On Friday, Governor Granholm signed the budget, which included an eight percent decrease in Medicaid reimbursement rates.
Monday, November 02, 2009 at 5:11 p.m.
Read more: Local, Health
MARQUETTE -- Michigan hospitals, doctors, and nursing homes have been bracing for cuts to Medicaid funding for several months.
However, when the time came, it didn't make it any less painful.
On Friday, Governor Granholm signed the budget, which included an eight percent decrease in Medicaid reimbursement rates.
One point seven million state residents are on the government funded health program.
But according to Chief Financial Officer Jerry Worden of Marquette General, the reduction in Medicaid reimbursement will not affect patient services at the hospital.
"We won't change our programs or services as a result of that reduction," Worden states. 'We will do the best we can to absorb that, understanding that its difficult economic times for both the State of Michigan and the folks, the residents, of the Upper Peninsula.>
Governor Granholm also cut $40 million from mental health services.
