Local Business News: H-R Chamber releases health-care statement

Edited by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
 

On Feb. 25, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors adopted a legislative platform on health care.

The Chamber widely supports access to quality health care that is affordable for all Virginians. From charity care, to 24/7 emergency services, to support for other safety-net providers, the Chamber believes that hospitals are central to community health and well-being. The Chamber’s Public Policy Committee also works to balance support for statewide legislation with the best interest of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County’s businesses and residents.

Support for Medicaid and Medicare funding is also central to the Chamber’s position on health care. We support health initiatives that align Medicare and Medicaid payments with the true cost of high-quality and accessible care, thus reducing cost shifting.

“Deep Medicaid cuts will have a significant economic impact on Virginia’s hospitals and health systems and the communities we serve,” says Jim Krauss, president and CEO of RMH Healthcare.

Hospitals play a central role both in the health and the economy of every community in the Commonwealth. According to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, Virginia’s hospitals and health systems contribute $30.3 billion in spending to Virginia’s economy and support nearly 200,000 jobs. This is especially critical to rural communities, where nearly one in five jobs is hospital-related. Collectively, Virginia hospitals and health systems provided more than $900 million in community benefit programs and services in 2008.

The Chamber’s position statement on health care will serve as a guide for the Chamber’s advocacy efforts in the future.

“Creating a vibrant business environment requires the Chamber’s active participation in the legislative process – advocating those issues that will benefit Chamber membership and keeping our membership informed of legislation that will impact their business interests,” says Frank Tamberrino, president of the Chamber of Commerce.