As hospitals learn to adjust to the new reimbursement system for outpatient services, continuing to receive inflation adjustments might just mean the difference between disaster and survival. Other rescue efforts for hospitals are underway, as well, and I am co-sponsoring a number of bills that have been introduced to strengthen hospitals' financial position. Finally, my successful effort to ensure that Texas' tobacco settlement funds stay in our state and out of the clutches of the federal government has meant that many rural hospital districts are receiving a financial boost. Texas hospitals aren't out of the woods yet, by a long way. But I don't believe Congress will stand by and watch them close.
First aid is on the way.