A coalition of independent Alaska physicians is launching an Accountable Care Organization, the first of its kind in Alaska designed exclusively by local physicians. Envoy Integrated Health says its ACO is focused on Medicare patients.
According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, which administers the state plan, Alaska’s Medicaid program covers more than 200,000 men, women, and children, providing access to healthcare services they couldn’t otherwise afford.
The Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association (ASHNHA) reacted to the Department of Health & Social Services’ plan to reduce the Medicaid budget by $700 million over two years, beginning with a $187 million cut in FY 20.
Representatives Tiffany Zulkosky (D-Bethel), Zack Fields (D-Anchorage), and Ivy Spohnholz (D-Anchorage) released a memorandum from the non-partisan Division of Legal and Research Services confirming that the Governor of Alaska is legally obligated to accept federal funding to cover the Medicaid expansion population in Alaska.
Three of the greatest barriers of entry for women to access healthcare in Alaska are education, time, and financial restraints—whether perceived or actual.