Treating for wellness: The New NY Medicaid Director

According to Jason Turner at the Room For Debate blog at the New York Times, Jason Helgerson, the new Director of Medicaid in New York State, should shift the care system to pay for performance, which will encourage wellness for those relying on the system for treatment of their mental health issues. One way to do this is to encourage the patients to work and take their treatments. This also allows for the Medicaid system to improve, as patients can be monitored in their day to day behavior.

What do you think? Will the new New York Medicaid Director bring improvements to the care for mental workers? Or do you disagree with Turner's stance on the Medicaid treatment of those with mental health problems?

One of the focuses at this year's Medicaid Managed Care Congress, taking place May 18-20, 2011, in Baltimore Maryland, will be on using a holistic approach to treating Medicaid members. Be sure to stay tuned to the webpage, as the exciting 2011 Agenda will be released soon!