Governor-elect John Bel Edwards named more cabinet-level officials Tuesday, including Dr. Rebekah Gee to head the Department of Health and Hospitals. A physician and the current Medicaid Medical Director for the state, Gee says she’s aware of the challenges ahead.
“We have just fallen to 50th in the ranking of United Health rankings, the worst state in the nation,” she noted, adding, “We believe we can do better.”
She points to Medicaid expansion as the first step in a better direction.
“In the first days of the administration, we will make the dreams of access to quality health care a reality by expanding Medicaid to our working folks,” Gee said
The Governor-elect backed up that statement.
“We will set in motion the Medicaid expansion very early on. It may actually be the second day,” Edwards said, eliciting chuckles from his staff and the reporters in attendance. “But within 24 hours of being sworn in, we will issue the executive order, is my expectation.”
Questioned further about the plans, Edwards also gave a target date for coverage to begin.
“July first is the day that I believe that the expansion will actually take place, in terms of having Medicaid cards in people’s wallets and so that they can access health care through that program.”
Asked if he meant enrollment would start then, he said no, and clarified, “We will actually work between now and then to go through all the eligibility and enrollment process associated with that.”
He was also asked about concerns that he and others have voiced about HCR 75, the legislative resolution passed last year to pave the way for this immediate Medicaid expansion. Edwards says not to worry.
“I am convinced that there is not a problem that can’t be adequately addressed in the regular legislative session that starts in March.”
In addition to Gee, other newly named department heads include Dr. Chuck Brown for DEQ, Jim Waskom for Homeland Security, and Ava Dejoie for the Workforce Commission. Johnny Bradberry, who served in Blanco’s cabinet as DOTD Secretary, will direct Coastal Affairs. Jimmy LeBlanc will remain as Public Safety and Corrections Secretary, and Butch Browning will stay on as State Fire Marshal.