Louisiana Senate Bill SCR101

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/20/13
• Refer: 5/21/13
• Passed: 5/23/13
• Engrossed: 5/28/13
• Refer: 5/28/13
• Report Pass: 5/29/13

Caption

Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals to protect certain hospitals from the negative financial consequences of the closure of the Earl K. Long Medical Center by adequately compensating such hospitals for their increased burden of providing health care to the poor and uninsured residents of the greater Baton Rouge region.

Impact

The resolution aims to modify the existing reimbursement policies to ensure that hospitals coping with rising patient numbers are compensated accordingly. The intent is to support these local facilities that are bearing the burden of providing healthcare to individuals who previously depended on Earl K. Long Medical Center. By addressing the financial repercussions of the closure, the resolution seeks to maintain continued healthcare access for vulnerable populations in the region. This adjustment in funding would require approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which adds a layer of complexity to its implementation.

Summary

SCR101 is a Louisiana Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges the Department of Health and Hospitals to adjust its reimbursement methodologies to alleviate the financial strain on hospitals affected by the closure of the Earl K. Long Medical Center. This closure significantly impacted the delivery of healthcare services to the poor and uninsured in the Baton Rouge area, as patients began seeking care at other nearby hospitals, leading to increased emergency room visits and overwhelming these facilities. The resolution specifically calls for enhanced reimbursement for community-owned hospitals within a 15-mile radius of the former medical center that experience an increase in indigent emergency visits.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR101 appears to be largely supportive, as it addresses an urgent need for equitable healthcare access in the wake of the closure of a crucial medical facility. Lawmakers from both parties seem to recognize the necessity of providing financial support to local hospitals that are now shouldering increased responsibilities. Community members and healthcare advocates likely support this initiative, emphasizing the importance of sustainable healthcare funding for the uninsured and low-income populations in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.

Contention

While there appears to be consensus on the need for action, there may be concerns regarding the funding mechanisms and long-term implications of such reimbursement adjustments. Some legislators could question whether enhancing reimbursements is a sufficient or sustainable solution for hospitals facing ongoing challenges, especially as healthcare delivery systems in Louisiana evolve. Moreover, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of simply increasing funding rather than addressing broader issues of healthcare access in the context of hospital closures.