Physicians in Alabama are bracing for Medicaid payment cuts — effective Aug. 1 — in light of an $85 million lapse in the program's state budget, The Anniston Star reported.
Many primary care physicians are contemplating possible clinic closures and hiring freezes to combat the cuts, according to the report. Physicians may also offer fewer services.
The CEO of Anniston, Ala.-based Regional Medical Center told The Anniston Star it is unlikely the cuts will be felt directly at the hospital level, though its clinics could be impacted.
Around 1 million Alabama residents are covered under Medicaid. In addition to physician payment cuts, adult Medicaid recipients could face elimination of prescription drug coverage and other outpatient services like dialysis and prosthetics, according to the report.
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