Tennessee Hospital Association opposes Senate, House GOP health care bills

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By Andy Sher June 25, 2017 6 min read

NASHVILLE – In a state where nine rural hospitals have closed or dramatically curtailed services over the past four years, the head of the Tennessee Hospital Association fears more trouble lies ahead under proposed federal Medicaid cuts contained in plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

THA President Craig Becker said hospitals in the state, especially rural facilities, were already hit by Tennessee officials’ refusal to expand Medicaid under Obamacare.

And now proposed spending cuts in both U.S. Senate and House GOP proposals threaten to hit basic Medicaid heavily in efforts to largely repeal and replace former President Barack Obama’s signature 2010 health care law.

“I think definitely, you’re going to see more rural hospital closures coming along, particularly as it relates to these Medicaid cuts coming down the pike,” Becker said after Republican Senate leaders unveiled their plan last week.

Becker said the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 fails to “adequately address the health care needs of Tennesseans and THA opposes the legislation.”