Medicaid Coverage Doesn’t Guarantee Access

NCHC Writers
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News Type: 

News Article

Article: 

Cuts Leave Patients With Medicaid Cards, but No Specialist to See

April 5, 2011

Issue Areas: 

Coverage, Vulnerable Populations

The health reform law dramatically increased Medicaid eligibility; Medicaid will become the largest insurer in the country as it opens up to all individuals up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. However, historically low reimbursement rates prevent many clinicians, particularly specialists, from participating in the program. Reimbursement rates will likely be cut even further as a result of squeezed state budgets. These cuts may make it even more difficult for patients who rely on the safety net to find a provider who will treat them when they need it.

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