The health care industry in Chattanooga, like the rest of the nation, is being squeezed from all sides.
From rising health care costs to fluctuating reimbursements for doctors and hospitals, providers say they’re hard pressed to care for the needs of an unhealthy population on tighter budgets and smaller profit margins.
The health care needs in Tennessee and Georgia are enormous, with both states ranking high in terms of incidences of obesity and related illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
An expansion of Medicaid eligibility under health reform could add thousands to the public program in Tennessee and Georgia.* 250,000 — Anticipated increase in Medicaid patients in Tennessee* 673,968 — Anticipated increase in Medicaid patients in GeorgiaMAJOR REFORM PROVISIONS* Six months after enactment, insurance companies can’t deny coverage on a family’s health plan to children with pre-existing conditions. Starting in 2014, adults can’t be denied insurance or have their rates raised because of pre-existing conditions.* Starting in 2014, individuals and small businesses can pool to buy insurance through state-run insurance exchanges, with the help of government subsidies based on income for those between 133-400 percent of the federal poverty level.* Starting in 2014, businesses with more than 50 employees will have to provide insurance to their workers or pay a $2,000-per-employee penalty. Individuals will have to buy coverage or face penalties.* In 2014, insurers can’t impose annual limits on coverage.Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
And many of those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are uninsured and suffer from the consequences of not managing their diseases, leading to more medical complications and more costly care, local providers said.