A bipartisan group of over 230 representatives is urging House leaders to prevent $8 billion in Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payment cuts. They support H.R. 2665 as a solution to avoid severe consequences for safety net hospitals. The legislators emphasize the importance of protecting access to Medicaid services. The American Hospital Association appreciates its bipartisan leadership and widespread support and looks forward to enacting H.R. 2665 to prevent devastating cuts and ensure hospitals can continue serving patients and communities.
Over 230 representatives, representing a bipartisan group, have come together to implore House leaders to prevent the looming $8 billion reduction in Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments. These payments are scheduled to initiate on October 1, posing a significant threat to safety net hospitals. The legislators have voiced their support for H.R. 2665, legislation endorsed by the American Hospital Association (AHA), deeming it a sensible and responsible course of action to avert the catastrophic consequences that would befall safety net hospitals if the Medicaid DSH cuts were implemented.
Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), and Michael Burgess (R-Texas) spearheaded the letter, which emphasized the critical importance of preserving access to Medicaid services for beneficiaries who rely heavily on the comprehensive care provided through the Medicaid DSH program. These essential services play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of numerous individuals across the nation.
Stacey Hughes, the AHA’s Executive Vice President, expressed gratitude for Representatives Clarke, Crenshaw, DeGette, and Burgess’ bipartisan leadership in support of the Medicaid DSH program. This program serves as a lifeline for countless hospitals throughout the country, enabling them to continue serving their patients and communities, particularly during periods of financial strain. Hughes conveyed the AHA’s eagerness to collaborate with lawmakers to enact H.R. 2665, thereby averting the impending calamitous Medicaid DSH cuts slated to take effect later this year.
The collective effort of these representatives underscores the pressing need to shield the Medicaid DSH program from detrimental reductions, ensuring the provision of vital healthcare services to those who rely on them most. By rallying bipartisan support and championing the cause of safety net hospitals, they aim to mitigate the potential harm that could be inflicted upon vulnerable communities and reinforce the resilience of the healthcare system in challenging times.
