Provide names of other journalists involved.
None
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Dec. 10, 2012
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The story examined the potential impact of cuts in federal DSH subsidies on safety net hospitals located in states that are not participating in the Medicaid expansion. Congress enacted the DSH cuts as part of the ACA on the assumption that the ACA’s Medicaid expansion would pick uncompensated care costs covered by the DSH subsidies. The Supreme Court’s decision making the Medicaid expansion optional for states destroyed that assumption and will likely impose serious financial strains on the hospitals.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Most of the information for the story was obtained through interviews with hospital officials and Medicaid policy experts.
Explain types of human sources used.
Most of the information for the story was obtained through interviews with hospital officials and Medicaid policy experts.
Results:
The purpose of the story was to highlight one of the unexpected, and largely uncovered, consequences of the Supreme Court’s Medicaid decision.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
None to date.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
One of the surprising aspects of the story was the fact that I was unable to locate more safety net hospital officials willing to speak on the record with a reporter. I had expected they would be eager to publicize the threats they are facing. Not so. It turns out that only one out of 12 hospitals contacted was willing to comment. Most were unwilling even to explain the reasons for their reluctance to talk.