Rep. Dan Crenshaw joined Reps. Yvette Clarke, Michael Burgess, and Diana DeGette in leading new bipartisan legislation that would create a fully-paid for, two-year solution to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments, avoiding cuts and creating a fiscally responsible solution.
“I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to protect safety net hospitals across the Houston area,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw. “This bill will ensure access to care for our most vulnerable patients and the hospitals who serve them.”
“Medicaid DSH payments are critical for hospitals that provide care to millions of Americans, where they serve a disproportionate number of low-income and uninsured patients,” said Rep. Yvette Clarke. “I’m proud to reach across the aisle to stand with my colleagues on behalf of this vital legislation.”
Hospital leaders from across the Houston area applauded the bill.
“Texas Children’s Hospital appreciates Congressman Crenshaw’s recognition of how important the DSH program is for safety net hospitals, especially children’s hospitals who serve a large portion of children on Medicaid,” said Weldon Gage, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Texas Children’s Hospital. “DSH funding is critical for Texas Children’s to continue serving the children and women who rely on our care.”
“Access to quality healthcare is critically important to the well-being of millions of Americans, particularly those who rely on safety net hospitals to receive the care they need,” said Doug Lawson, CEO of St. Luke’s Health serving the greater Houston area. “We appreciate that Congressman Crenshaw recognizes how critical DSH funding is to hospitals as they invest in workforce, equipment, operations, and infrastructure to ensure high-quality care can be delivered to their communities.”
Memorial Hermann Health System also praised the legislation: “With lingering, pandemic-related fiscal pressures in the health sector, Memorial Hermann Health System applauds Congressman Dan Crenshaw's leadership in pursuing a two year, paid-for solution to these scheduled DSH cuts; DSH reductions would be especially devastating at this time.”
Read the full bill text here.