Springfield, Mass.-based Baystate Health is projecting a $30 million to $50 million financial loss annually due to the July 4 passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“[We] understand that hospitals, physicians and providers will face the direct impact of the cuts which could result in reductions in programs, services and jobs across our industry,” Laurie Martin, CFO of Baystate Health, said in a July 8 statement shared with Becker’s. “From what we have interpreted, it is projected to have at least a $30 million to $50 million annual negative ‘bottom line’ impact on Baystate and it will take us more time and working together in the coming weeks and months to fully understand the impact.”
A target of significant criticism from several healthcare organizations, the law cuts Medicaid spending by nearly $1 trillion and is expected to raise the number of uninsured people by 11.8 million by 2034, per the Congressional Budget Office.
Ms. Martin praised state advocacy efforts to correct potential misperceptions about the status of Baystate Franklin Medical Center, which was labeled “at-risk” of closure should the bill move forward.
“It is important to know that Baystate Franklin Medical Center is not at risk of closing,” she said. “Baystate Franklin is one of the five hospitals within our system and a vital part of our integrated delivery network of hospitals, physicians and health plan. In our strategic planning process over the last nine months, we have identified significant growth opportunities to enhance clinical services at Baystate Franklin.”
Ms. Martin also expressed concern about the implications for vulnerable patients, particularly those reliant on Medicaid. She said Baystate will continue to educate itself on any implications that the law could have both at Baystate and within the state.
