Protect DSH Act

This bill delays planned cuts to certain Medicaid payments that help hospitals caring for many low-income and uninsured patients. These “disproportionate share hospital” payments were set to be reduced in 2026–2028, but the bill pushes those cuts back to 2029–2031.

In plain terms, safety-net hospitals would keep more funding for three extra years before any reductions take effect. This can help them continue services like emergency care, maternity care, and mental health treatment for people who rely on Medicaid or have no insurance.

• Who is affected: Hospitals that serve many low-income and uninsured patients, and the communities that depend on them.
• What changes: The scheduled Medicaid payment cuts are delayed from 2026–2028 to 2029–2031.
• When: The delay applies to the years 2026–2028, shifting those reductions to 2029–2031.