Tarren Bragdon with members of the Right Angle Board.
This highly informative speaker's meeting provided insight on Medicaid, what it is today and where Medicaid Reform is headed. Tarren Bragdon, formerly from Maine, is President and CEO of The Foundation for Government Accountability for Florida. He and his family now live in Collier County. He is nationally recognized expert on health reform issues with a specialty in Medicaid Reform.
Mr. Bragdon gained some early political experience in Maine, being elected to the House of Representatives at the age of 21. He has advised various federal and state officials, including Governor Rick Scott, on Medicaid Reform and its implications. Mr. Bragdon presented us with a comparison of how actual costs have dramatically exceeded the estimates of projected costs in those states that implemented expanded Medicaid. Two states in his case study eventually were forced to reduce the coverage or the eligibility or both.
In the Q&A period, it was suggested that more Medicaid creates higher health costs for the general population since hospitals have to make up their losses. Another comment made was since Medicaid patients don't have co-pay obligations they are less apt to manage their healthcare usage.
Mr. Bragdon's PowerPoint charts were clear and his entire presentation was very well received by the club members.
Today, Jack Bream was recognized for his service to the Right Angle Men's Club since its founding. Jack provided many of our speakers and brought the AVID program to VCC. We are grateful for all he has done.
