Conclusion

An alternative to uncontrolled Medicaid growth exists. It is not simple, and in many ways it is unsettling. It will require expanded eligibility for certain populations. It will require standing up to powerful interest groups. It will require dedicated staff. The alternative will not stop Medicaid budget growth, but it will lower the rate of that growth. It will provide policy-makers with significantly greater control over costs and health outcomes. It will introduce some of the efficiency of the marketplace into Medicaid programs. And it will allow patients and providers to make more of their own decisions.

"An alternative to uncontrolled Medicaid growth exists."

Out-of-control increases in Medicaid costs are not inevitable. But if reforms are not made soon, the question in a few years will be: Why didn't policy-makers take control of our destiny when they had the chance?

NOTE: Nothing written here should be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the National Center for Policy Analysis or as an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any bill before Congress.