Rural hospitals warn HR 1 will deepen financial strain and raise uncompensated care

Eric Moll, CEO of Mason Health, told the governor and assembled providers that coverage losses from HR 1 will ripple through the health system and hit rural providers especially hard. "Washington hospitals are projected to lose $5,500,000,000 in payments between now and 2035," Moll said, and added that hospitals are expected to absorb approximately $1,500,000,000 in additional uncompensated care over the next five years.

Moll said Mason Health is increasing coordination among patient navigators and working with other rural hospitals to press insurers for adequate reimbursement. Hospital leaders at the event emphasized that losing insurance does not eliminate the need for care and that reduced reimbursement and increased uncompensated care risk service reductions in fragile rural systems.