“Our organization’s approach has been to work with the Administration and Congress to improve lives and care delivery while at the same time working to remove costs out of the system,” said Gov. Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL.  “We do that by reducing hospital readmissions, placing seniors in the most appropriate health settings, and redoubling our efforts on quality. We shouldn’t have an approach focused solely on cuts.  Unfortunately, the President’s budget reflects that singular direction.

“Cutting payments such as the White House’s bad debt provision is tantamount to cutting Medicare benefits.  And limiting provider assessments will only add to the Medicaid burdens at the state level.  This sort of budgeting violates the basic contract between the government and beneficiaries - namely, that covered services will be paid.

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