A recent report by Deloitte Consulting suggests that the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be short nearly 3800 physicians as a result of expanding the state Medicaid program to meet the demands of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The state is about to add 300,000 new Medicaid beneficiaries to the 800,000 already covered. Already, there is a shortage of physicians willing to care for Medicaid patients.
What are you seeing in other areas of the country? What impact will the ACA have on physician availability in your state or local area?
This should be of significant concern for home health agencies who serve Medicaid patients, as it will be more difficult to find physicians willing to certify patients, conduct face to face encounters, and provide care plan oversight.
What’s your take on this issue?
