Rep. Brown Urges House and Senate Leaders to Prevent Detrimental Cuts to Medicare

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Representative Shontel M. Brown (OH-11) led a group of 27 Members of Congress, urging House and Senate leaders to take action to prevent detrimental cuts to Medicare scheduled to go into effect soon.

To bring attention to this matter, Rep. Brown penned a letter asking Congress to address the looming cuts, which will have a negative financial impact on healthcare systems across the nation, especially those located in communities of color.  

“The last several years have been extremely difficult for hospitals and health care systems, and Congress must offer financial relief so that hospitals can continue to deliver treatment to those most in need,” said Rep. Brown. “Now is not the time to reduce their reimbursement and provide an additional barrier to care.

“Disparities in our healthcare system run deep, and the failure of Congress to act on this issue would disproportionately affect minority and underserved communities and have dire consequences. Congress must take swift action to support our front-line healthcare systems.”

Background

Rep. Brown has been a leader in advancing health equity. Safety net hospitals play a critical role in providing low-income individuals with access to health services. While Congress has provided a patchwork of temporary solutions to stabilize Medicare, they are set to expire soon, some as early as 2023, which could trigger a “Medicare cliff” and result in drastic cuts.

Click below to view the letter.