Clarke Leads Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Medicaid Cuts to New York Hospitals

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) and Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY), joined by Reps. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Frank Mrvan (D-IN), introduced the bipartisan Save Our Safety-Net Hospitals Act to prevent massive cuts to New York hospitals’ Medicaid payments.

“New York’s safety net hospitals are an invaluable resource for our state’s most vulnerable patients, and Medicaid DSH funding is necessary for keeping their operations running,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “We cannot stand by as devastating funding cuts loom and threaten the health, wellbeing, and futures of the millions of New Yorkers who rely on these vital hospitals to access the healthcare services they need.

I am proud to stand with my colleagues across the aisle in support of a solution that will keep their doors open and protect the underserved patients they care for. The time to pass the SOS Hospitals Act is now.”

“New York’s safety-net hospitals, like Stony Brook University Hospital, are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing essential care to our most vulnerable communities. The potential $53 million cut in Medicaid funding threatens the very foundation of these institutions,” said Rep. LaLota. “My bipartisan Save Our Safety-Net Hospitals Act would prevent massive cuts to the nation’s most vulnerable hospitals without any cost to the taxpayer and ensure they can continue to deliver critical services.

This is a bipartisan and common sense fix to an issue directly impacting hospitals on Long Island and safeguards healthcare access for those who need it most, ensuring that no one is left behind due to bureaucratic oversights.”

“Safety net hospitals in Indiana and across the nation help care for the most vulnerable patients. As a physician, I know how critical these facilities are, particularly in rural and underserved urban communities,” said Rep. Bucshon. “It is critical that these safety net hospitals have the resources they need to provide care for these patients, and Congress must work to ensure the federal government is appropriately providing the resources necessary to support the important work that they do.”