6.21.12 The state health agency is preparing to add new medical populations and expand services offered through private insurance companies that have taken over care of the poor.

The changes are coming to the Bayou Health managed-care program which went statewide June 1, state Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce Greenstein said.

Greenstein said the program expansions are on a fast track with the goal of implementation by this fall.

DHH's budget is predicated on achieving an estimated $43.2 million in savings in the fiscal year that begins July 1 based on the initiatives, $12.2 million in state funds and the remainder federal match.