As I move forward in this campaign I am meeting a lot of good people here in the 103rd District, and I am being asked many pertinent questions relative to the issues and my campaign. In an effort to reinforce my commitment to "return to a truly representative state legislature, I would like to use this forum to share these questions and answers with you.

Q: "What do you see as the role of the 'Medicaid Inspector General?'  Would you have a job description in mind?  If so that would be a fair response." (See April 14 blog post.)

A: Great question. 

The office of "Medicaid Inspector General" would be created by legislation as an independent entity within the Michigan Department of Health to improve and preserve the integrity of the Medicaid program by conducting and coordinating fraud, waste, and abuse control activities for all state agencies responsible for services funded by Medicaid.  Simply stated, the mission of the office of Medicaid Inspector General would be to improve the efficiency and accountability of the Michigan Medicaid program by preventing and detecting fraudulent, wasteful, and abusive practices within the Medicaid program.

This type of legislation is what my campaign is all about--reform and reduction of waste within our state.  I like to refer to these types of initiatives as having a "payback bonus" attached to them.  Not only would we reduce the waste and fraud in the Medicaid system, but the revenue saved could be used to fund the office itself, and also provide a positive return on this investment to the state budget, which in part, would help eliminate the need to raise state taxes.

It would also provide benefits for the uninsured lower- and fixed-income residents, as well as providing residual benefits for the health care provider community by reducing unnecessary and redundant paperwork and creating efficiencies within the Medicaid system itself.

This is just one of many examples of the "low-hanging fruit" that is there for the picking within our great state that will ultimately yield a more efficient, cost effective, and fiscally responsible state government.  These initiatives will help us achieve what every taxpayer in the state is demanding: LOWER TAXES.

Once again thank you for your question, and I encourage everyone to send me your thoughts, questions, opinions, and issues.  As your State Representative my goal will be to achieve an honest and open dialog with every resident of our district.  It will be through this commitment and effort that Michigan can return to a "truly representative state legislature."