In an op-ed for AL.com, Alabama State Representative Anthony Daniels explains why “it is especially alarming to see so-called site-neutral legislation now being pushed through Congress, which could make high-quality healthcare less accessible for women, particularly in rural areas.”
Speaking to the challenges already facing women seeking maternal healthcare in rural and underserved communities, Daniels writes that “[t]hese realities should give pause to lawmakers advocating for site-neutral legislation. Such bills would cut payments for hospitals and healthcare systems regardless of the distinct and higher costs they face to deliver care.”
Daniels continues:
It’s not hard to see how a one-size-fits-all reimbursement model would hurt rural care providers. Data shows that hospital closures and reductions contribute to rising rural maternal mortality rates, and these impacts are not distributed evenly. Rural hospitals are more likely to serve low-income, minority, older populations. When a rural hospital cuts services or closes, those who can least afford it are saddled with even greater burdens.
Site-neutral care will force hospitals to cut programs, which may include maternity services and ICUs. That means women living in the South and rural communities across the country may have to travel even farther and wait even longer for basic maternity care.
“Such burdens increase risks during and after pregnancy,” Daniels writes, adding: “Policymakers cannot cut their way to better outcomes, no matter how it’s packaged.”
To read the full op-ed at AL.com, CLICK HERE.
About the Coalition to Protect America’s Healthcare
The Coalition to Protect America’s Healthcare was formed to protect access to the best quality care for all Americans. We are a community of more than two million people who recognize the important role hospitals play in communities all over America, and advocate on their behalf to elected officials in Washington. The coalition represents the interests of the community, children’s, teaching, public, religious, rehabilitation, behavioral health, and long-term care hospitals, and their patients. More information is available at protecthealthcare.org.