Medical Society Endorses Medicaid Redesign Report

ALBANY, NY (03/09/2011)(readMedia)-- The report of Governor Cuomo's Medicaid Redesign Team was the top agenda item of the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) this week. After lengthy discussion and careful consideration of the Medicaid Redesign Team's 79 proposals, MSSNY's Council – representing physicians and medical students across the state – issued the following statement:

"The Medical Society of the State of New York will support the report of the Medicaid Redesign Team, as incorporated into Governor Cuomo's Budget Amendment, if, and only if, the Medical Liability Reform proposals remain intact. The Medical Society of the State of New York has decided to support this Report for one overriding reason --Medical Liability Reform. Medical liability reform is the linchpin of successful reform; Medical Liability Reform is Medicaid Reform. Without Medical Liability Reform, specifically, the $250,000 cap on non-economic damages, the Redesign Plan is not sustainable. Without medical liability reform, the Medical Society will not support this report.

Like many of our colleague organizations, the Medical Society of the State of New York has concerns with some of the recommendations in the Report. We will continue to advocate for the physicians and patients of New York State. We will seek changes in the Medicaid program to address inadequate physician payments; unwarranted non-physician scope-of-practice expansions; and insurer surcharges on payments for physicians' services. We look forward to working with Governor Cuomo, the Legislature, and other like-minded organizations to achieve meaningful medical liability tort reform and Medicaid reform."

In a unique and innovative stroke, Governor Cuomo brought significant stakeholders to the negotiating table, rather than fight with them. The Medical Society of the State of New York applauds the Governor's visionary efforts to improve the Medicaid and healthcare systems in New York State. We are especially pleased that he recognizes the need for meaningful tort reform.

Proposed liability reforms in the Medicaid Redesign Team's proposals include a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages, a medical indemnity fund for neurologically impaired infants, disclosure of expert witnesses, peer review confidentiality and certificate of merit reforms. These reforms could produce an almost-25% reduction in medical liability premiums.

For additional information and/or to arrange interviews, please contact Lynda Lees Adams (ladams@mssny.org, 516-750-7344.