DSH Cuts Likely in Senate, Still Time to Act! - 6/22/09

Despite this significant victory in the House, however, NAPH urges members to continue to contact their Senators to ensure that the Senate Finance Committee’s forthcoming legislation similarly excludes DSH cuts.  In light of the Congressional Budget Office report documenting the enormous cost of the Committee’s proposal – estimated to be $1.5 trillion – the Finance Committee is considering significant provider cuts and has indicated that its legislation will likely include DSH cuts. Moreover, the Administration’s June 13 proposal to reduce Medicaid and Medicare DSH funding by more than $100 billion over the next ten years has increased pressure on the Committee to look to DSH for savings to pay for reform.  Members should request that their Senators immediately contact Senator Baucus urging him to not cut Medicaid and Medicare DSH.  NAPH has developed a one-pager on our top health care reform priorities, and a set of talking points on DSH to assist members in making these contacts.