Local Dentist Recognized and Appointed to State Level Committee for Dentists

During the past two years, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) has made significant changes to the manner in which they administrate Medicaid and Medicare. One of the major changes they have made is switching to a Managed Care model. The result of this switch is that health care providers like doctors, dentists, and long term care facilities now coordinate health care with an insurance company instead of dealing directly with the State. To ensure that the insurance companies manage payments correctly and that the well being of patients is upheld, the Texas State Legislature passed legislation forming a new HHSC Managed Care Committee to provide oversight of the Medicaid/Medicare system.

This past week, HHSC made public their appointees to the new Managed Care Committee, and Dr. Adam Lalonde, owner of Los Fresnos Dental Center, received an appointment to the Committee. Dr. Lalonde will serve as the only dentist in Texas on the Committee. Other appointees from around the State include pediatricians, surgeons, hospital CEO’s, medical device manufacturers, and Medicaid/Medicare recipients. Dr. Lalonde is the only provider from the Valley on the Committee.

The number of patients receiving Medicaid/Medicare health care has risen substantially over the past ten years, and HHSC sees managed care as one way to help control costs. However, many health care providers worry that insurance companies will control costs by limiting treatment and restricting access to all types of care. Dr. Lalonde commented that, “I am honored to be appointed to the Managed Care Committee. Millions of children and elderly receive health care coordinated by insurance companies and I am committed to making sure patients’ rights are respected.”

When asked what he views as the greatest challenge currently facing the health delivery system, Dr. Lalonde responded, “Access to quality care is becoming more and more difficult. On one side sits insurance companies who are motivated to control costs. On the other side lie providers who have to deal with a difficult and convoluted system. But not enough people are talking about how to deliver the highest quality care to all patients. Speaking for them is what motivates me to help this committee.”