Mississippi Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers tells legislators since 2013, 31 percent of the medical equipment companies in the state have closed. Association Director Matthew Boyd says the rate of Medicaid reimbursement is too low--for products it’s 20 percent less than Medicare would pay, plus there’s a five percent assessment.
“There are 28 counties in our state that do not have an HME, which is an issue. Because you’re having to travel a long way to get that equipment that you need,” said Boyd.
Medical and mental healthcare providers are at the capitol for a hearing with the Joint House and Senate Medicaid Committee. Lawmakers want to hear their concerns as they decide what changes if any should be made to the program. Some providers aren’t satisfied with the managed care organizations that handle claims. Richard Roberson is with the Mississippi Hospital Association. .
“The appeals process when there’s claims, disputes that’s very challenging. The prior authorization process and the denials coming out of that are also extremely challenging,” said Roberson.
Providers estimate 141,000 children have serious mental health problems in the state, but they say only one-quarter of that number is being served. Democratic Senator David Blount of Jackson, is on the Medicaid Committee. He wants Medicaid expanded in the state.
“And we could say to doctors and hospitals who treat these people that you’ll be paid for treating them. Right now all of our hospitals and doctors are providing healthcare to people who don’t have insurance,” said Blount.
Blount says lawmakers will examine all the concerns carefully and reauthorize the program during next year’s legislative session in January. Medicaid received $8.6 million in funding from the state this fiscal year.
