While supporting the level of healthcare coverage proposed in House and Senate bills, the American Hospital Association also expressed concerns late last week on many items, including the "tremendous pressure on provider payment rates" if a public option comes into play, even with the proposed pay negotiated rates.
In a 27-page letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the AHA worried about underpayment to hospitals, supported the health insurance exchanges to assist consumers in selecting and purchasing health plans and, discussed the critical need for shared responsibility.
"Shared responsibility of individuals and employers is critical to achieving coverage for all," the letter reads. "To ensure that an individual coverage mandate is meaningful, it will be important that insurance market reforms are not only thorough but also implemented rapidly."
Congress is just now beginning work on reconciling healthcare reform bills, and the AHA weighed in with opinions on administrative simplification to insurance market reforms to Children's Health Insurance Program payments and more.
To learn more:
- see the letter from the AHA