Springfield, MA
SPRINGFIELD, MA – The federal government and Gov. Deval Patrick have reached a multi-billion dollar deal for state healthcare costs.
Congressman Richard Neal joined hospital officials at Holyoke Medical Center today to announce the $26 billion Medicaid waiver.
According to officials the money will help the state preserve existing eligibility and benefit levels in Medicaid and commonwealth care programs.
Holyoke Medical Center will get $25.6 million over a 3- year period and Mercy Medical Center in Springfield will get $45.6 million.
Congressman Neal says that money will go to help the hospitals pay for expenses during tough financial times.
“It renews a Medicaid waiver which will allow these institutions some flexibility in terms of care,” Congressman Neal tells CBS 3 Springfield. “It will allow them to do a bit of experimentation where they think it’s appropriate, it will help them with their billing procedures.”
During the 3-year period, the state has also agreed to fully implement the Federal Affordable Care Act expected to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2014.
