Members: Take action!

Sign Hospital Letter to Stop DSH Cuts

On the Hill: Bill to Fix Harmful DSH Policy Introduced

August 19, 2024
Julia Grady

Last week, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced legislation to lift burdensome restrictions on the amount of disproportionate share hospital (DSH) support hospitals receive to offset the uncompensated costs of caring for dually eligible Medicaid patients.

The Save Our Safety-Net Hospitals Act of 2024 (H.R. 9351) would correct a federal policy under Section 203 of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 that harms the ability of many essential hospitals to recover financial losses they sustain caring for patients who have Medicaid and Medicare or other third-party coverage. With limited exceptions, the policy excludes from a hospital’s DSH cap the uncompensated costs of caring for these dual-eligibles.

The legislation was introduced by 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.). In a statement released shortly after the bill’s introduction, America’s Essential Hospitals said it strongly supports the measure and urged Congress to pass it as soon as possible.

Election Toolkit Resource

With less than three months until the general election to decide the White House, 435 House seats, and 34 Senate seats, there is no better time for essential hospital advocates to educate candidates about issues central to safety net care. Our online election toolkit is here to help. It provides insights and recommendations on how to engage candidates effectively during election season, keeping your hospital’s needs front and center for new and returning lawmakers.

Committee Activity This Week

Both chambers will be out of session all of August and reconvene Sept. 9.

Join the Federal Action Network Today!  Stay connected to the latest from Washington. Join our Federal Action Network (FAN) — free for members — and gain exclusive access to advocacy expertise and updates.

Keep up with the pulse of America's Essential Hospitals

Members: Sign up for email updates.