Congressman Cohen Meets with Mayor Wharton, Mid-South Leaders to Plan for The MED

“I was very pleased to gather this diverse group of leaders together in order to plan for the future of The MED,” said Congressman Cohen. “From the first day I arrived in Washington, DC, ensuring the long-term stability of the Mid-South’s premier public hospital has been one of my highest priorities. Recently, Sens. Corker and Alexander, Congressman Tanner and I were able to include a ‘MED Fix’ in H.R. 2, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Improvements Act which makes permanent the ability of The MED to be reimbursed by Arkansas and Mississippi for treating uninsured patients from those states.”

Mayor Wharton called for the meeting to formally request that lawmakers endorse and authorize the formation of a “regional health care association” that would give Arkansas and Mississippi a more formal role in the governance of The MED. The association as proposed by Mayor Wharton could allow for shared decision making on issues related to The MED such as uniform rates, charges, reimbursement, and accounting policies, as well as form the basis of a more comprehensive regional medical strategy.

Congressman Cohen continued, “The MED is a regional hospital and the Mid-South area comprises three states. Patients don’t stop at state lines and neither should funds. Mayor Wharton is correct in calling for an interstate health care association with our friends from Arkansas and Mississippi to help in governing and planning for The MED. This meeting marked an important first step in the process, and I appreciate Mayor Wharton’s initiative and commitment to ensuring long-term viability of The MED.”

Congressman Cohen has arranged for a follow-up meeting to discuss this innovative new plan with Nancy-Ann DeParle, President Obama’s new “Health Reform Czar” appointed last week. Ms. DeParle, a Tennessee native, is heading up the new White House Office of Health Reform and they will discuss regional health care associations and also funding for new special trauma centers with a possible pilot program at The MED.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265