/ en Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:13:14 -0500 Sat, 05 Apr 25 10:50:00 -0500 <div class="container"><div classs="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Early this morning, the Senate by a vote of 51 to 48 passed its <a href="https://www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/senate_amendment_h_con_res_14.pdf" target="_blank" title="Senate.gov: H.Con.Res.14">revised budget resolution</a> for fiscal year 2025 with Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, voting with Democrats in opposition.</p><p>During the six-hour “vote-a-rama session,” Sen. Ron Wyden, R-Ore., offered an amendment to strike the instructions for the House Energy & Commerce Committee to cut spending by $880 billion, citing his concerns around potential cuts to the Medicaid program. The amendment was not agreed to by a vote of 49-50. Three Republicans, Sens. Collins, Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, voted in favor of the amendment along with Senate Democrats.</p><p>The House is expected to consider the revised resolution next week. This marks the next step toward reaching a common budget resolution that will allow Congress to move forward with the <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page">reconciliation process</a>.</p><p>The resolution is drafted to provide flexibility to Senate and House Committees when they begin drafting their individual bills. As is customary, the budget resolution does not provide details on potential cuts to Medicaid or Medicare, as well as the extension of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs).</p><h2>Key Highlights of the Budget Resolution</h2><h3>Debt Ceiling</h3><p>The resolution includes instructions to allow Congress to increase the debt limit. The House Ways & Means Committee instruction is $4 trillion, and the Senate Finance Committee’s is $5 trillion.</p><h3>Tax Policy</h3><p>The resolution assumes a budget mechanism called “current policy baseline” to set up a pathway toward making the tax cuts within the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent.</p><h3>Preserves House Instructions</h3><ul><li>The House Ways & Means Committee is instructed to increase deficits by not more than $4.5 trillion (TCJA extension).</li><li>The House Energy and Commerce Committee is instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $880 billion. The Energy and Commerce Committee has primary jurisdiction over Medicaid and other health care programs.</li><li>The resolution reflects the desire of the House-passed budget resolution to reach $2 trillion in spending cuts.</li></ul><h3>Adds Senate Health Committee Instructions</h3><ul><li>The Senate Finance Committee is instructed to increase deficits by not more than $1.5 trillion (TCJA extension and other tax policy).</li><li>The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $1 billion. This is a change from the Senate’s original previous budget resolution. The HELP Committee has jurisdiction over measures relating to education, labor, health and public welfare.</li></ul><h3>Deadline for Committees</h3><p>The budget resolution gives Senate and House committees a May 9 deadline to report legislation, but this is not a binding deadline.</p><h2>Next Steps</h2><p>The resolution now moves to the House for consideration next week. Congressional leaders hope to complete work on the budget resolution before leaving for their two-week April recess (April 14-25).</p><p>Once both chambers have passed the budget resolution, committees that have received instructions in the budget resolution will begin drafting the reconciliation bill.</p><h2>AHA Take</h2><p>As the Senate and House forge ahead on the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution and reconciliation process, the AHA continues to urge Congress to take seriously the impact of reductions in health care programs, particularly Medicaid. We ask Congress to construct a path forward that protects Medicaid and patients from harmful cuts that would impact access to care for millions of Americans. The AHA will continue to keep the field updated on the latest developments and action needed.</p><h2>Resources on Protecting Medicaid, Other Health Programs</h2><p>The AHA continues to develop and share resources with hospitals and health systems on the importance of protecting Medicaid and other health programs. Please visit our <a href="/advocacy/action-center">Action Center</a> for a host of resources on key advocacy issues. In addition, the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare, of which the AHA is a founding member, continues to run advertising, share digital resources and engage in grassroots activity on the importance of protecting Medicaid. See the <a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank" title="Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare homepage">Coalition website</a> for the latest advertising and resources.