Safety net hospitals in Mass. face dire financial crises, seek federal money

WBUR (Boston, Mass.): The two main "safety net" hospitals in Massachusetts are facing the prospect of a financial crisis without federal assistance in the next few days to close their books. "Cambridge Health Alliance will break even if the feds approve a Medicaid waiver amendment worth $86 million this year.

The Cambridge Hospital network is staying afloat, in part, with revenue from patients enrolled in its health plan, Network Health. The Medicaid request includes $90 million for Boston Medical Center. If this money doesn't come through, BMC would be in violation of an agreement with bond holders who could then require additional cuts at the hospital." Some hope the Obama administration will send the money, but WBUR reports that the White House views that as a politically difficult decision to make (Goldberg, 9/20).