Essential Hospitals Call on Congress to Stop Medicaid DSH Cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON - More than 250 essential hospitals and health systems have urged congressional leadership to stop harmful cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) funding scheduled to take effect Oct. 1. 

"Hospitals are facing unprecedented financial challenges, impacting their ability to serve patients and their communities. It is critical that Congress stops these damaging Medicaid DSH cuts," said Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, President and CEO of America's Essential Hospitals.

The letter noted that under current law, Medicaid DSH funding will be cut by $8 billion each fiscal year from 2026 through 2028. These cuts would undermine America's health care safety net and significantly reduce hospitals' ability to provide high-quality care to the patients and communities they serve.

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About America's Essential Hospitals
America's Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals dedicated to high-quality care for all, including those who face social and financial barriers to care. Since 1981, America's Essential Hospitals has advanced policies and programs that promote health and access to health care. We support our nearly 400 members with advocacy, policy development, research, education, and leadership development. Communities depend on essential hospitals for care across the continuum, health care workforce training, research, public health, and other services. Supported by Essential Hospitals Institute, the association's research and education arm, essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead all of health care toward better outcomes and value.

Contact: James SwannDirector of [email protected]