Know your state's Medicaid regs front and back because you may see an increased Medicaid patient population. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law over two years ago, it's still a hot topic and is back in the news this month after the Supreme Court's latest ruling that the law is Constitutional. But pediatricians still have questions about what the ACA means for their day-to-day operation. Today we've got the top three facts that will help you see the law's impact on your daily practice. Fact 1: You May See More Medicaid Patients With the law's emphasis is on health insurance, it's clear that the patients who can't afford to buy health insurance may become Medicaid patients. Therefore, you may see your ranks of Medicaid patients swell as the years pass. If your practice isn't already familiar with your state's Medicaid guidelines, this is the time to start getting to know how to find policies and submit claims to your state Medicaid program. Uninsured may still present: limits on the states was not included in the decision, there may still be 'working poor' falling into a crevice," says "The ACA says 133 percent of the federal poverty level should be covered by Medicaid, but any state may decide to not cover up to 133 percent," Cobuzzi says. "These patients may find they can only 'afford' to pay the 'tax' (that is the lowest cost alternative in the short run)." Therefore, there will be an underserved population, between what the states determine what they will cover with Medicaid and 133 percent of Federal Poverty level. Tip: Fact 2: Look for Medicaid E/M Pay Boost Because you will most likely be seeing more Medicaid patients, you will be pleased to hear that Medicaid payment for your E/M services will rise next year, thanks to provisions in the ACA. "Starting in 2013, Medicaid payment for most E/M codes will be at Medicare equivalent levels, a significant increase for those providing access to care for these vulnerable patients," says Follow Pediatric Coding Alert as we move into 2013 to determine what those rates will be and how quickly Medicaid plans begin to adapt to the new regulations. Fact 3: Compliance Plans Will Eventually Become Required. In addition, compliance requirements will impact your Medicaid patients as well, says The Department of Health and Human Services will likely be developing the compliance program's elements over the next year or more, but in the meantime, you should continue to pursue your practice's compliance objectives by creating a compliance plan tailored to your needs. Future issues of