FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement attributable to:
Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH
President and CEO
America’s Essential Hospitals
WASHINGTON — We thank congressional leaders for recognizing in tonight’s government funding proposal the urgent need to delay damaging cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments.
These cuts — $2 billion in the current fiscal year (FY) and $43 billion overall through FY 2025 — jeopardize access to care for millions of low-income Americans and lifesaving services to communities. Essential hospitals depend on Medicaid DSH to meet this safety-net mission. These cuts, underway since October 1, put that mission at risk.
We strongly urge Congress to retain this two-year DSH cut delay in the next continuing resolution. A two-year delay averts a combined $5 billion in cuts, pays for itself, and gives Congress and hospitals time to work together on long-term solutions to the financial burden of uncompensated care.
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About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. Since 1981, America’s Essential Hospitals has initiated, advanced, and preserved programs and policies that help these hospitals ensure access to care. We support members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education.
Our 325 members are vital to their communities, providing primary care through trauma care, disaster response, health professional training, research, public health programs, and other services. They innovate and adapt to lead the broader health care community toward more effective and efficient care.
Contact:
Carl Graziano
cgraziano@essentialhospitals.org
202-585-0102