News Releases

The Center Requests Help for Hospitals from Northeast Ohio Congressional Delegation

While 2020 has been a year unlike any other, what remains the same is the flurry of activity that typically takes place in Congress in December as the House and Senate finish their work for the year. This year, with a number of healthcare-related items on the legislative agenda, The Center reached out to the Northeast Ohio congressional delegation to advocate for hospitals in year-end legislation.

Among the requests made were:

• Elimination of the impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments.
• Delay of the Medicare sequester cuts.
• Forgiveness of Medicare accelerated payments.
• A change in hospital reporting requirements related to the Provider Relief Fund.
• Allocation of additional dollars to the Provider Relief Fund.
• Support for front-line healthcare workers.
• Increased access to health insurance coverage.

The Center’s letter was sent to Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman as well as the members of the House representing districts that are home to The Center for Health Affairs member hospitals: Reps. Marcia Fudge, Bob Gibbs, Anthony Gonzalez, Jim Jordan, Dave Joyce, Marcy Kaptur and Tim Ryan.

As of press time, Congress is continuing to negotiate on the legislation. They have to act before midnight on Friday, Dec. 18 in order to keep the government funded. However, if negotiations are still ongoing, they may pass another continuing resolution to keep the government open for a few more days until they are able to finalize what is likely to be an omnibus package that includes both appropriations and COVID-19 relief language.

For more on The Center’s advocacy work, contact us.