Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission Approves 1.77% Increase In Hospital Rate

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 18 May 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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The Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission on Wednesday unanimously voted to approve a 1.77% increase in the amount hospitals can charge patients, the Baltimore Sun reports. The new rate is expected to bring approximately $260 million in increased revenue to state hospitals. The Maryland Hospital Association last month had sought a 3.25% increase, while commission staff members had recommended a 1.27% increase.

A coalition of state officials, hospital leaders and insurers on Wednesday recommended a last-minute compromise of 2.12%, but the commission lowered it to 1.77%. The rate increase will take effect July 1 and applies for one year to 47 hospitals. The commission approved a 4.5% increase in hospital rates for fiscal year 2009 (Gunts, Baltimore Sun, 5/13).

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