FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement attributable to:
Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH
President and CEO
America’s Essential Hospitals
WASHINGTON—We thank House and Senate lawmakers for again standing with essential hospitals and vulnerable patients by delaying an unsustainable, damaging cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments.
Although this $4 billion reduction for fiscal year 2020 remains a significant threat, Congress’ passage of a second continuing resolution that delays it provides welcome relief for our hospitals. A cut of this magnitude—a third of all program funding—would destabilize our hospitals and put access to care at risk.
Now, we must focus on a solution measured in years rather than weeks. A good first step is bipartisan legislation unanimously passed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to repeal more than two years of DSH cuts. We urge Congress to pass this bill immediately.
Essential hospitals have made a strong case for stopping the Medicaid DSH cuts, and we appreciate Congress’ positive response. We look forward to collaborating with policymakers on sustainable ways to support essential hospitals’ mission and ensure a strong Medicaid program.
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About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. We support our more than 300 members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education. Communities depend on essential hospitals to provide specialized, lifesaving services; train the health care workforce; advance public health and health equity; and coordinate care. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead the way to more effective and efficient care. Learn more at essentialhospitals.org.
Contact:
Carl Graziano
cgraziano@essentialhospitals.org
202.585.0102
