January 18, 2006
Contact: Bev Pfeifer-Harms
Director of Communications
314.345.5500 office

MFH Publication Details Missouri's Medicaid Status

Offers update on state's enrollment, expenditures, eligibility levels

St. Louis -The Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) today released its 2006 "Missouri Medicaid Basics" publication, which outlines the basic facts of the state's current Medicaid system. Highlighted components include an explanation of key programs, eligibility and delivery systems of the state-administered program, along with data on the number of Missourians enrolled and the dollars spent during Fiscal Year 2005.

The 12-page paper breaks down the often complicated system and covers the fundamentals of the program. This is the second consecutive year that MFH has provided an overview of Missouri's Medicaid system, in an effort to inform policymakers and the general public about current health-related issues of interest. It is one of a series of publications by MFH in support of its mission to undertake health policy studies on topics of significance to Missouri and its residents.

This year's publication shows the changes made to eligibility levels as established by the Missouri legislature in 2005. However, this paper does not yet reflect the resulting reductions in enrollment implemented through the 2005 legislative action. Annual data on the effects of the 2005 Medicaid cuts and changes will not be available until July 2006.

"Missouri Medicaid Basics" is available online at www.mffh.org/policy-publications.html. Hard copies are also available by request at tbates@mffh.org.

Established in 2000, MFH is the largest non-governmental funder of community health activities in the state. The Foundation is in its fourth year of grantmaking, having issued more than $148 million in grants and awards to date. It is dedicated to serving the uninsured and underserved in 84 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis. For more information about MFH or its health policy studies, visit www.mffh.org.

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