Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HCR75

Introduced
4/22/15  
Introduced
4/22/15  
Refer
4/27/15  
Refer
4/27/15  
Report Pass
5/4/15  
Report Pass
5/4/15  
Engrossed
5/14/15  
Engrossed
5/14/15  
Refer
5/18/15  
Refer
5/21/15  
Refer
5/21/15  
Report Pass
5/27/15  
Passed
6/2/15  

Caption

Provides for a hospital stabilization formula (RE INCREASE SD RV See Note)

Impact

The resolution aims to mitigate the financial burden on hospitals while also addressing the cost-shifting to insured individuals for caring for uninsured patients. By optimizing the use of existing healthcare funds and expanding health coverage through the Louisiana medical assistance program, HCR75 is designed to create a more efficient healthcare delivery system. It emphasizes reimbursement enhancements for hospitals, ensuring they receive competitive rates for their services which were in effect prior to specified amendments in the state plan. Such enhancements represent a move towards more equitable healthcare funding mechanisms within the state.

Summary

HCR75 is a House Concurrent Resolution aimed at establishing a hospital stabilization formula as part of Louisiana's healthcare system. The bill seeks to enhance hospital funding by implementing a stabilization assessment for hospitals based on their total net patient revenue. The assessment will help to provide a stable and recurring source of funding that is essential for maintaining both inpatient and outpatient services, especially for rural hospitals as highlighted by the objectives of the Rural Hospital Preservation Act. The bill emphasizes the importance of preserving hospital services for Louisiana residents, particularly for those who are low-income or uninsured.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR75 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses critical issues regarding hospital funding amidst ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector. The resolution has garnered bipartisan support, likely due to its focus on preserving vital hospital services that serve the most vulnerable populations in Louisiana. However, as with any legislative measure, there may still be discussions around the effectiveness of the proposed assessments and enhancements in practice, reflecting a cautious optimism among stakeholders.

Contention

Although HCR75 is primarily centered on funding and reimbursement, it could face scrutiny regarding the specifics of the assessment process, including the terms under which hospitals are assessed and how those funds are allocated. Legislators and healthcare advocates may have differing views on whether the proposed mechanism effectively addresses the unique challenges faced by rural versus urban hospitals, potentially leading to debates over its implementation. Ensuring that the resolutions meet not only financial, but also operational needs and patient care quality, will be crucial in advancing the goals outlined in the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

LA SCR28

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LA HCR2

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LA HCR5

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LA HCR8

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LA HCR6

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LA HR36

Urges and requests the Department of Insurance to compare and contrast health insurance reimbursement rates to medical providers in each of the metropolitan regions of Louisiana and with the reimbursement rates in similar metropolitan regions of the United States

LA HR31

Urges and requests the Department of Insurance to compare and contrast health insurance reimbursement rates to medical providers in northwest Louisiana with the reimbursement rates in different regions of Louisiana and in similar metropolitan regions of the United States

LA HCR2

Provides for a hospital stabilization formula (Item #12) (EN +$104,004,420 SD RV See Note)