OLYMPIA, Wash., March 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
-- Today Democrats in the House of Representatives released
their budget proposal, bringing forward a $39 billion state spending plan for the two-year
cycle beginning July 1. Spending
increases focused on education and funding raises for state
employees.
Notably absent from the budget proposal were funds needed to
improve access for the 1.7 million patients currently on the
state's health care assistance program (Medicaid), including more
than 750,000 children. State financing has a crucial role in the
functioning of the state's health care system, and not providing
adequate funding for health care could have serious ramifications
for all Washington
residents, including those children we seek to educate.
"Having access to insurance does not ensure access to care.
Without a commitment by the state to support physicians who care
for Medicaid patients, the burden is shifted to physician
practices, which must decide whether to subsidize patient care at
an economic loss—putting their entire practice at financial risk—or
limiting the number of Medicaid patients they treat," said
Brian Seppi, MD, president of the
WSMA, which represents nearly 10,000 physicians and physician
assistants in the state.
In a recent study of primary care practices, large clinics and
health systems conducted by the WWAMI Center for Health Workforce
Studies, 74 percent of primary care physicians reported they would
reduce or stop seeing current Medicaid patients if payments revert
to pre-2013 levels.
House Democrats included in their proposal a 20 percent increase
in the business and occupation tax rate for service businesses,
including independent physician practices.
"The B&O tax narrowly targets specific services, and will
negatively impact those who practice in private practice or
independent medical clinics—about half of our state's physicians,"
said Jennifer Hanscom, CEO of the
WSMA. "The increased tax burden placed on these practices, coupled
with decreased payments for treating Medicaid patients, will
undoubtedly make it more difficult for many independently run
practices to accept more patients and may jeopardize their ability
to offer much needed patient services due to cost reductions, such
as laying off employees."
"Our state made a commitment to reduce the number of its
uninsured residents by offering them Medicaid coverage. Now they
must follow through on their commitment by ensuring that these
patients have access to care in their communities. Reducing
physician payments for treating these patients and piling on
additional taxes will not only jeopardize access to needed care for
our state's most vulnerable patients, but put at risk the economic
viability of independent, physician-run practices," added Dr.
Seppi.
The WSMA will continue to support its health care funding
priorities as the budget negotiations continue.
The Washington State Medical
Association's vision is to make Washington the best place to practice medicine
and to receive care. The WSMA represents physicians, physician
assistants, residents and medical students throughout Washington state. For more information about
the WSMA, please visit www.wsma.org.
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SOURCE Washington State Medical
Association