Health Department to Hold "Making Medicaid Better" Forum in Shreveport Dec. 8

The Department of Health and Hospitals is holding a series of "Making Medicaid Better" forums around the state through mid-December to further the dialogue with citizens and stakeholders on how to make Medicaid better and improve health outcomes by coordinating recipients' health care.

The "Making Medicaid Better" forum for the Northwest Louisiana region will take place today (Wednesday, Dec. 8), from 4-7 p.m. at Louisiana Technical College, 2010 N. Market St., in Shreveport (Google map). This is a public meeting, and media and members of the public are welcome to participate. No registration is required.

DHH will record the forum and make the video available at www.MakingMedicaidBetter.com as technology permits. The department is also posting questions received at each forum and answers from Medicaid staff at www.MakingMedicaidBetter.com. An agenda for this meeting is included below, and is available online.

The schedule of all Making Medicaid Better forums taking place around the state is online at www.MakingMedicaidBetter.com. This site is updated frequently as information becomes available, and the public is advised to visit the site often for the latest details. Visitors to the site also can review information about DHH's proposal to transform Medicaid, sign up to receive the Making Medicaid Better newsletter and submit their comments or questions electronically.

Making Medicaid Better Forum
December 8, 2010 * 4 p.m. * Louisiana Technical College

4 p.m.    Welcome and State of Health Care in Louisiana
Patrick Williams, Representative
Louisiana House of Representatives

Sherri Smith Cheek, Senator and Vice Chairwoman
Louisiana State Senate, Health & Welfare Committee

Bruce D. Greenstein, Secretary
Department of Health and Hospitals

4:15 p.m.    Plan for Managing Care in Louisiana
Rodney Wise, M.D., Medical Director
Department of Health and Hospitals

4:45 p.m.    A Shreveport Perspective on Managing Care
Willie White, M.D., CEO
David Raines Community Center

5 p.m.    Discussion and Question & Answer Session

7 p.m.    Closing and Schedule of Regional Meetings