Florida hospitals stand to lose $300 million a year if changes proposed by the federal government are passed. The state is in the paradoxical position of having done too well financially last year, having made good money with sales taxes and document stamps. Now, under the new rules, the feds would cut back the percentage of the state-federal split that they pay into the low-income pool, ultimately leaving state hospitals having to absorb a $209 million shortfall. The state's public hospitals, which treat high volumes of uninsured patients, stand to take a particularly large hit. For example, Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital could lose $32 million next year, and two Fort Lauderdale-area hospitals could lose $19.4 million. Congress is considering bills which would put a hold on these cuts for two years, but it's not clear how much support they have.
To find out more about the cuts:
- read this Miami Herald piece