nassau County)
Friday, January 28
10 a.m. – 1 p.m
Hofstra University
The Student Center Theatre in the Mack Student Center
1000 Fulton Avenue
Hempstead, NY 11550

New York State Medicaid Director Jason Helgerson serves as executive director of the Medicaid Redesign Team. Co-chairs are Michael Dowling, President and CEO of North Shore LIJ Health system, and Dennis Rivera, former Chair of SEIU Healthcare and currently Senior Advisor to the International President of SEIU. The Team must submit its first report with findings and recommendations to Governor Cuomo by March 1 for consideration during the budget process. The Team will submit quarterly reports thereafter until the end of the 2011-2012 fiscal year, when it disbands.

"At its current rate of growth, New York's Medicaid program is unsustainable," said Dowling. "The Medicaid Redesign Team is seeking everyone's help in finding solutions to bring costs down while maintaining and improving quality. This is an open, participatory process. These hearings offer an opportunity for the general public as well as various stakeholders to offer their suggestions and be part of the solution."

The Medicaid program in New York State is administered by the New York State Department of Health under the leadership of newly confirmed Commissioner of Health Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. Suggestions for reforming New York's Medicaid program may also be submitted on the Medicaid Redesign web site at: http://www.health.ny.gov/medicaidredesign