PRINCETON - “We are very grateful – and relieved – that the Legislature has restored this $50 million additional cut to charity care. Hospitals have already been targeted for $150 million in charity care cuts in the original 2017 budget proposal, on top of $148 million in cuts to the program in the current fiscal year. The loss of $50 million more would cause significant harm as hospitals work to fulfill their obligation to provide round-the-clock care to their communities – including those in need and without health insurance.

“It's not in our best interest to make a cut that also costs our state federal matching funds. We look forward to working with the Governor to maintain this crucial funding that supports hospitals in providing quality healthcare to our state’s uninsured residents.”