FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON – The Senate’s budget reconciliation package would undermine the Medicaid program, damaging patient access to care and the essential hospitals that are so vital to the nation’s health care system, America’s Essential Hospitals President and CEO Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH said in a letter to Senate leadership.
The letter urged the Senate to “reject Medicaid policy changes that would reduce beneficiary access and curtail essential hospitals’ ability to meet their mission and serve their communities.”
A recent analysis from America’s Essential Hospitals found that the Senate bill would add $443.4 billion to hospitals’ uncompensated care costs over the next 10 years. Although essential hospitals account for just 5% of hospitals nationally, they would bear approximately 25% of the added hospital unpaid costs of care.
# # #
About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals dedicated to high-quality care for all, including those who face social and financial barriers to care. Since 1981, America’s Essential Hospitals has advanced policies and programs that promote health and access to health care. We support our more than 350 members with advocacy, policy development, research, education, and leadership development. Communities depend on essential hospitals for care across the continuum, health care workforce training, research, public health, and other services. Supported by Essential Hospitals Institute, the association’s research and education arm, essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead all of health care toward better outcomes and value.
Contact:
James Swann
Director of Communications
jswann@essentialhospitals.org
202.585.0102
Author