Published by: Zina Gontscharow on 10/26/2011 11:51:52 AM
It is an exciting day at NAPH – our President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Siegel, MD, is in New York City to make an announcement about jobs and the economy supported by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) and safety net hospitals around the country.
At this event, Dr. Siegel will also be releasing a policy brief – Safety Net Health Systems: Keeping Americans Healthy and Working. Drawing on analysis conducted by NAPH, this brief highlights the great economic impact NAPH members have on their local and state economies and their important role as employers and job generators for their communities. In FY 2009 alone, NAPH members contributed a total of more than $120 billion to their respective economies and generated over 800,000 jobs. This analysis shows that so many Americans and communities rely on NAPH member health systems not only for their health care needs, but for economic health as well.
Additionally, this brief offers a snapshot of some key states that have undergone substantial state-level spending cuts to their Medicaid program. To address budget shortfalls, states have implemented varying levels of cuts – for example, New York State initiated measures and caps will reduce Medicaid spending by $2.85 billion in FY 2011-2012. These spending cuts result in health care providers facing a growing population of vulnerable patients with less funding to provide the care they need. This often means scaling back on programs that help patients and provide jobs and economic activity.
As Congress, the administration, and state governments consider spending cuts to meet their fiscal obligations – this brief underscores how critical safety net hospitals are in keeping Americans healthy and working, as they contribute job opportunities and vitality to their state economies.
NAPH is excited about sharing this brief with policymakers inside the beltway and across-the-country. Make sure to follow @NAPH1301 and @HHCnyc on Twitter for updates on the release event in New York City. Also – visit www.protectmedicaid.org for important updates and information about our campaign to protect the Medicaid program.