An array of state decisions, such as Medicaid cuts, lack of Medicaid expansion and delayed implementation of a Medicaid eligibility program, has prompted Topeka, Kan.-based Valeo Behavioral Healthcare to begin cutting services to the uninsured, The Topeka Capital-Journal reports.
Valeo CEO Bill Persinger cited various reasons for cutting services during a meeting of the Shawnee County (Kan.) Commission, according to the report. They included: the announcement in mid-May that Medicaid rates may be cut by 4 percent, opposition by lawmakers to expand Medicaid in Kansas, and termination of the Medicaid Health Homes program and Psychiatric Hospital Pre-Admission Medicaid Screening program.
Currently, 27 percent of Valeo's uninsured customers pay for services out-of-pocket at highly discounted rates based on their income, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal. However, the report states, Valeo now will provide something similar to a health insurance plan, with a basic, defined set of services, and limits on some of those services.
"No one will be turned away," Mr. Persinger said, according to the report. "Rather, there will be a reduced scope of services offered, based on our available resources."
Valeo will offer patients services based on the severity of their symptoms and diagnoses, Mr. Persinger said, according to the report.
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