Hospital lobbying could sink effort to trim Medicare costs

AXIOS February 5, 2024
Peter Sullivan

Hospitals intensely lobbying to stop a bipartisan measure that would trim their Medicare payments are emphasizing how the policy may hobble already struggling rural hospitals.

Why it matters: The hospitals’ argument is apparently resonating in the Senate — raising further doubts about whether Congress can overcome pressure from a politically powerful lobby to enact modest Medicare savings.

Catch up quick: The proposal in question, known as site-neutral payments, would save both taxpayers and patients money and has support from experts across the political spectrum.

• Medicare would pay the same amount for the same service, regardless of whether it’s provided in a hospital outpatient department or independent physician office.
• It’s the leading edge of broader efforts to control hospital costs,...

Today's Sponsors

Today's Sponsor