Sen. Baucus health reform framework includes new provisions for nonprofit hospitals
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus’ (D-MT) released his health reform framework on September 8, which proposes a number of revenue sources including a 35 percent excise tax on insurers offering high-priced plans.
The outline also specifies new requirements for nonprofit hospitals, including a periodic community needs assessment.
Sen. Baucus stated that he plans to move forward with health care legislation, with or without Republican support, and has set September 21 as the date to begin marking up the roughly $900 billion reform bill.
AHP anticipates that the final Baucus bill will include additional provisions for nonprofit hospitals in addition to the community assessment noted in the framework.