Eligibility for Medicaid May Be Changed by the Proposed Replacement for Obamacare

1. May 25, 2017 Eligibility for Medicaid May Be Changed by the Proposed Replacement for Obamacare Image 1: Proposed Obamacare Replacement May Change Eligibility for Medicaid Medicaid has played a big role in keeping millions of Americans adequately insured and protected with a viable health coverage. Specifically designed to make healthcare more accessible to low-income Americans, Medicaid implements a strict standard before an individual can be declared eligible for the benefits offered. P a g e 1 | 3

2. Many of the beneficiaries of Medicaid are elderly or disabled. The program’s existence is crucial to states delivering quality healthcare to their constituents. States and local governments must carefully balance their budgets to have adequate resources to allocate for this program. Uncertain Future Medicaid as well as the rest of the components of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) remains under threat of repeal and replacement. It had a very close call only recently, but the reprieve is short as another proposal has now been passed by the GOP. In this new proposal, the rules of the private insurance market will be overhauled. Proposed changes include giving states the authority to decide whether or not insurers will be permitted to charge more from consumers, depending on their health status. This will deal a big blow to people with Medicaid who have serious health issues. The more important bit about the new proposal, however, is that the funding for Medicaid expansion will be completely halted in the next three years. This move will undoubtedly impact millions of Medicaid dependents, particularly the elderly and the disabled. Clear Proposal According to the proposal, Medicaid would be converted to a per capita funding formula by 2020. For states like Arizona, who have a relatively robust healthcare system, this could simply mean a little adjustment in their already efficient state programs. Many other states are expected to experience budgetary pressures and to have more problems with implementation. For many people dependent on Medicaid benefits, however, stricter standards may mean loss of health insurance coverage. Ultimately, it’s like being pushed between a rock and a hard place, with little room for relief. Consumers and Institutions With the requirements on eligibility for Medicaid likely to see drastic changes, many Medicaid subscribers are now preparing for the shift in their coverage. Some are even taking it to the extreme, even to the extent of considering moving to another state. P a g e 2 | 3

3. Meanwhile, hospitals and other healthcare institutions are going to have to be alert and keep abreast of the developments if they want to keep their operations running smoothly. There will be a transition period if this proposal is passed, but it will take a lot of effort to make the necessary adjustments. In this situation, seeking the help of companies who specialize in eligibility management services should come in handy. Through their help hospitals and healthcare institutions will be able to adapt faster and more efficiently to whatever changes the replacement to Obamacare may bring. About DECO: At DECO, we provide eligibility management services, revenue reimbursement assistance, as well as representation and advocacy for social security disability. We strive to ensure that we incorporate compassion and empathy in providing our services, prioritizing a patient-advocacy approach to help hospitals and healthcare organizations provide exemplary service for their clients. Sources: 10 Things to Know About Medicaid: Setting the Facts Straight. KFF.org GOP’s ‘Obamacare’ Replacement Would Put State in Control of Medicaid Eligibility. azcentral.com P a g e 3 | 3