</p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact Rachel Jenkins, AHA senior associate director of federal relations, at <a href="mailto:rjenkins@aha.org?subject=RE: Special Bulletin: Senate Passes Revised Budget Resolution">rjenkins@aha.org</a>.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/Special-Bulletin-Senate-Passes-Revised-Budget-Resolution-20250405.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Special Bulletin: Senate Passes Revised Budget Resolution PDF"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-Special-Bulletin-Senate-Passes-Revised-Budget-Resolution-20250405.png" data-entity-uuid="457fa1ef-79fd-44b7-9ca9-266f7310196e" data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin: Senate Passes Revised Budget Resolution page 1." width="690" height="900"></a></p></div></div></div> Sat, 05 Apr 2025 10:50:00 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., April 2 released the <a href="https://www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/senate_amendment_h_con_res_14.pdf?mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZl8RTAeR77E_lSejQRLXuYl1AOsKjOdJI0nU2PMfXA8wXmmXVYF7CcZk5tv11NHb3ujccKHrsSVucOEOWX58ycMOSAOS21R7ZAFkGPAKzprtG7Q" target="_blank">Senate's amendment</a> to the House budget resolution for fiscal year 2025. This marks the next step toward reaching a common budget resolution that will allow Congress to move forward with the <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page" target="_blank">reconciliation process</a>.  </p><p>The amendment is drafted to provide flexibility to Senate and House Committees when they begin drafting their individual bills. As is customary, the budget resolution does not provide details on potential cuts to Medicaid or Medicare, as well as the extension of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs).</p><h2>Key Highlights of the Budget Resolution</h2><p><strong>Debt Ceiling:</strong> The resolution includes instructions to allow Congress to increase the debt limit. The House Ways & Means Committee instruction is $4 trillion, and the Senate Finance Committee’s is $5 trillion.</p><p><strong>Tax Policy: </strong>The resolution assumes a budget mechanism called “current policy baseline” to set up a pathway toward making the tax cuts within the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent.</p><p><strong>Preserves House Instructions:</strong></p><ul><li>The House Ways & Means Committee is instructed to increase deficits by not more than $4.5 trillion (TCJA extension).</li><li>The House Energy and Commerce Committee is instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $880 billion. The Energy and Commerce Committee has primary jurisdiction over Medicaid and other health care programs.</li><li>The resolution reflects the desire of the House-passed budget resolution to reach $2 trillion in spending cuts.</li></ul><p><strong>Adds Senate Health Committee Instructions:</strong></p><ul><li>The Senate Finance Committee is instructed to increase deficits by not more than $1.5 trillion (TCJA extension and other tax policy).</li><li>The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $1 billion. This is a change from the  Senate’s original previous budget resolution. The HELP Committee has jurisdiction over measures relating to education, labor, health and public welfare.</li></ul><p><strong>Deadline for Committees:</strong> The budget resolution gives Senate and House committees a May 9 deadline to report legislation, but this is not a binding deadline.</p><h2>Next Steps</h2><p>The Senate is expected to begin consideration of the budget resolution as soon as tonight. We anticipate the Senate to potentially work into the weekend processing amendments prior to a final vote. Health-related amendments are expected, particularly around Medicaid and EPTCs. We will be monitoring these developments.</p><p>If the revised resolution passes the Senate, it will move to the House for consideration next week. Congressional leaders hope to complete work on the budget resolution before leaving for their two-week April recess (April 14-25).</p><p>Once both chambers have passed the budget resolution, committees that have received instructions in the budget resolution will begin drafting the reconciliation bill.</p><h2>AHA Take</h2><p>As the Senate and House forge ahead on the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution and reconciliation process, the AHA continues to urge Congress to take seriously the impact of reductions in health care programs, particularly Medicaid. We ask Congress to construct a path forward that protects Medicaid and patients from harmful cuts that would impact access to care for millions of Americans. The AHA will continue to keep the field updated on the latest developments and action needed.