Three in four physicians favor a new federal policy that allows states to require applicants to work or seek a job in order to obtain Medicaid benefits, according to a survey by Merritt Hawkins, the nation’s leading physician search firm and a company of AMN Healthcare.
DALLAS, April 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Three in four physicians favor a new federal policy that allows states to require applicants to work or seek a job in order to obtain Medicaid benefits, according to a survey by Merritt Hawkins, the nation’s leading physician search firm and a company of AMN Healthcare (NYSE: AMN).
The single-question survey asked physicians what their position is on the new Medicaid work requirements policy. Over half (56.6%) said they feel very favorably about the policy, while 17.8 percent indicated they feel somewhat favorably. By contrast, only 9.2% of physicians said they feel very unfavorably toward the policy while 8.4 percent said they feel somewhat unfavorably. The remaining eight percent of physicians indicated they feel neither favorably nor unfavorably about the policy.
“The survey strongly suggests that the majority of physicians would like to move away from the Medicaid status quo,” said Travis Singleton, executive vice president of Merritt Hawkins. “Many physicians have been frustrated for years because Medicaid often pays less than their costs of providing care. Physicians have to limit the number of Medicaid patients they treat for that reason and want to focus on those who need care the most.”
Three states, including Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas, are proceeding with the work requirements policy. In Kentucky, able-bodied Medicaid applicants 19-64 years old will be required to put in 80 hours of community engagement a month to qualify for Medicaid benefits, working, going to school, training for a job, or volunteering. The policy in Indiana and Arkansas has similar requirements.
“It remains to be seen whether the policy can be carried out fairly and effectively,” said Singleton. “But in concept, it appears to have the endorsement of most physicians.”
The survey was conducted by email in early March and was completed by 667 physicians. According to experts in statistical response analysis at the University of Tennessee, the survey has a margin of error (MOE) of <1.0%.
For additional information about Merritt Hawkins’ surveys, white papers, and speaking engagements visit www.merritthawkins.com or call 800-876-0500.
About Merritt Hawkins
Merritt Hawkins is the leading physician and advanced practitioner search and consulting firm in the United States and is a company of AMN Healthcare (www.amnhealthcare.com) the nation’s largest healthcare workforce solutions company.
About AMN Healthcare
AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services to healthcare facilities across the nation. The Company provides unparalleled access to the most comprehensive network of quality healthcare professionals through its innovative recruitment strategies and breadth of career opportunities. With insights and expertise, AMN Healthcare helps providers optimize their workforce to successfully reduce complexity, increase efficiency, and improve patient outcomes. AMN delivers managed services programs, healthcare executive search solutions, vendor management systems, recruitment process outsourcing, predictive modeling, medical coding and consulting, and other services. Clients include acute-care hospitals, community health centers and clinics, physician practice groups, retail and urgent care centers, home health facilities, and many other healthcare settings. For more information about AMN Healthcare, visit www.amnhealthcare.com.
