Funding to be cut for many Ky. health clinics

Updated: Thu 2:37 PM, Jan 10, 2013

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky officials say federal Medicaid funding is being cut for more than half of the primary-care clinics across the state.

Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Audrey Tayse Haynes says the $60 million cut will affect 155 clinics and is a result of a decision by the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide supplemental funding only to facilities that have attained a special certification.

Kentucky Primary Care Association executive director Joe Smith told The Courier Journal that the cuts will hurt the clinics, which provide services in urban and rural areas.

Haynes said a total of 273 primary-care clinics participate in the program, and 118 have certification.

Clinics without certification can apply, but Haynes said it can take up to 120 to receive a decision.

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