Rhode Island hospitals to receive boost of nearly $29M in Medicare reimbursements

In 2013, the Rhode Island congressional delegation, particularly U.S. Sen. Jack F. Reed, was instrumental in obtaining approval of a provision that adjusts Rhode Island’s wage index, which impacts hospital Medicare reimbursement rates, said a spokesperson for the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. / COURTESY OFFICE OF U.S. SEN. JACK F. REED
In 2013, the Rhode Island congressional delegation, particularly U.S. Sen. Jack F. Reed, was instrumental in obtaining approval of a provision that adjusts Rhode Island’s wage index, which impacts hospital Medicare reimbursement rates, said a spokesperson for the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. / COURTESY OFFICE OF U.S. SEN. JACK F. REED

PROVIDENCE – Eleven Rhode Island hospitals are expected to receive additional federal funds totaling nearly $29 million to help pay for the cost of treating Medicare patients, thanks to regulations due to be finalized later this summer.

These additional funds from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are intended to address the income disparity that exists for physicians in the nation’s three states – Rhode Island, Delaware and New Jersey – that have no areas designated as rural.

In 2013, the Rhode Island congressional delegation, particularly U.S. Sen. Jack F. Reed, was instrumental in obtaining approval of a provision that adjusts Rhode Island’s wage index, which impacts hospital Medicare reimbursement rates, said a spokesperson for the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

“This renewal is good news for Rhode Island patients and providers. These extra federal dollars will help hospitals around the state continue to provide high-quality health care to all our residents, said Reed said in an email to Providence Business News. “It will help ensure that local hospitals, doctors and nurses who serve seniors and low-income patients receive fair and equitable payments.”

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Reed continued, “I will continue working to deliver federal funds for the state and communicating with CMS about how important these adjustments are for our hospitals. I’m pleased the agency continues to respond to our efforts to ensure Rhode Island’s hospitals are properly reimbursed.”

According to information from Reed’s office, several Rhode Island hospitals are due to receive these additional funds – totaling $28,947,352 – for fiscal 2017 (Oct. 1, 2016 through Sept. 30, 2017).
Hospitals will receive these increases (under the imputed rural floor impact) through their Medicare reimbursements, not in a lump sum, said a Reed spokesperson.

In descending order, they are: Rhode Island Hospital: $9,980,511; The Miriam Hospital: $4,761,657; Kent Hospital: $3,155,449; Roger Williams Medical Center: $1,937,394; South County Hospital: $1,601,964; Memorial: $1,535,696; Landmark: $1,488,984; Prospect CharterCARE SJHSRI: $1,192,197; Newport Hospital: $1,176,265; Westerly Hospital: $1,119,319 and Women & Infants Hospital: $997,916.

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