All are not considered equal...some will benefit while others may not...BD
Our hospitals are unable to withstand the cuts," said Ellen Murphy Meehan, executive director of the Alliance of Massachusetts Safety Net Hospitals. "The cuts are even more dramatic than what the state has estimated. Some hospitals will see their payments decline by three-quarters." Massachusetts hospitals have traditionally been required to provide care to patients who go to emergency rooms, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay for treatment. The unpaid bills were reimbursed through the state's Free Care Pool, an account funded by insurance companies. Under healthcare reform, the pool is being remade into the Health Safety Net Trust Fund. The new fund will pay hospitals for treating patients who still lack healthcare coverage.
"The hospitals have been working very hard to get people to sign up for health insurance, but the enrollment numbers are meager and the hospitals are going to be paying the financial price for the failure of individuals to enroll," said Meehan.
Mass. Hospitals say reform will mean cut in reimbursement for free care - The Boston Globe
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