Congressman Cohen Statement on The MED Reimbursement

This provision is long overdue. I’ve been working with my colleagues in the House and Sens. Alexander and Corker to create a “MED Fix” for nearly two years, and I’m very grateful to see it finally pass. I applaud both of our state’s U.S. Senators for their efforts to secure these provisions in the Senate’s finalized version of H.R. 2.

Without this permanent fix, the ability of safety net hospitals such as The MED to continue to provide essential services to the uninsured would have been severely affected, especially given the current economic situation.

The MED is treating escalating numbers of indigent, out-of-state patients (mostly from Arkansas and Mississippi), resulting in approximately $80 million in annual costs that must be covered by Tennessee taxpayers. This has put an enormous financial strain on the people of the 9th District, and this common-sense provision simply allows for neighbor states’ Medicaid programs to reimburse our public hospital for their citizens’ treatment.

Given The MED’s recent financial struggles and the deepening recession, this provision cannot be enacted soon enough. Nearly 30 years ago as a Shelby County Commissioner, I cast a vote for the creation of The MED as a public hospital that would serve everyone, and funding this venerable institution has been one of my highest legislative priorities since I arrived in Washington.

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