HOSPITAL FUNDING: Group’s Ad Targets BBA Cuts
Warning that cuts in health care funding resulting from the 1997 Balanced Budget Act could be devastating to the nation's hospitals, the Coalition to Protect American's Health Care, a group of 250 businesses, hospitals and state and national hospital associations, launched a new ad last week addressing the issue. The new ad follows a similar CPAHC ad that ran during the Republican and Democratic conventions this summer. The 30-second spot features registered nurse Claire Panke, who states: "What would you cut? The trauma unit that saved a father's life? Or the children's rehab that helps Molly walk? Or poison control, that's always there?" The ad announcer continues: "Today many hospitals are eliminating critical services because Congress and the White House cut funding to hospitals to help balance the federal budget. But now, we have a record budget surplus." Panke adds: "What should I tell my patients when the care they need just isn't there?" The ad concludes: "Tell Washington to restore funding to our hospitals" (Samuels, NationalJournal.com, 9/8). To view the ad, please click here. Note: You will need RealPlayer G2 to view the ad.
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