HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
A vote on a statewide referendum could determine the future of Medicaid funding in Alabama.
Some hospitals across the state have urged a "yes" vote on the September 18 referendum, or else patients may see the consequences.
Huntsville Hospital CEO David Spillers said the impact would be significant if the referendum does not pass.
"We're the third-highest provider of Medicaid services in the state of Alabama. Clearly, this is an important issue to us," Spillers said.
Spillers said children in particular may be affected since roughly 43 percent of children in Alabama qualify for Medicaid.
He said Huntsville Hospital could also stand to lose $10-million if the referendum does not pass.
If it does pass, the amendment would move nearly $146-million from the state's trust fund into the general fund budget for the next three years.
The move could prevent significant cuts to the state's prison system and Medicaid.
Spillers said he hoped there would be more awareness to the issue before the public votes on September 18.
He said the consequences could have a ripple effect not only for Medicaid patients, but for those not receiving the benefits.
Spillers said inadequate Medicaid funding could mean fewer doctors who are able to see Medicaid patients. He said it may lead to more crowded emergency rooms as patients look elsewhere to find doctors and healthcare.
"We will hope that the bill gets passed because we need those funds to take care of the Medicaid patients that we're treating," Spiller said.
Huntsville Hospital is the third-largest provider of Medicaid in Alabama, according to Spillers. He said one in five Alabamians rely on Medicaid.
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Huntsville Hospital could stand to lose $10-million if the referendum does not pass, according to CEO David Spillers.
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