Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH)

Information for and about hospitals serving large numbers of patients on public insurance programs such as MassHealth and Medicare. 
09.24.2018  | While Lawsuits Continue, 340B Stewardship Principles Are Urged
The American Hospital Association last week announced 340B drug program “good stewardship principles.”
09.10.2018  | Hospitals File Suit to Halt 340B Cuts
AHA and other hospital interests filed suit in U.S. District Court to stop a nearly 30% reduction in Medicare payments to hospitals for purchase of outpatient drugs under the 340B program.
08.27.2018  | Hospitals at Risk of Closing; Nursing Union Ignores the Facts
Approximately 30 hospitals a year across the U.S. are closing, according to a national study that is resonating in Massachusetts.
08.06.2018  | State Report Shows Hospitals are Skating on Thin Ice
The state has released Massachusetts hospital financial performance data for all of 2017 and the picture is not at all rosy.
07.30.2018  | Governor Signs Budget and Tobacco Bill
Last Thursday, Governor Charlie Baker signed the $41.7 billion FY19 state budget.
06.25.2018  | House Healthcare Bill Includes Help for Hospitals
A conference committee will now attempt to resolve differences between the House bill and legislation from the Senate passed last year.
06.18.2018  | Mass. House Releases Major Healthcare Overhaul
The Massachusetts House of Representatives could begin consideration as early as tomorrow on a massive healthcare reform bill.
05.21.2018  | Senate Budget Debate Begins; MHA Suggests Two Amendments
Debate on the Massachusetts Senate’s budget proposal begins tomorrow and MHA has two priority amendment.
04.23.2018  | Three Hospital Priorities for FY2019 House Budget Debate
Debate begins today on the Massachusetts House Ways & Means Committee’s state budget proposal for FY 2019.
04.16.2018  | House Budget Provides Support for DSH and Safety Net
The Massachusetts House Ways & Means Committee released its proposed FY19 state budget last Wednesday, and a preliminary review of it shows that the budget writers were responsive to some key hospital priorities.
04.09.2018  | House Ways & Means Committee FY2019 Budget Expected This Week
The House Ways & Means Committee version of the FY2019 state budget is expected to be released by the committee this Wednesday.
03.19.2018  | Warren Defends 340B Program at Senate HELP Hearing
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) defended the 340B drug program and the hospitals and health centers that rely on it at a hearing last Thursday.
03.05.2018  | FY19 Budget Priorities for House Ways & Means Committee
MHA weighed in with the House Ways & Means Committee as it prepares to take the next step in the state’s budget process.
02.19.2018  | MassHealth ACO Program Begins March 1
The MassHealth Accountable Care Organization (ACO) program begins on Thursday, March 1.
02.12.2018  | Health Priorities in Federal Budget Bill
The federal budget package which passed last week after an hours-long government shutdown includes many important healthcare provisions.
02.05.2018  | DeLeo Cites Hospital Excellence, Promises New Reform Bill
Robert DeLeo laid out priorities for the new legislative year, including a vow to take up healthcare reform “in the coming months.”
01.29.2018  | MassHealth Reform Revisited in Governor’s State Budget Proposal
Last Wednesday, Governor Charlie Baker released a $40.9 billion FY19 state budget proposal.
11.06.2017  | House Passes CHIP Bill, But Its Future is Unclear
The U.S. House on Friday passed legislation to extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for five years.
10.16.2017  | A Focus on Employer Insurance Reporting and MassHealth Funding
A deficiency budget that the Massachusetts House passed this week to close the books on FY17 included a provision requiring every employer in Massachusetts with six or more workers to out an employer medical assistance contribution (EMAC) compliance
10.09.2017  | Good First Steps this Week for CHIP and DSH Funding
Two big priorities for the Massachusetts healthcare community – preserving the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and stalling Medicaid cuts to disproportionate share hospitals – were helped this week by Congressional action.

Resources

Click on the links below for easy access to important information related to state healthcare issues and advocacy.
Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts websites below to find information on legislative hearings and other meetings of interest to the healthcare community.
To guide your navigation of the legislative process and assist your advocacy efforts, please visit the following state websites:
MHA has also developed the following documents for your information and benefit: