Rural issues
February 28, 2025Michael Chernew, Ph.D.ChairmanMedicare Payment Advisory Commission425 I Street, NW, Suite 701Washington, D.C. 20001Dear Dr. Chernew:
Congress expanded eligibility for enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs or tax credits) to help certain individuals and families purchase insurance on the health insurance marketplaces.
Susan Doherty, the AHA鈥檚 vice president of field engagement, began the closing session of the 2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference by reemphasizing the vital importance of rural hospitals and health care providers.
AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack joined AHA鈥檚 Chad Golder, senior vice president and general counsel, Travis Robey, vice president of political affairs, and Shannon Wu, director of payment policy, for a discussion on the ever-shifting landscape of health care affairs on Capitol Hill.
Michelle Hood, AHA executive vice president and COO, moderated a panel discussion with Chris Hasse, chief administrative officer, Mayo Clinic Health System, and Julie Yaroch, D.O., president, Promedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital in Adrian, Mich., about the future of rural hospitals and鈥
In a panel discussion moderated by Aaron Wesolowski, AHA vice president of research strategy and policy communications, John Allison, AHA senior associate director, health policy and analytics; Jeremy Martin, COO of St. James Parish Hospital in Lutcher, La.; and Carl Vaagenes, CEO, Alomere Health,鈥
Attendees got a first-hand look at what happens when cybercriminals launch a ransomware attack.
Over 1,200 rural leaders are gathered at the AHA 2025 Rural Health Care Leadership Conference in San Antonio this week. Discussions about challenges and opportunities facing the field range from hospital leadership to grassroots advocacy.
In his welcoming remarks, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack discussed some of the immediate threats to rural hospitals' well-being due to possible federal budget cuts to Medicaid, the 340B program and site-neutral payment policies. He urged attendees to 鈥渓ight up the switchboards鈥 on Capitol Hill鈥