</p><h2>Resources on Protecting Medicaid, Other Health Programs</h2><p>The AHA continues to develop and share resources with hospitals and health systems on the importance of protecting Medicaid and other health programs. Please visit our <a href="/advocacy/action-center" target="_blank">Action Center</a> for a host of resources on key advocacy issues. In addition, the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare, of which the AHA is a founding member, continues to run advertising, share digital resources and engage in grassroots activity on the importance of protecting Medicaid. See the Coalition <a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank">website</a> for the latest advertising and resources.</p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact Rachel Jenkins, AHA senior associate director of federal relations, at <a href="mailto:rjenkins@aha.org">rjenkins@aha.org</a>. </p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/senate-unveils-amendment-to-house-budget-resolution-with-vote-expected-this-week-bulletin-4-3-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/cover-senate-unveils-amendment-to-house-budget-resolution-with-vote-expected-this-week-bulletin-4-3-2025.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin Cover Image" width="640" height="833"></a></div></div></div> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:02:35 -0500 Special Bulletin /special-bulletin/2025-03-26-update-aha-and-health-isac-threat-advisory-fbi-advises-no-specific-credible-threat-targeting <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Today, the FBI advised that, after an extensive investigation and intelligence review, they have not identified any specific credible threat targeted against hospitals in any U.S. city. The FBI advised that if they receive credible threat information, they will immediately advise any identified potential targets and, if appropriate, alert the broader health care sector through the AHA, the Health-ISAC and other appropriate channels.</p><h2>BACKGROUND</h2><p>On March 18, 2025, the ���������� Association (AHA) and Health-ISAC (Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center) received multiple reports from the field regarding a public social media post alleging active planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack targeting hospitals in the coming weeks.</p><p>Out of an abundance of caution, the <a href="/special-bulletin/2025-03-19-aha-and-health-isac-bulletin-threat-hospitals" target="_blank" title="AHA and Health-ISAC Bulletin">AHA</a> and <a href="https://health-isac.org/potential-terror-threat-targeted-at-health-sector-aha-health-isac-joint-threat-bulletin/" target="_blank" title="Health-ISAC Bulletin">Health-ISAC</a> notified the field of the potential threat, indicating that no further information was available to either corroborate the threat or dismiss it as not credible. Generally, foreign terrorist groups do not publicize their upcoming attacks. The bulletin also advised that, regardless of the credibility of the specific threat, the widely viewed post might encourage others to engage in malicious activity directed toward the health sector.</p><h2>RECOMMENDATIONS</h2><p>Standard vigilance should be maintained, including a visible security presence to deter any act of targeted violence on hospital premises. As always, suspicious or threatening activity should be reported to local law enforcement.  </p><h2>FURTHER QUESTIONS</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, at <a href="mailto:jriggi@aha.org">jriggi@aha.org</a>, or Scott Gee, AHA deputy director for cybersecurity and risk, at <a href="mailto:sgee@aha.org">sgee@aha.org</a>.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><div class="external-link spacer"><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/update-aha-and-health-isac-threat-advisory-fbi-advises-no-specific-credible-threat-targeting-hospitals-bulletin-3-26-2025.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Bulletin PDF</a></div><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/update-aha-and-health-isac-threat-advisory-fbi-advises-no-specific-credible-threat-targeting-hospitals-bulletin-3-26-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-03/cover-update-aha-and-health-isac-threat-advisory-fbi-advises-no-specific-credible-threat-targeting-hospitals-bulletin-3-26-2025.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Cover Image of the Bulletin" width="NaN" height="NaN"></a></p></div></div></div> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:23:02 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><h2>Summary</h2><p>On March 18, 2025, the ���������� Association (AHA) and <a href="https://health-isac.org/">Health-ISAC</a> (Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center) observed a <a href="https://x.com/AXactual/status/1902040481778770329">social media post</a> related to the active planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack on hospitals in the coming weeks.</p><p><strong>The AHA and Health-ISAC have created and are sharing this bulletin out of an abundance of caution to spread awareness of the potential threat. The AHA and Health-ISAC are in close contact with the FBI regarding the threat and will provide additional information as it becomes available.