The Federation of American Hospitals’ (FAH) President and CEO, Chip Kahn, released the following statement after the House Energy & Commerce Committee advanced their portion of the budget reconciliation bill: 

“The House Energy and Commerce Committee just advanced the largest Medicaid cuts in history – the blast radius of which will be felt far beyond those who depend on Medicaid for care. These cuts destabilize the state-federal Medicaid partnership, hamstring states’ abilities to fund Medicaid, and force states to choose between raising taxes or constraining the health services that hardworking Americans expect and deserve. Strictly limiting provider taxes and state-directed payments will inevitably result in degraded access due to closures of services or even hospitals; the health of all Americans, regardless of their coverage, will suffer.

“Fortunately, this bill has a long way to go, and opportunities remain to set it straight. Americans are looking to Congressional Republicans to protect their care; they must alter course before it’s too late.”

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