Skip to Main Content
Don't have an account? Create Account
x
Don't have an account? Create Account
Loading more articles
policy

This legislation would codify 340B Drug Pricing Program providers’ ability to use contract pharmacies to dispense 340B discounted drugs.

view more »
policy

The fiscal year 2024 appropriations package also delays by three months the fiscal year 2025 cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding, giving lawmakers time after the general election to return to this issue and other year-end spending priorities.

view more »
policy

This “minibus” funding package eliminates Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts for FY 2024, delays implementation of FY 2025 Medicaid DSH cuts, and does not include harmful site-neutral payment cut policies and burdensome hospital price transparency measures.

view more »

By eliminating this fiscal year’s $8 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding and delaying the fiscal year 2025 cut, Congress affords policymakers valuable time to find a lasting solution to the decade-long threat to DSH support.

view more »
policy

Following action to avert a partial government shutdown March 1, congressional lawmakers released an appropriations plan for the remainder of the current fiscal year that would eliminate the looming $8 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding.

view more »
policy

The 340B program continues to work as Congress intended. We urge Congress and the administration to protect the program and ensure all stakeholders comply with the law.

view more »
policy

We appreciate the strong precedent of bipartisan support for stopping the Medicaid DSH cuts and urge Congress to act swiftly, before the March 8 deadline, to preserve this vital safety net support and eliminate the DSH reductions for FYs 2024 and 2025.

view more »
policy

We urge Congress to protect access to care in underserved communities and support the safety net by rejecting site-neutral policies.

view more »
policy

New legislation, introduced by Reps. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) and David Valadao (R-Calif.), would codify “essential health system” in statute, giving policymakers a powerful tool to better target support to the nation’s safety net and improve health care access and equity and public health.

view more »
policy

The bipartisan legislation, introduced in the House Feb. 15, would codify measures of a health system's commitment to disadvantaged people and communities and give policymakers a powerful tool to target safety net support.

view more »
policy

Reach out to your House members today and ask them to cosponsor the Reinforcing Essential Health Systems for Communities Act.

view more »

The bipartisan legislation would establish a federal definition of “essential health system” to give Congress a new tool to target support to these foundational members of the nation’s health care safety net.

view more »
policy

A key health committee in the House examined potential solutions to chronic drug shortages, and a Senate health panel heard drug industry testimony on the causes of high drug prices. House Energy and Commerce Chair McMorris Rodgers announces she's not seeking reelection.

view more »
policy

Bipartisan legislation from a group of senators would remove a requirement that Medicare beneficiaries be seen in person within six months of receiving behavioral health services via telehealth.

view more »
webinar

In this exclusive webinar for Federal Action Network (FAN) members, industry experts offered useful insight into the annual government funding process and explained how health systems can access critical resources.

view more »
policy

Congressional leaders announced a new, two-part continuing resolution that would fund some government agencies through March 1 and others through March 8; a continued delay of an $8 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding is in the latter.

view more »
policy

Republicans and Democrats reached an agreement on topline spending levels for fiscal year 2024 but still must hammer out action on various health care issues, including stopping $16 billion cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

view more »
policy

With two federal government funding measures set to expire Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 and opposition to additional short- or long-term funding, Congress returns from recess to face again the looming threat of a government shutdown.

view more »
webinar

Join America’s Essential Hospitals association senior staff as they share highlights from the 2023 legislative and regulatory landscape and preview potential action relevant to essential hospitals in 2024.

view more »
policy

The legislation, endorsed by America's Essential Hospitals, would reauthorize opioid use disorder treatment and prevention programs that expired Sept. 30.

view more »
policy

A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee last week heard testimony on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for health care delivery and patient privacy. Witnesses included an expert from an essential hospital.

view more »
policy

A Nov. 29 House hearing on the use of artificial intelligence in health care could have implications for AI applications and data privacy protections.

view more »
policy

A "laddered" measure to fund certain government projects and activities through Jan. 19 and others through Feb. 2 pushed back an $8 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. Association advocacy will focus on further delaying or eliminating the cut after Jan. 19.

view more »
policy

A proposed stop-gap funding measure in the House would delay an $8 billion Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) funding cut through Jan. 19, while Senate legislation would eliminate $16 billion in DSH cuts over the next two fiscal years.

view more »
policy

The committee will examine policies to extend vital federal programs, including eliminating the next two years of scheduled Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding cuts.

