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Hospitals, FQHCs and employer groups urge action to shield Medicaid and advance health‑cost transparency
Summary
Health‑care providers, the Hospital Association, Federally Qualified Health Centers and employers urged the Legislature to prepare for possible federal Medicaid cuts, increase investments in graduate medical education and FQHC reimbursement, and fund a strengthened Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency.
James Dawley of the Fair Share Hospitals Collaborative and Christine Sures of the Hospital Association reminded senators that Congressional proposals to reduce Medicaid funding could cut billions in federal dollars to New Jersey and that the state should plan for contingencies to limit harm to hospital operations and access to care. Dawley urged an increase in Graduate Medical Education (GME) subsidies, noting a $10 million state addition could trigger a $20 million federal match and help address physician shortages.
Dr. Keri Powell, on behalf of New Jersey’s Federally Qualified Health Centers and the Primary Care Association, asked the committee to raise uncompensated care rates for uninsured visits from $114 to $154 per visit and to increase the PPS base rate for Medicaid from $24 to $34, totaling an estimated $43.6 million in new state funding to sustain health centers that serve low‑income New Jerseyans.
Kevin Lyons, representing the Coalition for Affordable Hospitals, urged funding for a codified Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency (OCAT) and called for $5 million in appropriation to build the office’s capacity; he argued transparency and independent monitoring of hospital pricing can blunt premium increases and protect workers and employers from unsustainable health benefit hikes.
Speakers requested targeted state investments to protect NJ Family Care coverage and safety net hospitals and urged the Legislature to consider mechanisms to maximize federal match for certain payments rather than reducing programs that draw federal dollars. No formal votes occurred at the hearing.
