Phoenix-- Arizona Medicaid providers are going to feel the sting once again as federal heath officials have approved another five percent rates cut to funds used to pay Arizona healthcare providers and hospitals who treat Medicaid patients.
The latest round of cuts proceeds a previous five percent reduction in April and a rate freeze in 2007. These cuts are part of Gov. Jan Brewer's effort to balance the state's budget. It's estimated, this round of rate cuts will save the state $95 million just this year alone. Although the cuts will save the state money, hospitals will be the ones to suffer.
According to the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, the remaining funds will be responsible for only 70 percent of what hospitals need to treat a Medicaid patient. Pete Wertheim, the association's vice president, says these cuts are taking a heavy toll on hospitals.
How do you feel about the cuts to Medicaid providers? Although it will save the state money, should hospitals and healthcare providers be the ones to suffer?
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