HONORED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS & HEALTH SYSTEMS

Washington, May 17, 2006 - The National Association of Public Hospitals & Health Systems today presented Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) with its 2006 Safety Net Award for Congressional Leadership. Stearns was honored for leading efforts to discourage the Administration from implementing two budgetary measures: limiting Medicaid payments to government providers directly, and decreasing the allowable provider tax rate from 6 to three percent.

"I appreciate this award and I am pleased that I was able to help by questioning proposed implementation of Medicaid rate caps without congressional approval," said Stearns. "I have safety net hospitals in my district, including Shands HealthCare system in Gainesville, and I understood that these proposed rate caps would adversely impact these safety net hospitals and that Congress should be involved."

Stearns, joined by 81 other members, signed a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt on this issue. They wrote, "While in previous years, the President has called for legislation to alter Medicaid policies and spending, we are concerned that this year's budget would seek to enact these proposals without congressional review or consideration. We urge you not to implement the President's proposals through the regulatory process and instead work with us and other members of Congress to protect and improve the Medicaid program for our constituents."