National Patient Advocate Foundation Applauds Hospital Industry Organizations for Their Pledge to Save $160 Billion to Help Pay for Health Reform

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
The National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF), on behalf of the Patient
Advocate Foundation (PAF), today praised the American Hospital Association, the
Federation of American Hospitals and the Catholic Health Association for their
pledge to accept up to $160 billion in cuts over 10 years to help pay for
proposed health care reform. These cuts would come through lower Medicare and
Medicaid payments to hospitals and slower reductions in subsidies paid to
hospitals to care for the uninsured.

NPAF is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to the mission of creating
avenues of improved patient access to health care through public policy reform
at the state and federal levels. Its companion organization, PAF is a national,
non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective
mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of
their financial stability relative to their diagnosis of life threatening or
debilitating diseases.

"We are very pleased to see this substantial pledge from the hospital industry
and commend these organizations for taking such an important step in sharing
responsibility with other stakeholders to reform our nation`s health care
system," said Nancy Davenport-Ennis, President and CEO of NPAF. "We look forward
to learning more details on this commitment. The ultimate success of the program
will be measured by how well we provide affordable and high-quality health care
access to all Americans."

The National Patient Advocate Foundation and its companion organization, the
Patient Advocate Foundation, were founded on the principle that health care is a
basic human need and shared social responsibility. While NPAF focuses on policy
change, PAF is a direct patient services organization that seeks to safeguard
patients by assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation
of financial stability. Last year, PAF received more than 9.5 million contacts
requesting information online, with complete case management services provided
to patients from all fifty states in need of direct, sustained mediation and
arbitration services. For more information, visit www.npaf.org or call toll free
(800) 532-5274.

National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF)
Leigh Ann Bradley, 703-548-0019

Copyright Business Wire 2009