Physicians contend the state isn't living up to its obligation and intend to press the matter further. Although MSMS has not filed any legal action, documents received from the state are under review by the society. Medicaid has an obligation to cover low-income people. And physicians have a moral obligation to treat them. Of course it's not fair, but that's exactly what's been happening for years, physicians say.
Medicaid funding is the state's obligation.
Physicians are pushing state officials to recognize this responsibility by increasing overall Medicaid program funding and physician rates. And all of us can't continue to subsidize care to a large number of patients. Medicaid operates under a federal mandate to provide access, quality, and reasonable payment. That isn't happening. A physician doesn't send out a press release when he quits participating in the Medicaid program.