Published by: Betsy Carrier on 8/10/2011 10:31:32 AM
A study released this week in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that, in Massachusetts, the demand for care at safety-net facilities continued to rise after the implementation of health reform. Likewise, a recent survey of health care opinion leaders conducted by the Commonwealth Fund confirmed the continued crucial role of safety net providers. 98% of the survey respondents said that traditional safety net institutions will remain critical after the implementation of health reform. Furthermore, 86% of the respondents support policies that will ensure access to enabling services, such as translation and transportation services.
Despite this encouraging news, as Congress continues the debate to trim the federal deficit, safety net financing remains vulnerable to cuts. Come to Washington September 19-21 to tell your story about the critical work your organization does making care accessible to vulnerable patients! Help influence the course of the debate regarding threats to Medicaid and other potential cuts which might be included in recommendations made by the joint select committee on deficit reduction. Come raise your voice and describe how important your work is to vulnerable patients!