U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy addressed Louisiana’s pending Medicaid directed payment pre-print with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on April 23.
The issue is important for Louisiana’s hospitals and physicians, as the approval of Medicaid provider tax pre-prints allows them to access critical funding. Without this approval, providers may face uncertainty regarding their fiscal health.
“CMS is working with Louisiana to approve Medicaid provider tax pre-prints after passing the Working Families Tax Cut Act. We have one more to be approved: the Physician 2026 pre-print. Louisiana’s fiscal year starts in two months, and we just need to get this done ASAP as was congressional intent. Please prioritize getting it resolved and I’ll follow up with you and Dr. Oz. But [it’s] critical to my state’s providers and my state’s fiscal health, if you will, that this be complied with,” said Dr. Cassidy.
Secretary Kennedy responded by saying, “I’m happy to put my staff in touch. You can call me anytime to make sure it’s happening.” According to the official website, Cassidy serves on the Senate Finance, Energy and Natural Resources, and Veterans Affairs Committees according to the official website.
Cassidy led efforts that included language in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act protecting Louisiana providers from future funding changes through grandfathering provisions for Medicaid payments. HHS has already approved two separate Louisiana pre-prints since that legislation passed.
In addition to his legislative work on health care funding, Cassidy co-founded the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic which delivers free health and dental care according to the official website. He also advances initiatives aimed at reducing health care costs, supporting coastal restoration projects, and reforming mental health systems according to the official website.
Looking ahead, Cassidy said he would continue following up until all necessary approvals are secured before Louisiana’s new fiscal year begins.
