BASSETT CEO SEES

$5M CUTS IN AHCA

Patients, Economy Will Suffer, He Says

COOPERSTOWN – Bassett Healthcare could lose $5 million a year in funding under the American Health Care Act that Congress is scheduled to act on this evening, according to Dr. Vance Brown, the system’s president/CEO.

Referring to a state Health Department analysis released yesterday, Dr. Brown said “that loss may be understated, as the analysis … was limited to hospital-based inpatient and outpatient services. It does not take into account Bassett’s non-hospital based regional clinics.”

He said the cuts would be “devastating” across the eight-county system, which serves “a significant percentage of  individuals and families who are economically disadvantaged.”

Funding cuts might also have an impact on the overall economy, given that Bassett employs 4,000 people in the region.

“We have been and will continue to be in touch with our state and congressional representatives to urge them to do all they can to support strengthening the health care delivery system and assuring access to care for all,” he said.