Summary
Some U.S. states are reducing payments to healthcare providers who serve Medicaid patients. This is happening as states try to manage budget issues, even before anticipated federal cuts to Medicaid funding take place. North Carolina and other states have started these payment cuts, affecting access to medical care for patients relying on Medicaid.
Key Facts
- Medicaid is a government health insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities.
- Both state and federal governments fund Medicaid.
- North Carolina's Medicaid program has cut payments to providers by at least 3% as of October 1.
- Primary care doctors face an 8% cut, and specialty doctors face a 10% cut in North Carolina.
- Other states like Idaho, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Washington are also considering or have made Medicaid payment cuts.
- The anticipated federal law is expected to decrease Medicaid funding by about $1 trillion over the next decade.
- These state-level cuts affect the availability of services like dental work, occupational therapy, and nursing care.
- Medicaid cuts are contributing to challenges in accessing necessary medical care for Medicaid patients.
