BOSTON — While pursuing a short-term plan to narrow a big deficiency in the fund that helps cover uninsured Bay Staters, Senate President Karen Spilka said she is “very concerned” about the ongoing shortfall and the Senate will be “taking a deep dive” on the issue.

The Health Safety Net Fund, which supports providers who care for uninsured patients, faces a $300 million shortfall, according to the top House lawmakers. The Senate Ways and Means Committee rolled out a budget bill this week that echoes a House-approved initiative to increase the annual hospital assessment by $50 million to support the program.

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