view more »
policy

Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) confronts a looming deadline to fund the federal government. Essential hospital advocates come to Washington, D.C., for the association's fall legislative fly-in, Policy Assembly.

view more »
webinar

Explore the evolution of site-neutral payment policies and gain a deep understanding of how these policies work and impact essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

Unless Congress acts, $32 billion in DSH cuts over the next four years will undermine these hospitals and could push some to the brink. The scheduled DSH cuts include an $8 billion reduction on November 18, 2023 — more than two-thirds of all federal DSH spending annually.

view more »
policy

We urge Congress to protect access to care for the most vulnerable communities and not enact further hospital site-neutral payment proposals, which would disproportionately and negatively impact essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The race for a House speaker resumes after Rep. Jim Jordan's (R-Ohio)'s Oct. 20 exit; site-neutral policies surface in a House subcommittee hearing.

view more »
policy

The Republicans' House speaker nominee, Rep. Jim Jordan, of Ohio, failed to secure the votes needed on a first ballot, with 20 fellow GOP lawmakers voting against him. It was unclear whether he could win a majority to gain the speakership.

view more »
policy

In its response to a committee request for information on health care access in underserved areas, America's Essential Hospitals urged lawmakers to ensure support for Medicare disproportionate share hospital funding and other essential hospital priorities.

view more »
policy

The 11th-hour measure to fund the federal government through Nov. 17 pushed back a damaging $8 billion cut to Medicare disproportionate share hospital payments that had been scheduled for Oct. 1.

view more »
policy

The Department of Health and Human Services published a contingency staffing plan for operations in the absence of enacted annual appropriations for fiscal year 2024.

view more »
policy

In a session to consider several health care–related bills, Louisiana's senior senator and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions pointed to America's Essential Hospitals' advocacy opposing site-neutral payments in his criticism of the package.

view more »
policy

The bill would provide for legal penalties, like those now in place for flight crews, for individuals who knowingly and intentionally assault or intimidate hospital employees. We need you to contact your congressional delegation today and urge them cosponsor this important legislation.

view more »
policy

In the Sept. 14 letter to House and Senate leaders, members of America’s Essential Hospitals warned of the “far-reaching effects” of scheduled deep cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding and said the cuts would “undermine America’s health care safety net.”

view more »
policy

House and Senate lawmakers are advancing proposals requiring site-neutral payments for hospital outpatient services. Now is the best time to tell your congressional delegations how these policies will affect your hospital.

view more »

More than 250 hospitals and health systems that care for low-income and marginalized patients and provide essential community services warned of the “far-reaching effects” of scheduled deep cuts to Medicaid DSH funding.

view more »
policy

In a recent letter to House leaders, America's Essential Hospitals voiced its support of a legislative proposal that would avert $16 billion in cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding but cautioned against other onerous policies, including for site-neutral payment.

view more »
policy

Political posturing on appropriations has made a government shutdown next month increasingly likely. Congress also faces a Sept. 30 deadline for other key issues, including stopping an $8 billion cut to Medicaid DSH funding.

view more »
policy

In its response to a House panel's request for feedback on a discussion draft on ways to address national drug shortages, America's Essential Hospitals said shortages disproportionately harm essential hospitals, and it refuted claims the 340B Drug Pricing Program contributes to the problem.

view more »
policy

With a federal government shutdown looming, Congress likely will be consumed with passing fiscal year 2024 appropriations or a continuing resolution for stopgap funding when lawmakers return to Washington, D.C., in September.

view more »
policy

Congress must act by Sept. 30 to avert a government shutdown and stop an $8 billion cut to disproportionate share hospital payments. Deadlines also loom for a sweeping pandemic preparedness bill and opioid use disorder treatment services.

view more »
policy

While lawmakers are home during August recess, we encourage you to invite your congressional delegation to visit your hospital and urge them to support essential hospital priorities.

view more »
policy

In a letter organized with help from America's Essential Hospitals, a bipartisan group of lawmakers call on Senate leaders to avert a devastating, $8 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) funding on Oct. 1. The letter follows a similar communication to House leaders.

view more »
policy

In its response to a bipartisan group of senators, America's Essential Hospitals urges lawmakers to resist drug industry attacks on the 340B Drug Pricing Program and to protect the program's benefits to essential hospitals and marginalized patients.

