McKinley, Schneider Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Hospital Cuts During COVID-19Bill Would Prevent Cuts to Critical Providers, Keep Focus on COVID-19
Washington,
January 28, 2021
Tags:
Healthcare
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to prevent cuts to hospital payments at a time when many providers are stretched thin and struggling with the public health crisis.
The Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act delays cuts to Medicare reimbursement through the duration of the public health emergency, ensuring that cash strapped providers can stay focused on fighting COVID-19 instead of worrying about financial hardships. “At a time when health care workers are on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress should be doing everything within their power to ease their burden,” said Rep. McKinley. “America’s health care providers continue to be stretched thin and face serious financial challenges as a result of the economic and public health crisis. Suspending Medicare reimbursement cuts will allow hospitals and doctors to keep their doors open and continue providing critical care to their patients.” “COVID-19 cases continue to spike across the country. The dramatic growth in cases across the country means continued stress on our frontline health providers. Our hospitals are reporting devastating staffing shortages, overloaded ICUs, and diminishing supplies of personal protective equipment. Our health care professionals report growing burnout and hospitals are experiencing decreased revenue as more are forced to stop elective procedures. Now is not the time to reinstitute across the board cuts to our providers” said Congressman Brad Schneider. Since 2011, Medicare payments have been subject to a 2% reduction, known as the Medicare sequester. Congress delayed these cuts through March 31, 2021 as part of the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus COVID Relief Deal, which became law in December. Unfortunately, the pandemic has not waned, and our providers now again face revenue cuts. According to the American Hospital Association, hospital operating margins are down an estimated 18.7%. Background: Congressman McKinley has been a consistent advocate for West Virginia hospitals. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit he has:
The Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act has received support from the following organizations:
### |