Onvida Health speaks out on recent Medicaid cuts
Andrea Turisk
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Medicaid cuts are raising concerns, especially in rural areas, but one local hospital is staying strong.
Nearly two million Arizonans are currently enrolled in Medicaid.
Some locals say recent cuts concerns them, but Onvida Health says they’re not backing down.
“When we talk about Medicaid, we’re talking about cutting services for everybody. We’re not just talking about the Medicaid population,” said Robert Trenschel, Onvida Health CEO.
The Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association says they’re deeply concerned about the ripple effect recent medicaid cuts will have on patients, providers, and entire communities.
In a press release, the group warned more than 55% of Arizona hospitals could be operating in the red in the next few years.
At Onvida Health in Yuma, leaders say they’re focused on care, not cuts
“We’re not anticipating any changes in services that we’re offering to the community. We’re not anticipating any changes in the organization. In fact, next year, we anticipate to be similar to this year if not better as we become more efficient as an organization,” said Trenschel.
Some locals like Caroline and Bob Valley worry about the bigger picture, and what fewer resources mean down the road.
“We paid into Medicaid our whole working life, and I don’t think its right, but they’re trying to take it away from us now,” said Caroline.
“I think we’re headed in a direction with loss of services and wait times to get into a doctor or nurse practitioner,” said Bob.
Despite the uncertainty, Onvida says they’re actively planning for the future.
“We’re looking for the opportunity to grow the organization to bring in different sources of revenue so we can offset some of those cuts that we know are coming,” said Trenschel.
Onvida says while state funding is still unknown, their mission in Yuma remains clear and stable for now.