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Hospitals Expect Extra $240 Million From Medicare Reform
Arizona Capitol Reports Staff//February 13, 2004//[read_meter]
Hospitals Expect Extra $240 Million From Medicare Reform
Arizona Capitol Reports Staff//February 13, 2004//[read_meter]
Arizona hospitals could get nearly $240 million more than expected in 2004 because of the Medicare reform act signed by President Bush on Dec. 8.
The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association estimates the state’s 90 hospitals will receive $96.5 million in additional federal cost-of-living increases. Arizona facilities had expected $141 million in cuts.
“We are pleased with the short-term benefit but we have a heck of a tough assignment over the next several years,” said John Rivers, president and chief executive officer of the hospital association.
He fears that as federal deficits increase in the future, hospital funding will be cut.
Arizona hospitals along the border also will get $160 million over the next four years to provide care to undocumented workers. —
