Nashville Standard

Today, Representative Mark Green reintroduced the Medicaid Improvement and State Flexibility Act in the 119th Congress. The proposed legislation allows states to initiate pilot programs providing Medicaid recipients with a "swipe card" for primary care and medication purchases. Unused funds would be returned as an Earned Income Tax Credit at the year's end.

Rep. Green stated, “I reintroduced the Medicaid Improvement and State Flexibility Act to give Medicaid recipients more control over their healthcare. Implementing a ‘swipe card’ system will expand patient options in their primary care decisions. This will empower patients to make fiscally responsible decisions about their own health care.”

He further explained, “Granting states greater flexibility for innovation within Medicaid aligns with common sense and effective governance. We know that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work and that is especially true in medicine. This bill gives states the leeway they need to test pilot programs that will improve the healthcare experience for both doctors and Medicaid patients.”

Green emphasized benefits for rural residents: “For patients living in rural areas, healthcare access is often a major hardship. Implementing a swipe card will make it far easier for doctors to process payments from Medicaid patients. Allowing Medicaid recipients to use this card is like allowing those insured by private companies to use their health savings accounts. It puts patients in control of their own health. This will increase competition in the healthcare market, which will increase quality and drive down costs,” he concluded.

The bill has received cosponsorship from Representative Josh Brecheen and endorsement from Americans for Prosperity.

Background information reveals that Rep. Green introduced a similar bill in Tennessee's state senate in 2016, which passed but requires federal action for implementation.