Maine hospitals are currently owed $484 million in overdue Medicaid payments. The $186 million from the state will be matched by $298 million from the federal government.
Gov. LePage said the plan would be paid for by the state retaking control over liquor sales, according to the report. Ten years ago, Maine agreed to a deal with a contractor, which took over the handling of liquor sales. Gov. LePage called that move an “enormously bad decision,” and taking back liquor sales could net the state hundreds of millions of dollars in extra revenue within the next decade, according to the report.
Several hospitals across the state have had unpaid bills topping $50 million. Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor is owed the most — $76 million.
EMMC CFO Mel Doucette told the Maine Public Broadcasting Network that because the state has been so behind on Medicaid payments, the hospital has had to delay capital improvements and payments to vendors, a trend seen at other state hospitals as well.
More Articles on Maine Medicaid:
CMS Limits Maine’s Medicaid Reductions
Maine Hospitals Press State for $484M Owed by Medicaid
Maine’s Governor Says HHS is Using “Political Delay” on Medicaid Cuts
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.
