The Advocate / Marsha Shuler

2theadvocate.com | News | Louisiana’s Medicaid rolls grow, aggravate projected budget shortfall — Baton Rouge, LA


The Advocate
Baton Rouge, La.
October 16, 2009

Louisiana’s Medicaid rolls grow, aggravate projected budget shortfall
By MARSHA SHULER

Louisiana Medicaid rolls are increasing at a higher rate than anticipated and will add to an expected shortfall of funds in the government insurance program for the poor, the state’s health chief said Thursday.

State Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine said some 22,000 people have signed up for program in the first three months of the state budget year which began July 1. Levine said enrollment has hit 1.23 million people.

“It’s probably the highest ever,” he told the state Senate Finance Committee.

Levine previously said he expected a deficit in the $6.5 billion Medicaid program. He told senators he does not know how much of a shortfall he will be facing as yet.

“We will give you those numbers in November, then obviously will put forth a plan to deal with it,” Levine said.

The Medicaid enrolment increase is the latest aggravating factor, Levine said.

Others include time delays in implementing cuts in payments received by hospitals, physicians and other health-care providers and the bureaucracy involved in instituting “efficiencies,” Levine said.

In addition, Levine said his agency is noticing a higher level of activity in the Medicaid pharmacy program related to flu season and more emergency room visits. “We think that’s going to translate into claims that must be paid,” Levine said.

Levine said he would consult with legislative budget and fiscal staff as he develops a projected deficit number.

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