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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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