(Washington, DC) — U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) voted for a FY 2009 budget resolution last night that maintains critical funding for Alle-Kiski Medical Center.  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 in a $14 million cut in funding for Alle-Kiski Medical Center.
 
“The president’s ill-conceived cuts to Medicare would have jeopardized Alle-Kiski Medical Center’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.”

Alle-Kiski Medical Center would have lost $14 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.

“I appreciate Congressman Altmire's commitment and awareness of health care issues facing our patients,” said Cindy K. Schamp, president and CEO of AKMC.  “Huge cuts in Medicare reimbursement would force hospitals across the state to cut programs that are more mission-focused and meeting the needs of the community.  Having Congressman Altmire's understanding of the uninsured and under insured is of tremendous benefit to our region.”

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