The Aug. 19 decision, part of House Bill 2001, restores $50 million in state Medicaid spending cuts and the elimination of $27 million in preventive dental coverage for adult Medicaid beneficiaries, according to the governor’s office.
Mr. Dunleavy said vetoes such as the one involving state Medicaid spending will help address the state’s deficit.
“Reforms have been initiated to make services and programs, such as Medicaid, University of Alaska and the Alaska Marine Highway System more efficient and more sustainable,” he said in a news release.
The new cuts to state Medicaid spending and dental benefits come after Alaska in June announced Medicaid funding cuts totaling $77 million from state general fund and federal match dollars, then Medicaid reimbursement cuts through emergency regulations, according to TV station KTUU. Hospitals sued over the Medicaid rate cuts.
State officials said they are working on other efforts, like an electronic visit verification system and an eligibility and assets verification system, to support Medicaid.
More articles on healthcare finance:
8 hospitals hiring coders
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s operating income jumps in Q2: 4 things to know
ICD-10-PCS code updates released for FY 2020: 4 takeaways
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
