FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement attributable to:
Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH
President and CEO
America’s Essential Hospitals
WASHINGTON — We strongly support legislation introduced today to correct a federal policy that harms the ability of many essential hospitals to recover financial losses they sustain caring for dually eligible Medicaid patients.
The “Save Our Safety-Net Hospitals Act of 2024” would lift burdensome restrictions on the disproportionate share hospital (DSH) support essential hospitals receive to offset the uncompensated costs of care for patients dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare or other third-party insurance.
We thank the bill’s sponsors — Reps. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), and Frank Mrvan (D-Ind.) — for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this critically needed legislation.
DSH payments are a vital part of the patchwork support essential hospitals rely on to meet their safety net mission. We urge all members of Congress to support the Save Our Safety-Net Hospitals Act and protect access to high-quality, equitable health care for all people and communities.
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About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals dedicated to equitable, 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, health care access, and equity. We support our more than 300 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 health equity, and other services. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead all of health care toward better outcomes and value.
Contact:
Carl Graziano
cgraziano@essentialhospitals.org
202.585.0102
Author