Hospitals tout economic contribution

{mosads}After the deal was announced, AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock lamented the cuts, saying they would “jeopardize hospitals’ ability to care for seniors and their communities.”

On Thursday, he warned lawmakers to consider hospitals’ full contribution to the economy as they float plans to further reduce government spending.

“Hospitals provide vital healthcare services to their communities, but the importance of hospitals to their communities extends far beyond healthcare,” Umbdenstock said.

“Congress should not overlook the economic contribution of hospitals as it considers further deficit reduction proposals,” he said.

Thursday’s report used an Avalere Health analysis of AHA survey data from 2011.