Dartmouth-Hitchcock: Medicaid work requirement not our job
In an email, a spokesman for
Spokesman
His remark contrasts with that of other hospitals and the
Hospitals and health care providers helped to sign thousands up for Medicaid when state officials expanded it in 2015.
Earlier this week, Gov.
Officials acknowledged that thousands have not met the work requirement despite efforts such as direct mail, telephone calls, radio ads, information kiosks and door-to-door canvassing.
On Wednesday, the
That represents two-thirds of those deemed eligible for the work and community engagement requirement.
Meyers said he's asked hospitals to answer questions that Medicaid patients may have about the work requirement and to provide them with the necessary paperwork.
"It's not the job of the hospital to do counseling for the work requirements. They're there to provide health care services. They're not job counselors," he said.
Meyers gave another example of the challenges of signing up the patients, many who are homeless or struggle with drug addiction and mental health issues.
Of
"Not a lot came forward to request assistance," Meyers said. "Overall, what we've learned is this is a very difficult population to connect with."
She also said hospital workers will distribute information about the requirement to patients during check in.
"That touch point is happening when patients are coming into the hospital. All the hospitals counsel patients," Stafford said. Hospital workers would work with patients to let them know what they need to do to be in compliance, she said.
In
"Elliot will continue to provide guidance and assistance to our patients as the state engages in outreach efforts," Elliot spokesman
At CMC, the hospital will use its channels to spread the word to patients about the work requirement, much like it does during open enrollment periods, said spokesman
The hospital never denies care based on an ability to pay, but it does encourage patients to know what their coverage is prior to treatment.
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