view more »
policy

The Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act is among programs that will expire at the end of the federal fiscal year, Sept. 30, without congressional action. Congress also must act to fund the federal government into fiscal year 2024.

view more »
policy

A key House subcommittee marks up the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act as Democrats criticize the bill for falling short on measures to fix drug shortages. An appropriations bill that would fund the Department of Health and Human Services clears a House appropriations panel.

view more »
policy

In its response to House Republican committee leaders, the association rebutted claims that the 340B Drug Pricing Program contributes to drug shortages and underscored the ways the program supports patient care.

view more »
policy

Partisan disagreements remain regarding reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act; a mark up of the legislation by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce reportedly is scheduled for July 13.

view more »
policy

Republicans and Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee differ on approaches to the opioid epidemic, including reauthorization of association-endorsed legislation, the SUPPORT Act.

view more »
policy

Bipartisan legislation, endorsed by America's Essential Hospitals, would extend pandemic-era access to virtual care for Medicare patients. A bipartisan group of six Senate offices issued a request for information on the 340B Drug Pricing Program; the association will respond.

view more »
policy

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will consider a bill to reauthorize the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education program, which America's Essential Hospitals endorses to ease the workforce crisis.

view more »
policy

After months of back and forth between Republican lawmakers and the White House, President Joe Biden signs legislation to suspend the debt ceiling through 2024. The bill does not include work requirements for Medicaid recipients, a condition Republicans had sought early in negotiations.

view more »
policy

This legislation effectively postpones the debt ceiling issue for two years, dispelling concerns of a potential financial catastrophe. This Action Update summarizes the legislation and provisions of interest to essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved a measure to eliminate $16 billion of cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding as part of a package that also includes measures for pricing transparency and site-neutral payments.

view more »
policy

Language to avert an $8 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments passed the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee by a 27-0 vote as part of the panel's consideration of 17 health-related bills.

view more »
policy

A bipartisan group of House members sent a letter to the House speaker and Democratic leader urging them to avert an $8 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments on Oct. 1. America's Essential Hospitals helped build momentum for the letter signing campaign.

view more »
policy

Please urge your House members now to support H.R. 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which eliminates two years of looming Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

view more »
policy

House panels last week heard testimony on a variety of issues important to essential hospitals, including looming cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding, workforce shortages and training, and the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

view more »
policy

The association urged CMS to work with Congress to avoid unintended cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments imposed by Section 203.

view more »
policy

Responding to association advocacy, four House lawmakers introduced legislation to eliminate $16 billion in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) cuts in fiscal years 2024 and 2025. In a statement, America's Essential Hospitals called on all House members to support the bill.

view more »

As Congress and the administration work to protect the nation’s fiscal health and the well-being of its people, we call on policymakers to preserve and strengthen access to health care for low-income and marginalized populations.

view more »
policy

The Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act would eliminate devastating cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

view more »

We thank House lawmakers for their bipartisan leadership to protect patients, communities, and our nation’s safety net with legislation, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, that would avert disastrous cuts to essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will hear testimony on legislation to address the nation's health care workforce shortage. Meanwhile, two House lawmakers circulate a sign-on letter to build support for a bill to bolster physician training.

view more »
webinar

Tune in for a FAN-exclusive panel featuring health reporters from Bloomberg Government, Axios, and The Hill.

view more »
policy

In the House and Senate, lawmakers discuss the need for 340B Drug Pricing Program reforms and how pharmacy benefit manager practices affect the program's value to marginalized patients.and communities.

view more »
policy

At two Senate hearings, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra presented the Biden administration's health care budget. In a joint statement, America's Essential Hospitals and other organizations raised concerns about a new alliance between drug companies and community health centers.

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals has responded to a request for information (RFI) on health care workforce shortages by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The association also plans to respond to an RFI on reauthorizing the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act.

view more »

The commission’s Medicare safety net index methodology fails to account for all the nation’s safety net hospitals by overlooking uncompensated care and care provided to non-Medicare, low-income patients — especially Medicaid beneficiaries.

