Gov. Bentley says Alabama Will See Reductions in Medicaid Services
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Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday, April 6, held a news conference with Alabama Medicaid Agency Commisioner Stephanie Azar to discuss the potential impact of the General Fund Budget appropriation to the agency.
The news conference was scheduled to begin at 1:00p.m in the Old House Chamber at the Alabama State Capitol.
Follwing the press conference, the Alabama Hospital Association made the floowing statement on Medicaid under funding:
“Medicaid needed $85 million to simply maintain the current level of bare-bones services,” said Danne Howard, executive vice president/chief policy officer for the Alabama Hospital Association. “The General Fund budget is now a reality, and the legislature’s decision to underfund Medicaid by $85 million means cuts have to be made. In his remarks today, the Governor mentioned that in addition to the significant physician cuts that have already been discussed, there are a number of optional programs that will likely have to be reduced or eliminated. One of these programs is prescription coverage for the elderly, blind and disabled. How can you have a health care program without the ability to provide needed medications?”
Gov. Robert Bentley says Alabama will see tough reductions in Medicaid services under a budget approved by the Alabama Legislature.
Bentley and Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar on Wednesday discussed potential Medicaid cuts, including harsh options such as eliminating prescription drug coverage for adults or requiring patients to go to one big box pharmacy.
The press conference came a day after lawmakers overrode Bentley’s budget veto. The governor said Medicaid needs an additional $85 million.
Azar said the state will also have to halt a plan to transition the system to managed care and forfeit federal funds.
Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said Tuesday that lawmakers were against raising taxes, or cutting education spending, to fund Medicaid.
Bentley has not made a decision on a potential special session.
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