“The government shouldn’t be able to dictate to hospitals what their policies are by using Medicare funds to blackmail them.”
Hospitals can drop out of Medicare by giving the federal government six-months notice.
What Medicare policies are a problem, specifically?
As for the EMTALA, federal law could be changed so fair (Medicare amount) payment for a provider could be taken from the patient’s (or his/her parents’) Social Security account(s).
State garnishment laws could be waived for EMTALA care fair (Medicare) amount payment collection. In Florida, low-income parents can’t have their income garnished.
Brian, no offense, but you’re missing the point.
The federal government uses Medicare Dollars to blackmail hospital on other issues unrelated to Medicare.
You will do ‘X’ or no longer be able to service Medicare patients and be reimbursed by the federal government.
Some hospitals have told the federal government to go pound sand. Other hospitals in are in areas where they would have to close their doors rather than service Medicare patients.
We talking things like:
New demands for documentation
Adherence to certain new government requirements
Provide Women’s services (abortions) (not sure this one applies, only used as an example)
Providing services to certain percentages of indigent care