Hospitals Are A Priority in House Budget- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
Hospitals Are A Priority in House Budget- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
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April 27, 2001
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In This Issue:
BWH Unveils New ICU
You Spoke, We’re Acting Communication Team
Hospitals Are A Priority in House Budget
May Calendar
Walk For Hunger
The Massachusetts House of Representatives released its budget on April 19 establishing health care and education as their two highest priorities. As debate begins in the House on April 30, hospitals have asked for shared responsibility for the care of the uninsured and fair payments for all those serving Medicaid patients. The House budget recommends that the State's contribution to the uncompensated care pool increase from $30 million to $75 million thereby reducing the amount hospitals must pay into the pool for free care. In addition, the proposal would eliminate certain transfers out of the pool. However, the House proposal on fair Medicaid payments is limited to one-time rate enhancements for community hospitals only. BWH is currently reimbursed less than 70 percent of its costs for each Medicaid inpatient. “Fair payments and shared responsibility are absolutely critical to the future of all hospitals in Massachusetts,” said BWH President Jeffrey Otten. “The House budget is a step in the right direction, but there is more work ahead of us.” There is still time to help by contacting your elected officials. You can email them through the Massachusetts Hospital Association website at www.mhalink.org or through a special toll-free number set up by the MHA at 1-800-681-1688.