The Medicaid program was highlighted today as part of a series of economic briefings for legislators provided by legislative staff. The program was well attended by legislators. Some interesting facts:

• Combined federal, state, and county expenditures for 2001-02 totaled $7,366,129,429

• Medicaid represents 15.3% of general fund appropriations

• Medicaid appropriations make up nearly 61% of the DHHS budget, $2.19 billion of the total $3.6 billion appropriation

• Medicaid hospital expenditures have declined from 26.9% to 21.5% while long term care services (adult care homes, ICF/MR, nursing facilities, personal care, home health, CAP) have increased from 18.5% to 35.8% of Medicaid expenditures for services.

• Drug expenditures have doubled from 8.2% to 17%

Members asked questions regarding optional services, limits on optional services, eligibility, and how Medicaid benefits compared to the benefits provided state employees under the state health plan.

Coalition 2001, a group of nearly 50 statewide MH/DD/SA organizations, hosts legislative breakfasts at the General Assembly to allow constituents to talk with their legislators about the treatment, support, and funding needs of the MH/DD/SA system. This year these breakfasts are particularly important. Nearly one-third of the members of the General Assembly are new and most have limited knowledge of mental illness and the treatment and support needs of individuals with mental illness and their families.

Coalition 2001 Legislative breakfasts will be held at 7am in the Legislative Building in Raleigh on:

March 12 Eastern Region
March 26 Central Region
April 2 Western Region

The 2003 North Carolina Guardianship Association conference will be held April 23-25, 2003 in Asheville. For more information call Brenda Spaanbroek at 919-782-4632 or 800-662-8706.