Committee puts plan to consolidate Medicaid eligibility workers on hold

A legislative interim committee on Friday put on hold a suggestion to consolidate Medicaid eligibility workers under the Department of Workforce Services. And members proposed limiting Medicaid program growth to 5 percent in the coming year.

During what was to be its final meeting — the panel voted to seek legislative approval for a five-meeting extension — Medicaid Interim Committee members opted to take a neutral position on putting all eligibility workers under the Department of Workforce Services. But they voted to recommend program administrators not do anything to consolidate until another legislative committee can look at the issue.

Currently, both the Utah Department of Health, which houses Medicaid, and Workforce Services handle applications for the various Medicaid programs. Under consolidation, eligibility would be handled by Workforce Services and policy would fall to the Department of Health.

Consolidation of services is a "leap where we are not ready to take a leap," said Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden.

Several members of the community, particularly advocates for people with disabilities, expressed concern that such a consolidation would make it harder for senior citizens, people with disabilities and others to access programs. But proponents said the move would reduce confusion, provide "one-stop shopping" and fold into an upcoming new computer program better. And although there would be some initial costs associated with the change, over time it would save money, they predicted.

The growth-limitation motion, made by Rep. Michael E. Noel, R-Kanab, recommends a 5 percent limitation be placed on Medicaid budget growth for the next year while a more long-term growth formula for the program is developed. It, too, received committee approval.

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