EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 35

WHEREAS, a financially sustainable Alabama Medicaid Agency is a paramount priority of this administration;

WHEREAS, the Alabama Medicaid Agency is the largest recipient of General Fund dollars;

WHEREAS, the Alabama Medicaid Agency provides the aged, the blind, disabled and low income children and families in Alabama access to critical health care services;

WHEREAS, the current financing structure of the Alabama Medicaid Agency is unsustainable due to high and rising health care costs;

WHEREAS, a solvent Alabama Medicaid Agency is necessary for maintaining access to essential services; and,

WHEREAS, the State has an opportunity to more efficiently support quality health care services while helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the Alabama Medicaid Agency for those who need it.

NOW, THEREFORE, based upon these considerations, and for other good and valid reasons related thereto, I Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama, do hereby establish the Alabama Medicaid Advisory Commission (the “Commission”).  The Commission is created to make recommendations to the Governor prior to the 2013 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature.

The Commission shall consist of:

1.  The State Health Officer shall serve as Chair for the Commission;

2.  The Chairman of the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Medicaid Policy;

3.  The Vice-Chairman of the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Medicaid Policy;

4.  The Commissioner of Mental Health, or his or her designee;

5.  The Finance Director, or his or her designee;

6.  The Speaker of the House of Representatives, or his designee;

7.  The Senate President Pro Tempore, or his designee;

8.  The Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services, or his designee;

9.  Three members representing physicians including the appointment of two practicing physicians by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and the appointment of one practicing pediatrician by the Alabama Chapter – American Academy of Pediatrics;

10.  One member representing dentists appointed by the Governor;

11.  One member representing for-profit insurers appointed by the Governor;

12.  One member representing not-for-profit insurers appointed by the Governor;

13.  One member representing the business community appointed by the Governor;

14.  One member representing consumers appointed by the Governor;

15.  One member who shall be a registered pharmacist and engaged in active retail pharmacy appointed by the Governor;

16.  One member who shall be a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner appointed by the Governor;

17.  Two members appointed by the Alabama Nursing Home Association;

18.  Three members appointed by the Alabama Hospital Association, of which one shall represent a for-profit facility, one shall represent a non-profit facility, and one shall represent a rural facility;

19.  One member to represent both the Alabama Primary Health Care Association and the Alabama Rural Health Association;

20.  One member representing the hospice community appointed by the Governor;

21.  One member representing the dialysis care community appointed by the Governor; and

22.  Additional members as the Governor deems necessary.

All appointments by the Governor shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

BE IT ORDERED that the Chairman of the Commission may create an executive committee of no more than 10 members, including no more than one member from each chamber of Alabama Legislature, and any advisory committees that may be needed consisting of stakeholders related to the development of options for reforming the Alabama Medicaid Agency.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission shall adopt rules governing times and places for meetings and the manner of conducting its business. The Commission shall not meet less frequently than twice prior to rendering the recommendation to the Governor.  The Commission, and any committee of the Commission, may meet via teleconference. All Commission members shall serve without compensation.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission shall study the options for reforming the Alabama Medicaid Agency and shall make written recommendations to the Governor.  The recommendations shall address, at a minimum, the following: (i) an analysis of the financial needs of the Alabama Medicaid Agency; (ii) a long-term, sustainable financing model that meets budget limits on Medicaid spending; (iii) new care delivery models that support quality care and cost control; and (iv) an analysis of any potential methods of increasing  transparency and fairness in the system.  These recommendations shall be presented to the Governor by January 31, 2013, in order that any required legislation is prepared for consideration during the 2013 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that this Executive Order become effective immediately upon signing and shall remain in force until such time as it is modified or rescinded by the Governor.

DONE AND ORDERED this 25th day of October, 2012.

Robert Bentley

Governor

Attested

Beth Chapman

Secretary of State