title: Abortion providers' experiences with Medicaid abortion coverage policies: a qualitative multistate study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the implementation of state Medicaid abortion policies and the impact of these policies on abortion clients and abortion providers.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2007 to 2010, in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of 70 abortion-providing facilities in 15 states.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth interviews focused on abortion providers' perceptions regarding Medicaid and their experiences working with Medicaid and securing reimbursement in cases that should receive federal funding: rape, incest, and life endangerment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were transcribed verbatim before being coded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In two study states, abortion providers reported that 97 percent of submitted claims for qualifying cases were funded. Success receiving reimbursement was attributed to streamlined electronic billing procedures, timely claims processing, and responsive Medicaid staff. Abortion providers in the other 13 states reported reimbursement for 36 percent of qualifying cases. Providers reported difficulties obtaining reimbursement due to unclear rejections of qualifying claims, complex billing procedures, lack of knowledgeable Medicaid staff with whom billing problems could be discussed, and low and slow reimbursement rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Poor state-level implementation of Medicaid coverage of abortion policies creates barriers for women seeking abortion. Efforts to ensure policies are implemented appropriately would improve women's health.
authors: Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA 02138 ,USA. adennis@ibisreproductivehealth.org
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Dennis
authors: Kelly
authors: K
authors: Blanchard
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008484:Medicaid / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014481:United States