OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A group of doctors is suing the state of Washington over its plan to limit Medicaid coverage to three non-emergency visits a year to an emergency room.
The American College of Emergency Physicians says it’s filing the lawsuit Friday in Thurston County Superior Court.
The group says the state list of non-emergencies includes chest pain, miscarriage and breathing problems, and limiting those visits will put patients at risk.
The state Health Care Authority planned to implement the change Saturday to target frequent visitors who overuse emergency rooms. The Legislature estimated the state could save $35 million a year under the new limits.
The Washington chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians represents more than 650 doctors.
