House bill introduced to speed Medicaid payments

Reps. Brian Bilbray, R-Calif., and Anna G. Eshoo, D-Calif., introduced legislation to the U.S. House of Representatives to amend the Social Security Act to assist Medicaid providers in being paid in an appropriate timeframe. 

H.R. 3587, the Fair Pay to Medicaid Providers Act, would require Medicaid to reimburse all providers, including nursing facilities, hospitals and community health centers in a timely manner. Current law only requires prompt Medicaid payment to physicians.

"Delayed payment to Medicaid providers puts patients and employees at risk," said Bilbray. "Any delay of payment for care provided to patients can jeopardize facility operations and make it difficult to pay employees. This legislation guarantees that healthcare providers are paid in a timely manner so that they can focus on helping those in need without worrying about how they are going to meet their financial obligations."

The bill was been referred to the Committee on Energy & Commerce. Read the three-page bill here.