Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Maggie Hassan have introduced a legislative framework aimed at reforming Medicare's site-neutral payment policies to reduce healthcare costs for patients and taxpayers. The proposal seeks to address the disparity in payments that hospitals receive for services that could be performed more cost-effectively in non-hospital settings, such as physician offices.

Dr. Cassidy emphasized, "As a doctor, my focus is always providing the best care at the most affordable cost." He noted that if care can be provided safely in different settings, patients should not incur higher charges simply because their doctor operates within a hospital.

Senator Hassan added, "Patients should not be forced to pay higher bills just because their regular doctor’s office was purchased by a hospital." She highlighted the bipartisan nature of the framework, which aims to significantly lower healthcare costs for seniors on Medicare and save taxpayer dollars. The proposal also plans to invest in rural and high-needs hospitals serving local communities.

The proposed site-neutral policies would ensure Medicare pays the same rate for identical services regardless of location. This change targets the elimination of additional hospital facility fees that drive up patient costs and encourage provider consolidation.

The framework has received endorsements from various organizations including United States of Care, Third Way, Small Business Majority, ERISA Industry Committee, Families USA, Bipartisan Policy Center, Community Oncology Alliance, West Health Policy Center, Committee to Protect Health Care, Americans for Prosperity, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Aledade, American Benefits Council, and Arnold Ventures.

Natalie Davis from United States of Care praised the framework as a step towards fair billing practices and reinforcing access to healthcare across communities. Michele Stockwell from BPC Action expressed appreciation for reducing healthcare cost burdens while reinvesting in rural areas.

John Arensmeyer from Small Business Majority emphasized the impact of high healthcare costs on small businesses and supported site-neutral billing as a means to contain expenses. James Gelfand from ERISA Industry Committee commended Senators Hassan and Cassidy for promoting fair competition through these reforms.

Tim Lash from West Health Policy Center stated that site-neutral payment reform is overdue and necessary for reducing healthcare spending. Mark Miller from Arnold Ventures highlighted how current practices incentivize large hospital monopolies that increase prices.

David Merritt from Blue Cross Blue Shield Association supported the legislative framework's focus on consumer interests by preventing inflated charges due to provider consolidation. Anthony Wright from Families USA endorsed efforts to hold corporations accountable for rising costs.

Ted Okan from Community Oncology Alliance recognized Senator Cassidy's leadership in addressing medical debt among seniors due to high hospital costs. Dr. Rob Davidson from Committee to Protect Health Care expressed concern over consolidation trends increasing patient expenses.

Connie Partoyan from Better Solutions for Healthcare applauded efforts against predatory billing practices by corporate hospital systems. Ilyse Schuman from American Benefits Council saw site-neutral reform as crucial for restoring competition among providers.

Dean Clancy from Americans for Prosperity supported personalized healthcare options leading to reduced out-of-pocket expenses under this bipartisan proposal. Darbin Wofford from Third Way emphasized protection against excessive charges through common-sense policy solutions offered by Senators Cassidy and Hassan.

Lawson Mansell from Niskanen Center commended efforts addressing financial incentives distorting markets while ensuring appropriate reinvestment into hospitals with greater needs.