Ex-Lawmakers Spar at AHIP Conference

Gregg said he favors giving states more freedom to develop Medicaid programs and moving from the federal government's one size fits all mindset. "I think we'll see some effective creativity in creating the healthcare delivery system because each state will be looking at how to meet the needs of its population."

"Right now states have to choose between funding Medicaid or funding their schools and universities because they have to do what the feds tell them to do rather than what they should be doing," he added.

Both former senators agreed that Congress needs to move away from the healthcare business. Daschle noted that "Congress can't make tough decisions" about healthcare while Gregg said "partisanship means real healthcare change will never have a chance in Congress."