Attorney General Peter F. Neronha has called on state leadership to address the issue of Medicaid reimbursement rates following the announcement that Providence Community Health Centers will lay off 10% of its workforce. Neronha expressed concern over the layoffs, describing them as both alarming and unsurprising.
“Yesterday’s news about significant layoffs at Providence Community Health Centers is as alarming as it is unsurprising,” said Neronha. He emphasized the need for increased investment in Medicaid reimbursement rates to support Rhode Island's healthcare practices. According to him, without such investment, the state's healthcare system will continue to deteriorate.
Neronha highlighted that Providence Community Health Centers, despite being a respected organization, is struggling due to low reimbursement rates. He criticized the state for not addressing this issue effectively, stating, “What’s infuriating is that we know what the problem is, and we know how to fix it.”
He urged the General Assembly to consider increases in Medicaid reimbursement in the state budget. “I urge the General Assembly to support increases in the state budget for Medicaid reimbursement. It’s not too late yet. But it almost is,” he stated.