Congressman Cohen Fights For Equity For Tennessee's Hospitals

Press Release

Congressman Cohen released the following statement about a provision in the reconciliation package to the Senate health care reform bill that would increase Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments to the state of Tennessee.
"I was proud to work with Congressman Bart Gordon to ensure that Tennessee can receive a DSH payment that better matches the amount of uncompensated care the hospitals in our state render.

"In January, I had the opportunity to speak to President Obama at a Democratic Caucus meeting about Tennessee's unusual DSH payment situation. The President was receptive to my suggestions on behalf of Tennessee's hospitals, especially The MED in Memphis, and he promised to look into the issue. I have also worked with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Chairman Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and various other members of leadership to ensure that this provision, proposed by Congressman Gordon and me, would remain a part of Congress' final health care reform package.

"I thank Congressman Gordon for partnering with me on this important provision, and I look forward to the passage of these health care reform plans so Tennessee's hospitals can finally move toward achieving equity in the Medicaid DSH system."

Tennessee gave up its DSH payment in 1993 under the TennCare program. Since Tennessee has reverted back to a more traditional Medicaid program, the state has made multiple attempts to have its DSH payment reinstated in full. Only a full DSH reinstatement would create equity between Tennessee and the rest of the states. Congressmen Cohen and Gordon's provision in the health care reform package does not fully reinstate the payment in the interest of budgetary concerns.

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