WHYY reports Philadelphia officials say 73,000 to 90,000 residents could lose Medicaid next year, potentially disrupting access to mental health care.
Coverage warning in Philadelphia
WHYY reports that Philadelphia city leaders said as many as 90,000 residents could be at risk of losing health insurance coverage through Medicaid after federal work requirements and other eligibility changes take effect next January. WHYY says health leaders estimated that between 73,000 and 90,000 people could lose Medicaid next year because of new federal work requirements and eligibility paperwork. The figures describe a potential loss of coverage, according to WHYY.
Mental health care could be affected
WHYY reports that city health leaders warned that residents who lose insurance could also face disruption to their access to mental health care. Kehinde Solanke, commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbilities Services, said the new Medicaid rules pose a serious and immediate threat to Philadelphians’ access to behavioral health care, WHYY reports. According to WHYY, Solanke said the changes would disproportionately affect people with the fewest alternatives.
City plans outreach and support
At a City Council budget hearing, Philadelphia health officials said the city is trying to lessen the fallout, WHYY reports. According to WHYY, the city is proactively identifying residents who may be at risk, launching public-awareness campaigns and strengthening community support services. WHYY reports that some of this work is already underway and that additional community outreach and awareness events are planned in neighborhoods across the city beginning in June.
WHYY reports that Solanke said the city’s main goal is to help as many people as possible keep their coverage and to quickly reach people who lose it. According to WHYY, she described the fiscal-year strategy as focused on mitigation, continuity of care and equity.
What this means for Pennsylvania patients
WHYY’s report describes a potential Philadelphia disruption in Medicaid coverage and mental health care access. For people looking for treatment locally, the directory lists 276 published clinics in Pennsylvania.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More Pennsylvania reporting on access & coverage.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.