Monday, July 2, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Mo HealthNet Bill, Marks Important Step Forward for Health, Wellness
Mo HealthNet's Expanded Program for Foster Children will Improve Health Care for MissouriansSIKESTON– Gov. Matt Blunt today signed legislation to enact Mo HealthNet, his initiative to provide a better health care program for low income Missourians. In a visit to the Ferguson Medical Group Rural Health Clinic, the governor highlighted the benefits of one of the initiatives key features: the health care home.
“Under Mo HealthNet, patients who participate will have a homebase for health care where professionals know them as individuals and can recommend care, early detection and preventative actions to improve their overall health,” Gov. Blunt said. “Preventing or treating health care problems before they become hospital emergencies will dramatically improve the quality of life and care for Missourians.”
A health care home is the most effective way for both health professionals and patients to address health concerns before they become catastrophic. Providing access to a health care home will improve participants’ health, reduce the need for costly specialty services, reduce non essential emergency room visits, and lower preventable hospitalizations. The program enhances care by giving health care providers access to the tools and information they need, such as patients’ medical history, prescription information, and chronic illness history. It also introduces incentives for providers to spend more time with Mo HealthNet participants.
“I think the Health Care Home will be a significant help in the care of our patients. I would envision that it will improve the quality of care that we can deliver and make care less fragmented. Also with patient safety concerns rising over several recent reports, the Health Care Home will also protect the patient from errors caused by having numerous providers of care. I look forward to being able to provide improved health care delivery to our patients,” said S. Gordon Jones, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
Mo HealthNet stands apart from what any other state has done or is doing. Missouri’s program puts people first, increases choice, improves quality and promotes preventative care. It transforms Missouri’s health care safety net, empowers Missourians to be participants and focuses on health and wellness.
The governor signed Senate Bill 577, sponsored by Sen. Charlie Shields, to authorize the improved health care access plan for Missouri. Mo HealthNet:
- Replaces the failing Medicaid system to improve health care for low income Missourians
- Delivers on the promise to create an innovative health care system to deliver 21st Century health care to Missourians
- Promotes prevention, health and wellness
- Recognizes the importance of personal attention and a personalized health plan
- Gives participants the option to choose their health care home (A health care home provides a central point of contact for participants and ensures each is treated as an individual, not a number)
- Expands health care to working Missourians with disabilities
- Expands care to foster children until they are 21 years of age
- Allows more children to be eligible for health coverage under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
- Increases health care coverage for the lower-income working uninsured
- Embraces technology to improve health care safety and quality
- Provides additional tools for furthering the fight against fraud and abuse of taxpayer resources
“This lays a new foundation in our approach to health by focusing on prevention and wellness rather than only treating people when they are sick,” said Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons.
“People deserve to live better, healthier lives,” said sponsor Sen. Charlie Shields. “HealthNet will provide quality care to our vulnerable citizens while spending taxpayers’ money wisely.”