Medicine Cardiology News Archive Featured in the Media JeffNEWS

Howard H. Weitz, M.D., a cardiologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, is the only Pennsylvania physician--and one of only three physicians nationwide--to be named to a new federal advisory commission that was convened to identify reforms to stabilize and strengthen Medicaid.

Dr. Weitz, who is co-director of the Jefferson Heart Institute, will serve as a non-voting member of the advisory committee, which also consists of health policy leaders, state health department officials, public policy organization representatives and others.

“I am honored to be asked to participate on such an important task force,” said Dr. Weitz, who is also professor of Medicine and vice chair of the Department of Medicine at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. “Strengthening Medicaid is necessary. It is America’s largest health care insurer providing coverage for more than 53 million Americans including low income families, the elderly and people with disabilities.”

The Medicaid commission is charged with submitting two reports to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. The first report, by September 1, will outline recommendations for Medicaid to achieve $10 billion in reductions in spending growth during the next five years. It will also suggest ways to begin meaningful long-term enhancements that can better serve beneficiaries. The second report, due December 31, 2006, will provide recommendations to help ensure the long-term sustainability of Medicaid.