America’s Essential Hospitals last week sent Congress a letter that highlighted the association’s legislative priorities — including averting deep cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding, rejecting site-neutral payment cuts, and codifying essential health system designation.
The Nov. 7 letter outlined other association priorities, such as protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program and extending pending waivers that impact essential hospitals. Also in the letter, the association recounted its advocacy over the past year, including its endorsements of bills important to member hospitals.
America’s Essential Hospitals will continue to reach out to congressional offices to share the letter and discuss its priorities with congressional leaders and lawmakers on key committees of jurisdiction throughout the post-election legislative session.
Election Overview
The political landscape for the 119th Congress is taking shape following a busy election week. Former President and President-elect Donald Trump will return to office and Republicans will recapture the Senate majority. Although party control of the House has yet to be determined, Republicans are expected to maintain a narrow margin. It is too early to forecast all the health care implications of these pending changes within the administration and in Congress. However, America’s Essential Hospitals will continue its vigorous advocacy on behalf of member hospitals and work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to achieve its legislative goals.
Committee Activity This Week
The House and Senate are officially back in session. Both chambers will host new member orientations and hold internal post-election strategy sessions and Senate and House Republicans will choose their respective leaders for the next Congress.
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