</strong></p><p>At this time, no information is available to corroborate or discount this threat's credibility. Generally, foreign terrorist groups do not publicize their upcoming attacks. However, this widely viewed post may encourage others to engage in malicious activity directed toward the health sector, so threats of this nature should be taken seriously. Security teams should review emergency management plans and spread awareness of the potential threat internally.</p><p>It is recommended that organizations review and evaluate the coordination and capabilities of physical security, cybersecurity, and emergency management plans. Also, increasing relationships with local and federal law enforcement may streamline response efforts during an attack.</p><p>In addition, staff and security teams should remain vigilant for any suspicious activity, as well as people or vehicles on organizational premises or in the vicinity of health sector facilities. If any are identified, it is advised to notify local law enforcement immediately.</p><h2>Analysis</h2><p>On March 18, 2025, user @AXactual made a <a href="https://x.com/AXactual/status/1902040481778770329">post</a> on X with details related to the active planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack on United States health sector organizations. The details of the post can be reviewed at the above link to gain further insight into the specific nature of the threat.</p><h2>Recommendations</h2><p>The AHA and Health-ISAC recommend that teams review security and emergency management plans and heighten staff awareness of the threat.</p><p>Although the threat's credibility cannot be verified at this time, physical security protocols and practices should be reviewed. Having a publicly visible security presence can help mitigate the risk of being a potential target. The post referencing the attacks states that the primary targets are mid-tier cities with low-security facilities. With the information claiming multiple simultaneous targets, they would likely select health sector facilities with visibly weak security and conduct prior planning to coordinate the attacks. It is common practice for individuals contemplating targeted acts of violence to conduct pre-attack surveillance and reconnaissance, Having a visible security presence can mitigate being chosen as a target during the planning phase of an attack.</p><p>Watch for further information from the AHA and Health-ISAC on this potential threat.</p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, at <a href="mailto:jriggi@aha.org">jriggi@aha.org</a>, or Scott Gee, AHA deputy director for cybersecurity and risk, at <a href="mailto:sgee@aha.org">sgee@aha.org</a></p></div><div class="col-md-4"><div class="external-link spacer"><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/aha-and-health-isac-bulletin-on-threat-to-hospitals-bulletin-3-19-2025.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Bulletin PDF</a></div><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/aha-and-health-isac-bulletin-on-threat-to-hospitals-bulletin-3-19-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-aha-and-health-isac-bulletin-on-threat-to-hospitals-bulletin-3-19-2025.jpg" data-entity-uuid="b3d0d6a0-2268-4d5f-ab30-ce04f63bc3be" data-entity-type="file" alt="Cover Image of the Bulletin" width="657" height="850"></a></p></div></div></div> Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:10:09 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Today, the Senate voted 54-46 to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through Sept. 30 and avoid a government shutdown. The House of Representatives March 11 passed the Full-year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 (<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1968" target="_blank" title="H.R. 1968">H.R. 1968</a>) by a vote of 217-213.</p><p>Some of the health care provisions in the bill include:</p><p><strong>Medicaid disproportionate share hospital relief</strong>. The bill eliminates the Medicaid DSH cuts through Sept. 20, 2025, but also adds another year of cuts for fiscal year 2028.</p><p><strong>Medicare rural extenders</strong>. The bill extends the enhanced low-volume adjustment through Sept. 30, 2025, and the Medicare-dependent hospital program through Oct. 1, 2025.</p><p><strong>Medicare telehealth and hospital-at-home extensions</strong>. The bill extends key telehealth waivers and the hospital-at-home program through Sept. 30, 2025.</p><p><strong>Extension of the work geographic index floor under the Medicare program</strong>. The bill extends a 1.0 floor on the work geographic practice cost index through Oct. 1, 2025.</p><p><strong>Medicare rural ambulance</strong>. The bill extends add-on payments for ambulance services through Oct. 1, 2025. These add-on payments support rural, “super-rural” and urban ambulance services.