Deeper Cuts in Medicare and Medicaid Will Jeopardize Care for Millions of Americans

Soundbite and Script

July 14, 2011

THE SUGGESTED ANCHOR LEAD:

AS BUDGET DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE IN WASHINGTON, FURTHER CUTS TO THE NATION’S HOSPITALS ARE ON THE TABLE AND LOCAL HOSPITALS ARE CONCERNED THAT DEEPER CUTS IN MEDICARE AND MEDICAID WILL JEOPARDIZE CARE FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS.  AGAINST THIS BACKDROP, LOCAL HOSPITAL LEADERS WERE ON CAPITOL HILL TELLING THEIR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HOW THESE CUTS WOULD IMPACT THE CRITICAL SERVICES THEY PROVIDE FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES.  THAT STORY IN 3, 2, 1…

ANNOUNCER:

HEALTH CARE EXPERTS SAY THE FEDERAL BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS COME AT A CRITICAL POINT FOR HOSPITALS. HOSPITALS ARE ALREADY ABSORBING 155 BILLION DOLLARS IN PAYMENT REDUCTIONS, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MEDICARE AND MEDICAID ALSO PAY HOSPITALS LESS THAN THE COST OF PROVIDING CARE.  LOCAL HOSPITAL LEADERS WERE IN WASHINGTON THIS WEEK TO TELL THEIR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS THAT ANY ADDITIONAL CUTS WOULD THREATEN VITAL PATIENT SERVICES.

SALLY JACKSON, LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM:

“When we look at how we are able to continue to provide services when 80 percent of our patients don't cover the cost of their care, it is driving more of an increase in cost to those who are insured.” 

ANNOUNCER:

SALLY JACKSON IS FROM THE LEE MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM IN FT MYERS, FLORIDA. 

SALLY JACKSON:

“The need is great. We don't want to be in a position of having to send children outside of the region.”

ANNOUNCER:

AN AUGUST 2 DEADLINE HAS BEEN SET FOR THE FINAL DEBT LIMIT AGREEMENT AND CONCERN OVER THE GROWING DEFICIT HAS CONGRESS LOOKING TO CUT THE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PROGRAMS.  ASHLEY EVANS REPORTING.