Grady At Medicaid Impasse With Insurer

ATLANTA (AP) -- The insurer that handles Medicaid for Grady
Memorial Hospital says it will terminate the hospital's contract
Saturday.

Hospital officials say that could mean a disruption of care for
more than 12,000 patients after Dec. 31.

Peach State Health Plan is hired by the state of Georgia to
handle Medicaid claims with numerous health care providers,
including a portion of Grady patients.

A published report says that Grady and Peach State have agreed that Grady will continue to serve these patients until the end of the year.

Grady spokesman Matt Gove said the patients would have to find new doctors at a new medical facility.

Peach State officials sent a letter to legislators Wednesday
saying Grady will no longer be a contracted Peach State provider
effective Nov. 28.

The insurer said the termination comes after months of
negotiations.