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Children’s raises its voice to legislators
 

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Senator Edward Kennedy takes a moment to thank Children's patient Jaime Boulanger and his mother Lisa Burgess for the powerful remarks Burgess made at the legislative breakfast on Capitol Hill sponsored by Children's .

t’s no secret that the state’s fiscal crisis threatens even the most worthy programs and essential services. But over the past year, Children’s Hospital Boston has passionately and successfully advocated legislators in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. to protect children’s health care from the brunt of the budget cuts.

“At the start of its budget process, the state was projecting a $3 billion deficit,” says M. Laurie Cammisa, Esq., vice president of Child Advocacy. “We worked hard to make sure that the Commonwealth would preserve health care access for children and recognize the unique needs of this hospital.”

James Mandell, MD, president and CEO, has been actively involved in defending the safety-net funding in the Uncompensated Care Pool, which provides access to health care for low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents. As a member of a special state commission and a task force convened by Governor Mitt Romney, Mandell advocated for improved funding and equitable administration of the Pool. Through these efforts, and with strong support from the legislature, the 2004 state budget will provide relief to hospitals throughout the state, including Children’s, and will maintain access for uninsured Massachusetts citizens.

As the single largest provider of health care to Massachusetts children covered by Medicaid, Children’s also has dedicated its attention to Medicaid issues and advocated for fair pediatric disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, which provide additional reimbursement to hospitals that serve many low income patients. “The DSH funding sustains our commitment to caring for all children, despite the losses in Medicaid reimbursement that we incur each year,” says Cammisa. “We are grateful to the administration and the legislature for assuring continued coverage under the program, and for approving a $6.25 million DSH payment that will be shared by Children’s, New England Medical Center and Franciscan’s Hospital for Children.”

On the federal level, Children’s hosted its second biannual legislative breakfast for the Massachusetts Congressional delegation in June. The event was an opportunity to further educate members of Congress about Children’s mission. Several speakers highlighted the importance of Medicaid funding to the patients and to the institution.

Despite an uncertain economy, Children’s will continue its advocacy for policies and funding that support its patients and assures its ability to provide the highest quality care. “In these difficult times,” says Cammisa. “Children’s must be a strong voice for children.”

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