President and Chief Executive Officer of Blanchard Valley Health System, Myron Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, visited Capitol Hill to meet with delegates and attend the annual American Hospital Association meeting. 

 

In an editorial piece Lewis released, he discussed that both sides of the aisle had strong opinions on the health care system, but neither side could come up with a resolution. Lewis discusses how the healthcare system is struggling as 40% of Ohio hospitals are losing money because of inflation, denials, and declining reimbursements. Insurance companies on the other hand continue to see their profits continue to rise. 

 

The biggest issue is that the Federal Government is looking to cut $880 billion over the next 10 years from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce that oversees Medicare and Medicaid. Lewis states that 72 million people rely on these services across the country. In Ohio, Medicaid covers 50% of all births, 12% of older adults, and 40% of children. 

 

His statement continues by saying that programs that supplement the losses from Medicare and Medicaid are at risk. As pharmaceutical companies are trying to reduce their support for 340B drug pricing, that reduces the cost of drugs for hospitals. Health and Human Services seek to cut reimbursements that help hospitals support access to 24-hour care. 

 

Lewis concludes that Ohio residents should reach out to representatives to let them know the importance of having access to healthcare at congress.gov/contact-us.