Continuing deterioration of the state’s revenue collections and stalled progress on Medicaid expansion are combining to put hospitals at risk for massive cuts in hospital payments in the 2013-2014 state budget. Such cuts would directly threaten patient access to care. HAP urges member hospitals and health systems to firmly and clearly deliver the hospital advocacy message on the hospital Quality Care Assessment and Medicaid expansion to legislators, who are back in their districts now for the Memorial Day recess.

During this National Hospital Week, HAP President and CEO Andy Carter thanks Pennsylvania hospitals and their dedicated staff in a brief video message. Nearly 270,000 Pennsylvania health care professionals provide healing, health, and hope to the patients who come through their hospital doors during 1.6 million admissions, 39 million outpatient visits, 6 million emergency department visits, and 124,000 births each year. HAP would like to thank our member hospitals and their dedicated staff for the 24/7 care provided on behalf of Pennsylvania patients and communities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $150 million in new funding to help uninsured Americans enroll in new health insurance coverage options made available by the Affordable Care Act. The funding will be available to community health centers to provide in-person enrollment assistance to uninsured individuals across the nation. About 1,200 health centers operate nearly 9,000 service delivery sites nationwide and serve approximately 21 million patients each year. With these new funds, health centers will be able to hire new staff, train existing staff, and conduct community outreach events and other educational activities to help consumers understand their coverage options and enroll in new affordable health insurance options.