The state account that handles the cost of healthcare for uninsured or underinsured Bay Staters could reach a $600 million deficit by fiscal 2028 as patients, care providers and state officials struggle with the human and financial impacts of federal policy changes, a Healey administration undersecretary said Tuesday.
The account faced a $300 million shortfall last year, forcing lawmakers to raise assessments on hospitals to cover costs. It now appears the fund’s deficits are widening, putting more pressure on policymakers to come up with solutions.
The Health Safety Net Fund is “under a lot of strain,” Undersecretary of Health Amy Rosenthal acknowledged during a health equity summit that united government officials, community health leaders, medical providers and students at UMass Boston…