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 standing with our hospitals and their low-income and uninsured patients by delaying an unsustainable, damaging cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments.
This $4 billion cut—a third of all program funding—would destabilize hospitals and threaten access to care as the nation confronts a rapidly escalating health care crisis. We must support essential hospitals on the front lines of the pandemic and reject funding changes that would undermine their mission.
The continuing resolution provides welcome, but only temporary, relief. We now must turn to solutions that protect hospitals and their communities for the long term. We appreciate Congress’ ongoing support to avert the DSH cuts and we look forward to working with lawmakers 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
