WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties express concerns over potential cuts to rural hospitals, which complicate President Donald Trump’s extensive budget proposal.
The Senate version of the package includes a Medicaid cut that would reduce what’s known as the provider tax for states.
“In my state, half of the hospitals serve rural areas,” commented U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, (R-Mo.). “I grew up in a community of 4,000 residents. I’ve experienced this firsthand. It’s a significant issue.”
“Threatening at least nine at-risk rural hospitals across the state,” said U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, (D-Ill.).
Kelly said the proposed cuts couldn’t come at a worse time for Illinois and the rest of the country.
“Right now, our country is in the middle of a maternal mortality crisis, and Medicaid covers half of births nationwide,” she said.
A report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform found one-third of all rural hospitals face closures.
“It’s just a proposal so it’s too early to talk about what is going to happen and what’s not,” said U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, (R-Okla.).
Mullin noted there is still an opportunity to discuss terms, while Hawley proposed a compromise: adapting the House’s version of the bill, which halts the tax instead of cutting it.
“I would think that would be easy to do,” Hawley said. “That’s what probably our leadership should have done.”
The White House wouldn’t say whether the president would sign a bill with the cuts.
“I won’t comment on that specific provision,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “Look, the bill hasn’t been sent to the president’s desk yet. There’s more room for change.”
However, President Trump still wants the legislation passed by July 4, and Senate staffers are working through the weekend to try to meet that deadline.
