Faso Helps Secure Low-Volume Hospital Provision in Bipartisan Budget Deal

Press Release

Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) highlighted an extension of the Low-Volume (LV) Hospital Adjustment program and its effect on qualifying hospitals in the 19th district. Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, Catskill Regional Medical Center, and Cobleskill Regional Hospital all qualify for assistance under the LV program.

"Extension of this program is crucial for three rural hospitals in the 19th district," said Rep. Faso. "The LV program assists these hospitals in providing quality care to those who need it. I'm glad the bipartisan budget deal addressed this important issue and look forward to finding other ways to assist hospitals in delivering high quality care."

"We are so thankful to Representative Faso for his efforts. It's agreements such as this which help ensure CRMC is able to provide high quality care to our community for years to come. Recently, CRMC renovated most of the hospital. Most recently, we added more high-tech equipment such as our new CT scanner. Any additional support we receive from our elected officials is always very much appreciated and ultimately benefits the patients we care for." -- Jonathan Schiller, CEO, Catskill Regional Medical Center

"We are very grateful for Congressman Faso's support and advocacy on behalf of Cobleskill Regional Hospital and rural health care. The Low Volume Hospital Adjustment Program is crucial to our ability to continue to provide high quality services to our community, and to maintain the hospital's strong financial health. Cobleskill Regional Hospital generates $53,000,000 in economic activity in our community. Congressman Faso's successful bipartisan efforts to extend the Low Volume program will enable us to continue to have a positive economic impact." -- Eric Stein, President, Cobleskill Regional Hospital

"We thank Rep. Faso for protecting access to care by supporting the reinstatement and extension of the Medicare Dependent Hospital and Medicare Low-Volume payment adjustment," said HANYS President Bea Grause. "These important policies help ensure New York's rural and small community hospitals can continue to provide essential healthcare services to patients in need."

"This new legislation is welcome news and helps to relieve some of the funding uncertainty we've struggled with in the past," observes A.O. Fox Hospital President Jeff Joyner. "The low-volume hospital adjustment is an important supplement that is used in a variety of ways to support patient care including replacing equipment and purchasing supplies. We certainly appreciate Congressman Faso's advocacy on behalf of the state's rural hospitals."

Background

-The Low Volume Hospital Adjustment Program was discontinued in October of 2017. The extension now runs for five years.
-Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital is scheduled to receive $3.8 million.
-Catskill Regional Medical Center is scheduled to receive $3.3 million.
-Cobleskill Regional Hospital is scheduled to receive $2.6 million.

Source