Nancy L. Johnson: “I rise today with concern about the reductions made in this legislation for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital…”

“I rise today with concern about the reductions made in this legislation for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital [DSH] funding. The reductions made to DSH funding in this legislation will have a dramatic effect on Medicaid funding going to Connecticut, and 12 other States in similar situations: Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. My home State of Connecticut is a high-DSH State, meaning that we have a number of low-income people who lack health insurance use Federal and State Medicaid funding to assist our hospitals that treat. Connecticut is acting responsibly by using available Federal funds to address the problem of people lacking health insurance. The DSH program is an integral part of Connecticut's overall Medicaid Program, involving over $400 million in combined Federal and State funding. The DSH formula in this legislation is unfair and disproportionately impacts a handful of states, including Connecticut, who have invested in DSH programs. These States are legitimately accessing funds through the Medicaid Program, which is designed to enhance the health care coverage of low-income people. We must recognize that DSH is not separate from Medicaid, but a critical component of providing quality health care to those who cannot otherwise afford it. During the fiscal year, Connecticut is receiving $204 million in DSH funding from the Federal Government.”