The NJHA Daily Message provides information of interest to healthcare professionals in New Jersey concerning breaking news or recent legislation. The Feb. 16 letter was signed by all 15 members of the delegation. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 will reduce Medicare reimbursements to hospital-based paramedic units.
Paramedic treatment is paid by the patient or their insurance company.
Roughly 45 percent is paid by Medicare. If HCFA cuts funding, hospitals may have to transport victims themselves. New Jersey's whole BLS system may then be redundant and become less integrated and effective. The concern is that patient care will be compromised and hospital expenses increased. The Thompson letter and supporting documents were of an informational nature and designed to facilitate Thompson's transition on the issue, while guaranteeing that New Jersey is not penalized for using such a cost-efficient system.