2007 Inspector General Special Projects

> Program Review of the Medicaid Reform Pilot Project - (September, 2007)

STATEMENT FROM THE SECRETARY REGARDING THE PROGRAM REVIEW OF THE MEDICAID REFORM PILOT PROJECT

Dear Interested Party:

Upon taking the role of Secretary of the Agency in January 2007, I set out to become as educated as possible on the history, structure and intent of the Medicaid Reform Pilot.  I also felt it very important to conduct an internal objective and unbiased assessment of the project separate and apart from the various external studies that are underway.  This type of evaluation is, I believe, essential to our ability to confidently advise Governor Crist and the Legislature on the future of Medicaid Reform.  I tasked the Inspector General's office within the Agency with conducting a review of the project, and the September 2007 report is the product of that review.  I am very pleased with the quality of the report, and I believe that it represents the type of independent, objective and thorough analysis I was seeking.

I am truly appreciative of the hard work, careful thought, and above all, strong leadership that were necessary to create the Medicaid Reform Pilot Project.  Our duty as an Agency is to now monitor the progress of Reform, take into account input from all sources and provide the same strong leadership in arriving at future decisions and recommendations regarding reform.  I look forward to continuing to work with you as we do so.  Please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or comments you may have.

Sincerely,

Andrew Agwunobi, M.D., Secretary
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Dr., MS #1
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-922-3809 phone
850-922-8806 fax