Senate President Mike Haridopolos Lauds Medicaid Reform Bill

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, cheered the new Medicaid reform bill released Thursday by his fellow Republican senators -- Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, who chairs the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, and Sens. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Rene Garcia, R-Miami, who both serve on the committee.

The Senate has prepared a patient-centered Medicaid reform plan that provides effective medical care for people who use the program, while at the same time controlling costs that have spiraled out of control. If not for our efforts to reform Medicaid, the program would have continued to overtake the state budget and take needed resources away from other priorities like education, transportation and economic development. This plan also helps us control massive waste and fraud that costs Floridians billions of dollars a year.

I want to thank Senators Joe Negron, Don Gaetz and Rene Garcia for their leadership in development of this bill. The genesis of this reform plan began last summer as we toured the state seeking input from everyday Floridians. This legislation is an example of elected leaders listening to citizens and then responding to their needs.

"As we prepare for the 2011 legislative session, we look forward to working with our partners in the Florida House in ensuring final passage of a comprehensive Medicaid reform bill," Haridopolos said.

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