Congress urged to pass Medicaid DSH bills - HFMA News - HFMA and other healthcare organizations lobby for bills to restore funding to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital program - Brief Article

Healthcare Financial Management, June, 2003

HFMA joined nine other national healthcare organizations in asking Congress to support two bills that would restore funding to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program and allow related programs to grow. The two pieces of legislation would provide badly needed funding for those hospitals serving large numbers of patients who are uninsured, are underinsured, or receive health services through Medicaid. The Access to Hospitals Act of 2003 (S. 652 and H. R. 328) and the Medicaid Safety Net Hospital Improvement Act of 2003 (S. 204 and HR. 1342) would help states and their safety net hospitals continue providing access to healthcare services for low-income and indigent patients. "The time for action never has been more critical," said the groups in their letter to senators and representatives, citing October 1 Medicaid DSH cuts. To view the letter, go to www.hfma.org/resource/dhso42403.pdf.>