“It could force us out of business.” That's what some doctors are now
saying about the fact that Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield may soon drop
certain Medicaid patients. A week ago, Excellus announced, beginning in January, that it will no
longer offer certain Medicaid plans. That includes 85,000 people in the
Rochester area. It's all because Excellus is already looking at $100
million in losses for 2013 and says it can't afford that.
Local doctors say this is bad news for them. Patients who currently use
the Blue Choice option for Medicaid will have to find another health
care plan. Doctors say, under those new plans, they will not be
reimbursed as much for their services. News10NBC spoke to a doctor who
says about 20 percent of his patients have Medicaid through Excellus.
Dr. William Morehouse said, “If our patient transfer over to any of the
other plans currently in town, our overall practice could stand to lose
between five and ten of its income on an annual basis which is a
substantial loss when you are an inner city practice that is already
having a hard time making ends meet.”
Other doctors in the area have a much higher percent of Blue Choice
Medicaid patients, some as high as 60 percent. It's those patients who
could feel the brunt of this. News10NBC sat down with Nancy Adams with the Monroe County Medical
Society. She says doctors are worried about the people they care for.
The first problem they see is with the transition. Patients may have
less access to care because their current specialists may not be on
their new healthcare plan's network.
Doctors are also worried about the trickle down effect. Less
reimbursement means less income. Some say they will have to close up
shop all together. Others say they won't be accepting new Medicaid
patients. Nancy Adams, Monroe County Medical Society, said, “We're already in
short supply of adult primary care physicians and then when you throw
into the mix that not all physicians may except these other health
plans then it would make it even more difficult to find a physician.”
According to the Monroe County Medical Society, there is still a chance
Excellus could work something out with New York State and continue to
carry these plans. News10NBC will continue to follow this story and
update you on any developments.
Labels: Medicine, Support
Rochester Youth Outreach hosted its first collaborative TWISY (The World Is Still Young) all-ages music event at the Vineyard Community Space on South Clinton Avenue this past Saturday, October 25th, as part of the city-wide Indiefest. Our youth lined up and showcased 6 different young bands, including 2 of their own, and entertained over 85 participants through the evening. From organizing, to setting up, to performing and taking down, the whole event was a great success!
