In anticipation of a hearing by the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, ASH has written to committee leaders with its views on several issues that will be addressed during that hearing.

First, ASH endorses H.R. 2665, the Supporting Safety-Net Hospitals Act.  That bill would delay an $8 billion cut in Medicaid disproportionate share (Medicaid DSH) payments scheduled to take effect in FY 2024.  Medicaid DSH payments are essential to the ability of community safety-net hospitals to serve their low-income communities.

Second, ASH expresses its opposition to proposals that would undermine the 340B prescription drug discount program, a major source of support for community safety-net hospitals and their patients.

Third, ASH opposes proposals that would establish site-neutral payments for a variety of outpatient services.

And fourth, ASH opposes new paperwork requirements that would increase the regulatory burden for community safety-net hospitals and others while not doing anything to improve the effectiveness or efficiency of health care.

Learn more from ASH’s letter to the Energy and Commerce Committee and its Health Subcommittee.