Administrative burden is a strong predictor of whether healthcare providers remain in Medicaid programs. A study released by Gainwell Technologies found that states adopting unified, streamlined provider enrollment systems report 50% higher provider satisfaction and more stable participation across their Medicaid networks.
Provider Dissatisfaction Drivers
Overall, 28% of providers report dissatisfaction with Medicaid administrative processes, and only 51% say they are satisfied. Providers expressing dissatisfaction with administrative processes are 3.9 times more likely to consider leaving Medicaid within three years, 2.4 times more likely to limit the number of Medicaid patients they accept, and 1.7 times more likely to delay reenrollment.
The research, conducted by an independent firm and sponsored by Gainwell Technologies, surveyed more than 300 providers across 49 states and territories. Mason Mabry, Gainwell senior vice president and general manager of provider solutions, noted that while states often hear that Medicaid participation challenges are about reimbursement, administrative burden is a powerful and fixable driver of provider frustration.
Behavioral Health Most Affected
Administrative friction is most acute in specialties already facing severe shortages. Behavioral health providers are 75% more likely to report dissatisfaction, with nearly half of behavioral health respondents reporting dissatisfaction compared with 28% overall. A quarter of skilled nursing facilities, physician groups, and labs are poised to limit Medicaid patients they accept.
Across all providers surveyed, 85% value streamlined credentialing, 90% of multi-state providers prefer unified credentialing across states, 72% want unified enrollment across Medicaid MCOs and state programs, and 68% want faster enrollment approvals and 24/7 claim status visibility.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/04/14/3273569/0/en/Reducing-Administrative-Burden-Raises-Medicaid-Provider-Satisfaction-by-50-New-Study-Finds.html