Medicare fines over hospitals' readmitted patients - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

WASHINGTON (WKOW) -- In an attempt to save taxpayers money, Medicare will start fining hospitals that readmit too many patients within 30 days of discharge because of complications.

The penalties, which start on Monday, are part of a broader push under President Obama's health care law. Consumer advocates say Medicare's nudge to hospitals is long overdue and not nearly stiff enough.

Government officials estimate about two-thirds of the hospitals that service Medicare patients will be hit with penalties averaging around $125,000 per facility this coming year.

The change has its skeptics, however, industry officials say that facilities serving low-income people, including many major teaching hospitals, are much more likely to be fined.