Joint Center

Dr. Gail Christopher, vice president for Health, Women and Families at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and director of the Joint Center’s Health Policy Institute was named one of the 13 voting members of an advisory commission charged with identifying reforms necessary to stabilize and strengthen Medicaid by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

“The creation of this advisory commission to look at Medicaid cuts now being implemented or considered has caused intense debate,” Dr. Christopher said. “I look forward to participating because I think it is crucial for groups such as ours to have a voice in a process that has such an impact on the African-American and other minority communities.”

Medicaid covers 44 percent of African-American children, 72 percent of poor black children, 38 percent of poor African-American adults and 38 percent of poor black seniors.

The advisory commission consists of health policy leaders from both sides of the aisle, state health department officials, public policy organizations, individuals with disabilities and others.