LYNN –– The Massachusetts legislature has enacted a bill that directs $234 million in aid to hospitals and community health centers around the state, including Lynn Community Health Center.
Legislation H.4530 “prioritizes care for the state’s most vulnerable populations by strategically targeting support to fiscally-strained hospitals and community health centers.”
The bill provides $35 million in financial relief to community health centers, including $2.5 million for the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers to facilitate regional savings initiatives, including shared service options.
“Community health centers continue to support the Commonwealth’s greatest share of vulnerable populations while facing federal funding delays, Medicaid cuts, and rising pharmaceutical and other medical costs,” a press release wrote.
In the press release, Chief Executive Officer of Lynn Community Health Center Brenda Rodriguez said, “This critical funding underscores the Legislature’s recognition that community health centers are the front line of care.”
She added, “At a time when rising costs and federal funding shortfalls threaten access, this investment provides stability that allows us to keep our doors open to those who need us most. It’s a powerful affirmation of Massachusetts’ commitment to health equity and the belief that every resident deserves high-quality, affordable care close to home.”
Sen. Brendan Crighton said, “Our community health centers and hospital systems provide essential care, and we must ensure they have the financial support to continue to do this vital work. As costs continue to rise and other funding mechanisms face uncertain futures, the Massachusetts Legislature is committed to protecting the health and safety of our residents through the passage of this spending bill.”
The bill also provides $122 million in targeted relief payments to certain acute care hospitals in Massachusetts, and it transfers $77 million into the Health Safety Net Trust Fund. The Health Safety Net program pays acute care hospitals and community health centers for necessary medical care for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Massachusetts residents.
“This supplemental budget represents a vital step toward ensuring that Massachusetts’ most vulnerable residents continue to receive the care they need, even in the face of federal funding cuts and economic challenges,” said State Rep. Dan Cahill. “By targeting critical support to our hospitals and community health centers, we are addressing a widening funding gap and protecting the integrity of the Health Safety Net program. This funding ensures that resources are being directed to the places and populations that need them most, reinforcing our commitment to health equity and the well-being of all Massachusetts residents.”
State Rep. Sean Reid said, “We should be expanding access, not cutting it back. Health care is one of the clearest examples of a public good — we all rely on it at some point in our lives. I’m proud that the Legislature is working to make sure patients can continue to get the services they need.”
Both chambers of the Legislature voted to enact the supplemental budget bill on Sept. 18, and Governor Healey signed it on Monday.
