Close up image of a caretaker helping older woman walk

The Medicaid Commission’s recent recommendations are drawing sharp opposition from Democrats. They are concerned the changes will dramatically affect access to care.

The panel, which will submit its report to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt next month, said long-term care for the aging baby boomer population threatens to bankrupt Medicaid unless wide-ranging changes are made. The Bush administration has indicated it will try to cut Medicaid costs next year.

Among the panel’s recommendations: States should be allowed to enroll some of the sickest Medicaid recipients, including nursing home residents and people with disabilities, into managed care programs. Moreover, states should be given more freedom to change benefits and eligibility for the program. Congress also should rewrite the Medicaid law to encourage the use of home care and community services, instead of nursing homes and other institutions, the panel said.