The budget would take $20 million in uncompensated care payments the state currently pays to hospitals and redirect the funds to help maintain Medicaid optional services. According to the report, the shift in funds would sustain funding for Medicaid optional services, which provide prescription drugs for seniors, wheelchairs and nursing services, among others.
Gov. Lynch defended the cuts, raising the point that many New Hampshire hospital executives earn high salaries — costing hospitals money that could be diverted to other expenses.
The NHHA responded that the salaries accurately reflect the demands placed on today’s hospital leaders and that the cuts will only drive up the cost of care in New Hampshire.
Read the Fosters report on the New Hampshire hospital budget.
Read more on hospital finances:
–Five Hospitals Receive Credit Downgrades
–Miami’s Jackson Health Could Lose $100M This Year
–Kentucky Hospitals Contribute Nearly $15B in Community Benefit
