With Medicaid managed care enrollment accelerating, policymakers must
quickly understand the lessons from the states so that the transition
to managed care strengthens access and care systems and avoids problem
s. Our study of five recent state experiences shows that state objecti
ves must be realistic and well planned. The experience of states with
long histories of managed care underscores the conclusion that managed
care is not a magic bullet for solving all access and cost concerns a
nd that no amount of managed care can substitute for adequately financ
ed programs that are well understood by beneficiaries, providers, and
health plans a like. The results highlight ten lessons from the states
.