Blunt names MO HealthNet evaluation committee

MO HealthNet is a replacement of the state’s Medicaid system, for which the transition began Aug. 28. Under the program, enrollees will belong to health care homes that will be a central point of contact for them to get personalized health care plans, with the goal of preventing illnesses or catching them early.

The committee comprises two members each from the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate, one consumer representative, two primary care physicians, two nonprimary care physicians, one state hospital association representative, one nonphysician, two patient advocates, one dentist, one member of the public and representatives from the state departments of social services, mental health, and health and senior services.

Two Springfield professionals have been appointed: Craig D. Frazier, 42, president and CEO of Intuitive Medical Software LLC; and Dr. William D. Thousand, 57, dental director at Jordan Valley Community Dental Clinic.

Frazier’s term ends Oct. 30, 2009, and Thousand’s term ends Oct. 30, 2008. Both are subject to Senate confirmation.

“MO HealthNet will focus on health, wellness and prevention for our state’s most vulnerable people,” Blunt said in a news release. “This committee will be tasked with advising the Department of Social Services on the implementation of the new MO HealthNet program to help make certain we are doing everything possible to help serve the health care needs of participants.”