Private hospitals say Gov. Bobby Jindal's budget proposal would shutter a program that cares for sickly babies and cut money they're paid for emergency room care for Medicaid patients.
Louisiana Hospital Association President Paul Salles said Wednesday those $25 million in cuts are included in Jindal's spending recommendations for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Targeted for elimination is a program that pays hospitals for the care of premature, low-birth weight babies. The governor also proposes to pay less for Medicaid patients who go to emergency rooms with non-emergency medical needs.
State health secretary Kathy Kliebert said the budget proposal would keep critical services intact. She said she's willing to continue negotiations with the hospitals as lawmakers craft a final version of the budget over the next few months.
