Beech Tree News Network

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 6, 2025) — Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield, has been appointed to the newly established Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (MOAB), a legislative panel created to improve transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline within Kentucky’s $17 billion Medicaid program.

The board was formed through House Bill (HB) 695, which was enacted during the 2025 Legislative Session. The legislation strengthens oversight of Kentucky’s largest government program, promotes work and community engagement for able-bodied adults, and requires legislative approval for significant policy changes.

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, announced Meredith’s appointment alongside other Senate selections, including Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville (co-chair), Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, and Sen. Craig Richardson, R-Hopkinsville.

“Steve’s deep-rooted experience as a longtime hospital administrator makes him an outstanding choice for this critical oversight and advisory board,” Stivers said. “His extensive knowledge of the unique challenges facing Kentucky’s rural hospitals makes him an invaluable asset as we consider potential federal changes to Medicaid that may impact us at the state level.”

Meredith is co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services and serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Education; and Families and Children. 

“Medicaid is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians, especially in our rural communities,” Meredith said. “But like any major program, it requires careful oversight and accountability. This board will give lawmakers a stronger role in identifying inefficiencies and ensuring Medicaid remains sustainable and effective for the rural residents who depend on it most.”

MOAB will meet monthly to review Medicaid spending, contracts, service delivery, and performance metrics. The board will also monitor implementation of reforms, evaluate managed care efficiency, and advise on policy changes needed to improve outcomes and reduce administrative waste.

The board includes 10 voting legislative members and 13 non-voting members representing agencies, providers, and policy experts. Legislative appointments are evenly split between the House and Senate, with leadership naming lawmakers with deep experience in health and human services.

To follow MOAB’s work or access meeting materials, visit legislature.ky.gov.

###

Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, represents the 5th Senate District, which includes Breckinridge, Butler, Grayson, Ohio, and Meade Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services and also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Education; Families and Children; and Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations. Additionally, he is a member of the Government Contract Review Committee. In 2024, he served on the Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

Please visitLegislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.

Lawmakers return to Frankfort on Tuesday, June 3, to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 6.

The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed atlegislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.

Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available atKET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel.

You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visitKYSenateRepublicans.com.