Gov. Robert Bentley on Thursday announced the Alabama Medicaid Agency will reinstate enhanced payments to primary care physicians, popularly known as “the bump.” The reinstatement is effective Oct.1st.

The enhanced payments allow Alabama physicians to be paid a higher reimbursement rate.

“Earlier this year, we were forced to make the difficult decision to cut the primary care physicians’ bump; however, it was always my intention to restore it, when the funding became available,” Bentley said. “As a physician, I know firsthand the importance of Medicaid and how it helps millions of Alabamians and physicians across our state.”

Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar said, “I appreciate all of the hard work that has gone into these very difficult decisions. Gov.Bentley and the Legislature have made it possible for the Agency to continue its efforts to improve the quality of care provided to our recipients.”

while implementing cost efficiencies for the state.”