RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Illinois Hospital Association has declared the most pressing healthcare issues that will affect the accessibility and affordability of healthcare in Chicago; and,
WHEREAS, to protect the Hospital Assessment (Provider Tax) program the Illinois hospitals have been strong partners with the state in financing the Medicaid program. Illinois hospitals pay an annual assessment (or tax) of $900 million, which the state uses to draw down $900 million in federal Medicaid matching funds; and,
WHEREAS, through this program the state will have received $9 billion in federal funds since 2004; and,
WHEREAS, some have proposed eliminating or restricting provider tax programs as part of federal budget reductions. This would have a serious adverse impact on health care providers and the patients and communities they serve; and,
WHEREAS, to preserve Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments of hospitals that serve Medicare, Medicaid and uninsured patients receive additional reimbursement under the Medicare and Medicaid programs; and,
WHEREAS, the Accountable Act calls for cuts in these important DSH payments, as well as other Medicare and Medicaid payments for Illinois Hospitals that will total more than $8 billion over 10 years.
WHEREAS, the reimbursement system must recognize and preserve the essential role that safety net hospitals play in their communities; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, there must be a reasonable transition to any new system to support hospitals as they work to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of the health care system these cuts should be reduced; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee on Health and Environmental Protection is directed to invite health care providers and community hospitals that serve the residents of the City of Chicago to provide testimony regarding the budget challenges that hospitals are facing.