</p><p><strong>Workforce extenders</strong>. The bill includes an extension for Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education Program through Sept. 30, 2025.</p><h2>OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST</h2><p><strong>Physician payment</strong>. The bill does not provide relief for Medicare physician reimbursement rates, which under current law and regulatory policy includes a 2.8% reduction for 2025.</p><p><strong>Medicaid and Site-neutral</strong>. The CR does not include any cuts to Medicaid or siteneutral payment cuts to hospitals.</p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact the AHA at 800-424-4301.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/house-senate-pass-continuing-resolution-funding-government-averting-shutdown-bulletin-3-14-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-house-senate-pass-continuing-resolution-funding-government-averting-shutdown-bulletin-3-14-2025.png" data-entity-uuid="949ebe90-eefe-40c3-804b-f38d9b846d3b" data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin Cover Image" width="640" height="834"></a></div></div></div> Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:38:03 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Congress continues to consider policies and proposals that would impact hospital funding for patient care. In the coming weeks, Congress must act to fund the government with the current continuing resolution set to expire on March 14 and ensure long-term stability for critical health care programs also expiring soon, including:</p><ul><li><a href="/system/files/media/file/2020/02/fact-sheet-medicaid-dsh-0120.pdf">Medicaid disproportionate share hospital</a> program cuts that take effect April 1.</li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2022-08-30-fact-sheet-rural-hospital-support-act-s4009-assistance-rural-community">Enhanced low-volume adjustment and Medicare-dependent hospital</a> programs expiring April 1.</li><li><a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/2024-10-31-advocacy-issue-telehealth-waivers">Telehealth</a> and <a href="/fact-sheets/2024-08-06-fact-sheet-extending-hospital-home-program">hospital-at-home waivers</a> that were extended through March 31.</li></ul><p>At the same time, the Senate and House continue to move forward with their <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page">budget reconciliation frameworks</a>, bringing Congress closer to a full reconciliation package that would have significant implications for hospitals.</p><p><strong>Hospital and health system leaders can </strong><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/4j1bpiayvP" target="_blank"><strong>register</strong></a><strong> for a March 4 AHA Advocacy Day event in Washington, D.C.</strong> AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack and other AHA leaders will provide a briefing on the current congressional landscape and share key messages that they can deliver to their representatives and senators on Capitol Hill. <strong>This event is for AHA members only.</strong></p><p><strong>If you cannot make it to Washington, the AHA will virtually broadcast a live briefing for AHA members beginning at 10 a.m. ET. Please </strong><a href="http://aha.windrosemedia.com/" target="_blank"><strong>register for the virtual session</strong></a><strong>. You must register in advance to participate in the briefing.</strong></p><p>Please see our recent <a href="/action-center">AHA Action Alert</a> for our key advocacy messages and resources that can assist you in conversations with your lawmakers.</p><h2>Coalition Advertising Campaign, Resources to Protect Medicaid</h2><p>House and Senate Republicans are attempting to use the budget reconciliation process to pass key agenda items on taxes, energy and border security, and they may look to health program funding as a way to pay for this legislation. Such proposals could significantly reduce federal spending for the Medicaid program. Even a small portion of possible reductions could have wide-ranging negative consequences for the health and well-being of both Medicaid enrollees and the broader health care system.</p><p><strong>The </strong><a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare</strong></a><strong>, of which the AHA is a founding member, has launched a multimedia advertising campaign, highlighting the value of Medicaid coverage for everyday Americans.</strong> The ad campaign includes a new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRVxw6uJ2sc" target="_blank">television commercial</a> warning of potentially devastating cuts to Medicaid and urging Congress to protect Medicaid and ensure access to care for patients. The commercial will be running on TV nationally, in Washington, D.C., and other targeted markets. The ad campaign also includes digital targeting of key elected officials as well as publications inside the Beltway and influential new media outlets.