Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Some GOP senators say a proposed $15 billion fund for rural hospitals would not be enough to assuage their concerns about the impact of Medicaid cuts in the Senate reconciliation bill.
Why it matters: Winning over senators concerned about cuts to the Medicaid provider tax is crucial to passing the measure this week.
What they're saying: Sen. Susan Collins said after a GOP lunch meeting Wednesday she still wants $100 billion for the provider relief fund.
- And she added that even if that amount were provided, "I don't think that solves the entire problem."
- "The Senate cuts in Medicaid are far deeper than the House cuts," she added. The Senate limits the Medicaid provider tax more than the House.
Sen. Roger Marshall said after leaving the lunch that he wants $5 billion per year, compared to the current proposal's $3 billion per year.
- "My calculations would say $5 billion a year would take care of all the needs of rural America," he said, pointing to hospitals and community health centers.
- Sen. Josh Hawley said entering the lunch that he also had concerns, saying $15 billion is "not going to suffice for years and years," though it "might be a fine very short term figure."
Inside the room: For the third day in a row, Sen. Thom Tillis raised his concerns with the Medicaid provider tax changes to the entire conference.
- On Wednesday, he said he would not be comfortable voting to move forward on the whole package without greater clarity, per one attendee.
The bottom line: Concerns around the provider tax and size of the rural hospital fund still need to be smoothed over before the measure would appear to have the votes to pass this week.
Stef Kight contributed reporting.
