Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a $234 million legislative package Sept. 22 to provide relief for hospitals and community health centers, including those strained by shifts in payer mix, rising expenses and increased demand for services.
About 40 hospitals in the state are expected to receive relief payments from the $234 million spending bill, according to State House News Service.
“It is important to support our hospitals and community health centers so our residents get the access and quality of care they deserve across Massachusetts. This package is a step forward in maintaining our world-class health care ecosystem,” Ms. Healey said in a news release.
The bill provides $122 million for acute care hospitals serving a high percentage of low-income patients and under financial hardship, according to the governor’s office.
The bill also includes $77 million to reimburse hospitals and community health centers for services provided to uninsured and underinsured patients, via the state’s Health Safety Net Trust Fund.
Under the legislation, community health centers and hospital licensed health centers will receive an additional $35 million, including $2.5 million earmarked for shared services.
Read more about the legislation here.
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