Federal bill would increase DSH funding eligibility

A new bill filed by Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) would increase the amount of disproportionate-share hospital funding hospitals could get under Medicaid, while expanding the definition and required services of publicly-owned or operated hospitals.

To get the additional funding, hospitals would have to meet several requirements, each of which is designed to better articulate the definition of a safety-net hospital. These include showing that they are owned or operated by state or municipal government, operate an accredited burn center and Level 1 trauma center, own at least five community health centers in their county and have fewer than 450 inpatient beds. Facilities that meet these requirements would be eligible for DSH payments of up to 175 percent of the cost of service.

To learn more about the measure:
- read this Modern Healthcare article

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