FAH recently joined other hospital organizations and industry leaders in sending a letter to congressional leadership requesting a review of proposed cuts to the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) program. Currently, hospitals are set to endure $8 billion in program cuts beginning Oct. 1, 2023.

The Medicaid DSH program is vital in assisting hospitals that serve high numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients. More than 2,500 hospitals in the U.S. receive DSH payments to address Medicaid underpayment and uncompensated care, which helps ensure patients have access to critical community services, including trauma, burn care and high-risk neonatal care, as well as be prepared for natural disasters and pandemic events.

In addition to FAH, America’s Essential Hospitals, American Hospital Association, Association of American Medical Colleges, Catholic Health Association of the United States, National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Premier healthcare alliance and Vizient, Inc. signed onto the letter.

Read the letter here.