Alaska Has Started Delaying Medicaid Payments

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has started delaying Medicaid payments. These delays are due to a $20 million general fund shortfall in the state's Medicaid program for services provided through June 30, 2018. The Alaska Office of Management and Budget estimated that the Medicaid program will run out of money sometime around June 10, 2018.

The DHSS usually pays Medicaid bills within one week of services. However, DHSS began delaying some payments as of May 14, 2018. Provider organizations have a year to bill for services, after which DHSS is required to pay 90% of . . .