</p><p>In addition to the advertising campaign, the Coalition has developed and shared digital resources that hospitals and health systems can use as part of their advocacy efforts to protect Medicaid. <strong>See the </strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRNuvabV4VqmE5lPufY2EFML5pL7wGwNxhVzs9SvitQ/edit?tab=t.0" target="_blank"><strong>Coalition resources</strong></a><strong> and </strong><a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank"><strong>website</strong></a><strong> for more details.</strong></p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>For questions on the March 4 Advocacy Day, please contact Monica Day at <a href="mailto:mday@aha.org?subject=RE: March 4 Advocacy Day">mday@aha.org</a>. For questions on the Coalition advertising campaign or resources, please contact Kristina Weger, executive director of the Coalition, at <a href="mailto:kweger@aha.org?subject=RE: Coalition advertising campaign and resources">kweger@aha.org</a>.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/02/Special-Bulletin-Register-for-March-4-AHA-Advocacy-Day-in-Washington-DC-New-Resources-to-Protect-Medicaid.pdf" target="_blank" title="Special Bulletin: Register for March 4 AHA Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.; New Resources to Protect Medicaid PDF"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-Special-Bulletin-Register-for-March-4-AHA-Advocacy-Day-in-Washington-DC-New-Resources-to-Protect-Medicaid.png" data-entity-uuid="7d9fa957-7044-4fe0-b941-3b27e8cbd405" data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin: Register for March 4 AHA Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.; New Resources to Protect Medicaid PDF page 1." width="695" height="900"></a></p></div></div></div> Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>The AHA today is releasing The Growing Impact of Medicare Advantage on Rural Hospitals Across America, a <a href="/growing-impact-medicare-advantage-rural-hospitals-across-america" target="_blank" title="The Growing Impact of Medicare Advantage on Rural Hospitals Across America Report PDF">report</a> that explores how certain Medicare Advantage (MA) plans’ practices exacerbate rural hospitals’ vulnerability and threaten health care for rural communities.</p><p>The report’s key findings include:</p><ul><li>MA plans <strong>reimburse rural providers on average 10% less</strong> than Traditional Medicare, relative to costs. Rural hospitals with special designations, such as <strong>Medicare Dependent Hospitals and Low-Volume Hospitals, receive 15% less</strong>. Even critical access hospitals (CAHs), which are reimbursed by Traditional Medicare based on the cost of care, <strong>received only</strong> <strong>95% of Traditional Medicare rates from MA plans</strong>, according to industry benchmark data provided by Strata Decision Technology, LLC. This can result in effectively undermining the intent of the CAH program.</li><li><strong>MA patients stay nearly 10% longer in rural hospitals</strong> before discharge to medically necessary post-acute care settings compared to clinically similar Traditional Medicare patients because of policies or inadequate networks that delay discharge to appropriate settings of care.</li><li>Nearly <strong>4 in 5 rural clinicians report significant increases in administrative tasks, such as prior authorizations</strong>, over the past five years, with <strong>86% reporting negative patient impacts</strong>. The <strong>24% growth in MA prior authorization requests</strong> from 2019 to 2023 is delaying and, in some cases, denying patients the medically necessary, timely care their providers prescribed.</li></ul><p>In response to the findings, the AHA report identifies six ways to improve MA: (1) streamline the prior authorization process, (2) require MA plans to offer cost-based reimbursement to critical access hospitals, (3) deliver prompt payment, (4) provide transparency in coverage denials, (5) improve data collection to ensure adequate oversight, and (6) ensure health plans have enough care providers participating in their networks to meet the needs of their communities.</p><h2>RESOURCES</h2><ul><li>Report: <a href="/growing-impact-medicare-advantage-rural-hospitals-across-america" target="_blank">The Growing Impact of Medicare Advantage on Rural Hospitals Across America</a>.</li><li><a href="/press-releases/2025-02-19-new-aha-report-shows-growing-pressure-medicare-advantage-rural-hospitals-ability-care-communities" target="_blank" title="Report Press Release">Press Release</a> on the report.</li><li>Fact Sheet: <a href="/fact-sheets/2024-08-09-fact-sheet-improving-access-care-medicare-advantage-beneficiaries" target="_blank" title="Fact Sheet">Improving Access to Care for Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries</a>.</li><li>AHA’s <a href="/type/health-plan-accountability-update" target="_blank" title="AHA Health Care Plan Accountability Update">Health Care Plan Accountability Update</a>.