Provider availability is a key factor affecting access to care for Medicaid enrollees. This fact sheet provides an updated analysis of physician acceptance of new Medicaid patients, including at the state level, using data from the National Electronic Health Records Survey (NEHRS).
Similar to findings from MACPAC’s prior analysis, physicians were significantly less likely to accept new patients covered by Medicaid than those with Medicare or private insurance, although acceptance varied by specialty and by state. Medicaid acceptance was higher among physicians practicing in most clinic settings, faculty practice plans and HMO practices compared to the average for all settings. Physicians with higher than average existing Medicaid caseloads accepted new Medicaid patients at higher rates. The presence in the practice of mid-level providers, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, was also associated with greater acceptance of new Medicaid patients.