(Washington, DC) — U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) voted for a FY 2009 budget resolution last night that maintains critical funding for Butler Memorial Hospital. Congressman Altmire played a key role in ensuring the House rejected the president’s attempt to slash Medicare funding by $556 billion over 10 years, which would have resulted a nearly $18.8 million cut in funding for Butler Memorial Hospital.
 
“The president’s ill-conceived cuts to Medicare would have jeopardized Butler Memorial Hospital’s ability to provide quality patient care,” Altmire said. “Community hospitals across the country are already struggling to meet higher patient demand amidst ever tighter budgets. I am proud that this Congress ensured Medicare has the funding it needs to protect seniors’ access to their hospitals and doctors.”

Butler Memorial Hospital would have lost nearly $18.8 million in funding through the president’s proposal to slash the Medicare reimbursement rate to hospitals. In the midst of rising healthcare costs, these cuts would have ensured hospitals were paid less for the care they provide seniors. The president’s Medicare proposals would have also increased Medicare beneficiaries’ premiums by $26 billion.

“If you combine reimbursement cuts with ever-increasing costs, you are left with a recipe for disaster for community hospitals,” Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of Butler Health System said. “Butler Memorial Hospital -- and indeed the entire Butler County community -- rely on a reasonable, appropriately-funded Medicare program. We are exceptionally pleased that Congressman Altmire stepped up and helped lead the way in protecting healthcare for our citizens.”

The House budget resolution, which balances the budget by 2012 and provides tax relief for millions of working families, passed by a vote of 212-207.