HJR15 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Medicare, hospital payments, Congress urged to fix formula to calculate

Summary

A nonbinding House resolution urging Congress to fix the inequitable Medicare hospital payment formula that affects Alabama hospitals.

What This Bill Does

The resolution urges the United States Congress to fix the inequitable Medicare hospital payment formula, specifically the wage variation factor that leads to lower payments for Alabama hospitals for the same procedures. It notes the financial strain on Alabama hospitals, including low margins and rural hospital closures, and calls for action to protect access to care in the state. It also acknowledges the economic importance of Alabama’s hospitals and asks for continued federal efforts to ensure an equitable formula for all hospitals.

Who It Affects

• Alabama hospitals: would benefit from a more equitable Medicare payment formula, reducing financial strain and helping maintain operations, especially for rural facilities.
• Alabama residents and communities: could see improved access to care if hospitals remain financially viable and avoid closures.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Expresses gratitude for past leadership of Alabama's congressional delegation in efforts to fix the Medicare payment formula.
• Provision 2: Urges Congress to fix the inequitable Medicare hospital payment formula, focusing on correcting the wage variation factor that creates payment disparities.
• Provision 3: Urges continued efforts to ensure an equitable Medicare payment formula for all hospitals and acknowledges the impact on Alabama hospitals, including rural facilities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative