Here’s how to stop them  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏
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Should you pay for hospital overhead when you see your doctor?
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‌


Hello John,

‌

My colleague, Lauren Stewart, recently wrote a compelling op-ed highlighting a
major flaw in our health care system
<[link removed]>
that not onlyunfairly affects veterans and military families but also raises
costs across ourentire health care system.

‌

It all began when Lauren, whose Marine husband was deployed, broke her thumb
and went to a hospital off-base for treatment.  

‌

Lauren writes: “I’m sure the billing department had cartoon-like dollar signs
for eyes when they saw my insurance information. I was covered by TRICARE, the
military’s insurance provider.”


Read Lauren’s op-ed
<[link removed]>

This is where things get unfair: You see, Medicare and government-funded
insurance programs like TRICARE pay much more when care is provided in a
hospital setting compared to what they pay independent providers.

‌

Why? Because the law allows it.

‌

The government pays hospitals more for the same service than independent
physicians. In fact, Medicare pays 106% to 217% more to hospitals than
privately owned facilities.

‌

Lauren writes: “Hospitals use Medicare rates for billing care for service
members and their families who have Tricare, as well as veterans who are
covered under the VA for their health insurance.”

‌

Here’s the big flaw in the system: This practice incentivizes large hospitals
to buy up smaller independent practices, reclassify them as hospital-based, and
charge higher prices than they are allowed to.

‌

In the process, they create regional monopolies, which push prices even higher
and leave patients likeveterans and military families with fewer affordable
options. It also helps keep health care prices higher for all Americans.

‌

The impact:

* Higher costs for taxpayers and patients
* Reduced competition as hospitals form monopolies
* No improvement in the quality of care, just higher bills
There is an easy solution. Make Medicare payments site-neutral.

‌

Lauren writes: “The principle behind site-neutrality is simple: ‘same service,
same price,’ regardless of where you get the care. This would unleash
competition and drive down costs for seniors, veterans, and service members,
and save taxpayers money, too. Those are wins for everyone.”

‌

If Congress tells Medicare to pay hospital doctors the same as independent
doctors, i.e., make Medicare payments “site-neutral,” the savings would be
substantial.

‌

According to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget,
adopting site-neutral payments would:

* Reduce total national health expenditures by up to $458 billion.
* Reduce patients’ out-of-pocket expenses by $73 billion.
* Reduce the federal budget deficit by up to $117 billion.
Some senators and representatives are pushing site-neutral payment
legislation, but they need your help to get it across the finish line.

‌

Can you please take 60 seconds to contact your lawmakers?
<[link removed]>
The powerful hospital lobby is out to make sure this bill doesn’t see the
light of day, so it’s important that Congress hears from you!


Contact your lawmaker
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Check out Lauren Stewart’s full op-ed
<[link removed]>
, and then contact your elected officials and urge them to support site-neutral
payments for Medicare.

‌

Best,

‌

-Dean

‌

Dean Clancy

Senior Health Policy Fellow

Americans for Prosperity






Thank you for your continued support. Together, we’re ensuring every American
has access to the health care solutions they need. Stay tuned for updates on
how we’re making impact-driven changes possible.






Americans for Prosperity

4201 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1000

Arlington, VA 22203



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[email protected]




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