(AUSTIN) – Speaker Tom Craddick has announced the appointment of Rep. Dianne White Delisi to the Medicaid Reform Legislative Oversight Committee.


"Rep. Delisi is well versed in health care issues facing the state of Texas and has proven to be a leader in this area," Speaker Craddick said. "I can think of no one more suited to be part of this team as it faces such a challenging task."


"This will be an ambitious project, but health care is the second-largest item in our state budget and doing it right is critical. I am honored by Speaker Craddick's appointment and look forward to getting to work," Delisi said.


The Medicaid Reform Legislative Oversight Committee was created by Senate Bill 10 to facilitate the reform efforts by the 80th Legislature in regard to the Medicaid program.  The committee will oversee the process of addressing the issues of uncompensated hospital care, and the establishment of market driven programs addressing the uninsured. Specifically the committee will facilitate the design and development of any Medicaid waivers needed to affect reform and facilitate a smooth transition from existing Medicaid payment systems and benefit designs to a new model of Medicaid enabled by waiver or policy change by the Health and Human Services Commission.


The committee will consist of eight members, four members of the Senate appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and four members of the House appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Lieutenant Governor also assigns a Presiding Officer. The committee will submit a report to the Legislature not later than November 15, 2008.

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