</li></ul><h2>FURTHER QUESTIONS</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301. <br> </p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/02/aha-releases-report-on-medicare-advantages-growing-impact-on-rural-hospitals-bulletin-2-20-2024.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-aha-releases-report-on-medicare-advantages-growing-impact-on-rural-hospitals-bulletin-2-20-2025_1.png" data-entity-uuid="8e12f081-33e4-4743-9974-717110d7aa87" data-entity-type="file" alt="Report PDF" width="679" height="878"></a></div></div></div> Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:09:54 -0600 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Congress continues to consider policies and proposals that would impact hospital patient care funding. In the coming weeks, Congress must act to fund the government with the current continuing resolution set to expire on March 14 and ensure long-term stability for critical health care programs also expiring soon, including:</p><ul><li><a href="/system/files/media/file/2020/02/fact-sheet-medicaid-dsh-0120.pdf" target="_blank" title="Disproportionate Share information">Medicaid disproportionate share hospital</a> program cuts that take effect April 1.</li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2022-08-30-fact-sheet-rural-hospital-support-act-s4009-assistance-rural-community" target="_blank">Enhanced low-volume adjustment and Medicare-dependent hospita</a><a href="/fact-sheets/2022-08-30-fact-sheet-rural-hospital-support-act-s4009-assistance-rural-community">l</a> programs expiring April 1.</li><li><a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/2024-10-31-advocacy-issue-telehealth-waivers" target="_blank">Telehealth</a> and <a href="/fact-sheets/2024-08-06-fact-sheet-extending-hospital-home-program" target="_blank">hospital-at-home</a> waivers that were extended through March 31.</li></ul><p>In addition, the Senate and House introduced budget <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page" target="_blank">reconciliation</a> frameworks, bringing Congress closer to a full reconciliation package that would have significant implications for hospitals.</p><p><strong>Hospital and health system leaders are invited to join AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack and other AHA leaders for an in-person Advocacy Day event on March 4 in Washington, D.C. </strong>The AHA team will provide a briefing on the current congressional landscape and share key messages that they can deliver to their representatives and senators on Capitol Hill.<strong> This event is for AHA members only. The March 4 briefing will be held from 10 a.m.-noon at the Conrad Hotel. Breakfast begins at 9 a.m.; lunch will be provided at the end of the program.</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/4j1bpiayvP" target="_blank" title="Register and Learn More"><strong>Register and Learn More Here</strong></a></p><p>It is critical that we continue to share with lawmakers the significant challenges facing our field. In your conversations, please discuss the challenges facing your hospital or health system and their effects on access to care for your patients and community.</p><p><strong>Please see our recent </strong><a href="/action-center" target="_blank"><strong>AHA Action Alert</strong></a><strong> for our key advocacy messages and resources that can assist you in conversations with your lawmakers.</strong></p><h2>FURTHER QUESTIONS</h2><p>For questions on the March 4 Advocacy Day, please contact Monica Day at <a href="mailto:mday@aha.org" title="Monica Day Email">mday@aha.org.</a> </p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/02/register-for-march-4-aha-advocacy-day-in-washington-dc-to-urge-congress-not-to-reduce-funding-for-hospital-care-bulletin-2-14-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/register-for-march-4-aha-advocacy-day-in-washington-dc-to-urge-congress-not-to-reduce-funding-for-hospital-care-bulletin-2-14-2025-f.png" data-entity-uuid="8e0d95d3-7419-4636-8108-43814bd10112" data-entity-type="file" alt="Cover Image AHA Special Bulletin" width="640" height="834"></a></div></div></div> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:54:12 -0600 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>The AHA today released its 2025 Advocacy Agenda, which contains the association’s key priorities for Congress, the Administration, regulatory agencies and courts. The agenda is focused on ensuring access to care, strengthening the health care workforce, advancing quality, equity and health care system resiliency, leading innovation in care delivery, and reducing health care system costs for patient care. <strong>View the </strong><a href="http://www.aha.org/advocacy-agenda" target="_blank"><strong>2025 AHA Advocacy Agenda</strong></a><strong> for the association’s detailed priorities and key highlights.