And the Answer is... “I Don’t Know”

The first tenet of Medicine taught to me at UNC-Chapel Hill many years ago:

If you don’t know the clinical answer, don’t guess; but rather, you should politely state “I don’t know.” At the earliest possible time, you should research the question, find the answer, and swiftly return with the correct information.

To those who ponder the present course of Medicaid Reform in Florida and are awaiting my input on the likelihood of success/failure for the pilot program, my answer is simply, “I don’t know.” It remains to be seen which direction of leadership our new Governor and Secretary of AHCA will pursue as they undertake the responsibility of implementing legislatively mandated Medicaid Reform in the Sunshine State. Most assuredly, the Medicaid Reform Advocates Coalition and other like-minded organizations and individuals are all hopeful that positive reform will occur in a manner that protects and promotes the delivery of sound, accessible, and affordable Health Care for Florida’s most vulnerable Patients. Furthermore, it is desirable for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention outreach and education to become heightened in the wake of Florida’s Medicaid Reform initiative.

Will Florida become a beacon amongst Medicaid Reform efforts throughout the Nation? I don’t know. Will Floridians be assured top-quality Health Care for all? I don’t know. Will mismanaged and neglectful treatment of Florida’s Medicaid community prevail with the new leadership brass in Tallahassee? I don’t know. Unlike the tenet taught to me in Chapel Hill, I cannot scurry around the corner and learn the answer to the preceding questions. Only time will tell.

In the interim, I encourage all Patients, Family Members, and Providers to share your thoughts on Medicaid Reform with the Medicaid Reform Advocates Coalition.

Categorically, I do know that we can make a positive difference by banding together for the betterment of Health Care delivery throughout the Medicaid community and throughout the State of Florida.

Sincerely,

Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr.