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Mar 11, 2024
Senate clears $460B spending bill, preventing shutdown and providing key healthcare funding boosts
The House has passed a $460 billion spending bill, crucial for avoiding a government shutdown, with key provisions impacting healthcare. The bipartisan bill addresses concerns raised by the medical community, as it "narrows some of this year’s cuts to physician Medicare pay, pushes back scheduled disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payment cuts, and increases annual funding for community health centers." The legislation includes a 1.68% bump in doctor pay, countering the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule decrease. Additionally, an $8 billion yearly cut to Medicaid DSH program payments is postponed to January 1, 2025. While praised for protecting patient access, some provider groups criticize the bill for offering "short-term patches" instead of comprehensive Medicare payment reforms.