On Wednesday, state Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, questioned Gov. Rick Scott’s budget staff about the priorities of a proposal that would provide additional funding to the state’s Medicaid program while slashing spending on education. #
This morning, Negron said he would introduce a Medicaid reform bill next week seeking “immediate savings” on the program that provides medical care to the needy. #
Members of Scott’s staff have said their plan allows the state a year to seek a federal waiver and shift the program to a managed-care model that would make private providers responsible for holding down costs, which would be up and running in 2012. #
Negron acknowledged that reform would take some time to phase in, but said budget cuts couldn’t wait another year. #
The Senate will hold a Medicaid presentation in its chambers on Tuesday, when some details of the reform plan will be announced. Negron said he plans to discuss the reform bill when the Health Appropriations panel he oversees meets the following Thursday. #