</strong></p><p>In addition, if you haven’t registered yet, AHA members can sign up for a Feb. 5 virtual briefing to learn about important issues affecting hospitals and health systems. AHA leaders will provide updates on the current congressional landscape and outlook for 2025 and share tools and resources that hospital leaders can use to engage with lawmakers on key priorities. <strong>Please </strong><a href="https://aha-advocacy.ispresenting.live/register/"><strong>click here</strong></a><strong> to register for the Feb. 5 virtual advocacy update, which begins at 2 p.m. ET. </strong></p><h2>AHA ADVERTISING HIGHLIGHTS HOSPITALS’ PIVOTAL ROLE IN COMMUNITIES</h2><p>With the new Congress and Administration beginning their work, the AHA and the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare are running advertising campaigns highlighting how hospitals and health systems are always there ready to care for patients and communities.</p><p>The AHA’s multi-platform, multimedia advertising campaign includes a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_JRVYmYS1o">commercial that is running on national and cable TV channels</a> as well as stations in Washington, D.C., along with digital and social advertising to reach Capitol Hill lawmakers and staff, policymakers and influencers. In addition, the <a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/">Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare</a> is running <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TVL-ZWdlrJH4zdk-sAxwQzAU2X4khzvs/mobilepresent?slide=id.p2">new billboard advertising</a> at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The ads will be visible during this important period to key stakeholders, including lawmakers, staff and influencers as they travel to and from Washington, D.C. The AHA is a founding member of the Coalition.</p><h2>FURTHER QUESTIONS</h2><p>Visit the <a href="/advocacy/action-center">AHA Action Center</a> for the latest advocacy messages and resources to assist you with conversations with your lawmakers. If you have further questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/01/aha-releases-2025-advocacy-agenda-new-advertising-highlights-the-essential-role-hospitals-bulletin-1-15-2025-f.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-releases-2025-advocacy-agenda-new-advertising-highlights-the-essential-role-hospitals-bulletin-1-15-2025-f.png" data-entity-uuid="ffbac950-49f6-4470-8367-c0f44a3a4215" data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin Image" width="640" height="834"></a></div></div></div> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:20:39 -0600 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>As the 119th Congress and new Administration begin their work for 2025, the AHA invites members to participate in a Feb. 5 virtual briefing to learn about important issues affecting hospitals and health systems. </p><p>Join AHA leaders for updates on:</p><ul><li>The current congressional landscape, including discussions about government funding, which expires in mid-March, and a budget reconciliation package that could impact health care.</li><li>AHA’s 2025 advocacy agenda.</li><li>Tools and resources that hospital leaders can use to engage with lawmakers on key priorities.</li></ul><p><strong>This event is for AHA members only. Please </strong><a href="https://aha-advocacy.ispresenting.live/register/" target="_blank" title="Click here to register link."><strong>click here</strong></a><strong> to register for the Feb. 5, 2 p.m. ET, virtual advocacy update.</strong></p><h2>AHA Commercial and Advertising </h2><p>With the new Congress and Administration expected to hit the ground running on many issues, the AHA next week will begin running a new multimedia advertising campaign highlighting how hospitals and health systems are there 24/7/365 to care for patients and communities. The campaign includes a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_JRVYmYS1o" target="_blank" title="AHA Commercial highlighting how hospitals and health systems are there 24/7/265 to care">commercial</a> that will run on national and cable TV and digital advertising directed at Capitol Hill lawmakers and staff, as well as key policymakers and influencers. </p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>Visit the <a href="/advocacy/action-center" target="_blank" title="AHA Action Center">AHA Action Center</a> for the latest advocacy messages and resources to assist you with conversations with your lawmakers. If you have further questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/01/register-for-feb-5-aha-advocacy-briefing-on-key-issues-for-hospitals-and-health-systems-bulletin-1-10-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-register-for-feb-5-aha-advocacy-briefing-on-key-issues-for-hospitals-and-health-systems-bulletin-1-10-2025.png" data-entity-uuid="6b61dd04-3871-422a-b22b-def75b29163c" data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin Cover Image" width="679" height="878"></a></div></div></div> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:06:59 -0600 Special Bulletin