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals and other groups, in a letter to congressional leaders, urge lawmakers to avert an $8 billion cut Oct. 1 to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding. President Biden's proposed budget includes measures to protect Medicare.

view more »
policy

Key health committees in the House and Senate issue requests for information — one on reauthorizing the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act and another to examine health care workforce shortages.

view more »
policy

More than 70 Policy Assembly attendees visited congressional offices to share association priorities, including eliminating $16 billion in Medicaid DSH cuts over the next two fiscal years, protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program, and establishing a federal designation for essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The association's 11-page letter to congressional leaders calls for action to avert Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts, support the health care workforce, and establish a federal designation for essential hospitals, among other policy priorities.

view more »
policy

The president vowed to veto attempts to roll back Inflation Reduction Act measures to reduce prescription drug prices. He also voiced his plan to make permanent pandemic-related increases to Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.

view more »
policy

The Senate announced rosters for the Finance and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committees, as well as for the Finance Committee's Subcommittee on Health Care. HELP Committee Chair Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) signaled his intention to act on prescription drug prices.

view more »
policy

House leaders fill seats on committees and subcommittees with jurisdiction over health care issues of particular importance to essential hospitals and their patients.

view more »
policy

House and Senate lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill this week to find regular legislative business overshadowed by a growing partisan debate about the nation's debt limit and spending on Medicare, Social Security, and other federal programs.

view more »
policy

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) last week determined party representation ratios for the committees on Appropriations, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Ways and Means.

view more »
policy

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is elected speaker on the 15th vote after a dramatic and, at times, chaotic week in the House. America's Essential Hospitals pursues essential hospital designation on Capitol Hill.

view more »
policy

Senators were sworn in Jan. 3, but as of midday, Jan. 4, the House remained deadlocked over a vote for speaker and cannot swear in new members or conduct committee business until the stalemate is resolved.

view more »
policy

The $1.66 trillion package would extend funding for government operations through Sept. 30, 2023, including $120.7 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services, $9.9 billion more than the FY 2022 enacted level, and numerous provisions important to essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The bill includes funding to bolster the health care workforce and extends flexible telehealth policies, including the hospital at home waiver.

view more »

We thank congressional negotiators for supporting essential hospitals and their communities by agreeing to shore up the health care workforce, expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services, and extend flexibility for alternative care settings.

view more »
policy

With no agreement on an omnibus, House majority leaders will introduce a short-term spending bill to fund government operations through Dec. 23.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers rush to complete work on the National Defense Authorization Act and a fiscal year 2023 funding package before the end of the 117th Congress. 

view more »
policy

As Congress continues to consider legislation during and after the pandemic, it should make permanent policies that allow providers to expand access to care, including telehealth and hospital-at-home, to improve the health of their communities.

view more »
webinar

America’s Essential Hospitals staff Margaret (Peterson) French and Jason Pray joined Rodney Whitlock from McDermott+ Consulting to walk participants through the election results and explain what they mean for essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers continue work a permanent solution to fund the federal government in fiscal year 2023. Six senators release a request for information on ways to improve care and care coordination for dually eligible beneficiaries.

view more »
policy

Republicans are expected to take the majority in the House, although by a much slimmer margin than previously predicted. Democrats, meanwhile, will retain their Senate majority and might build on it with a runoff election in Georgia.

view more »
policy

Following the midterm elections, the House Democratic Caucus and the House Republican Conference will elect party leadership for the 118th Congress.

view more »
policy

With the 2022 midterm elections two weeks away, congressional lawmakers have started the sprint toward Election Day. Must-do items, including legislation to fund the federal government, will keep them busy in the post-election period.

view more »
policy

A new commentary in Health Affairs Forefront argues for creating a federal designation for essential hospitals to ensure they receive the support needed to meet their safety net mission. Also, the association publishes its annual member characteristics report, Essential Data 2022.

view more »
policy

Bipartisan legislation to fund the government through mid-December saw progress with a deal to reauthorize FDA user fee programs, but obstacles remain to a final bill before the Sept. 30 end of the current fiscal year.

view more »
webinar

Join the Federal Action Network’s 2022 midterm election preview with Greg Giroux, senior reporter at Bloomberg Government, for the latest in key House and Senate races.

view more »
policy

Congressional negotiators are holding closely the details of talks on short-term legislation expected to extend government funding through mid-December and avert a shutdown at midnight, Sept. 30, the end of the current fiscal year.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers are working to balance Democrats' calls for more COVID-19 and Monkeypox funding under a continuing resolution with Republicans' demands for a "clean" bill to fund the government through the November midterm elections.

view more »
policy

A September continuing resolution provides a potential legislative vehicle for health policy provisions. We summarize key workforce priorities and actions from Congress, the administration, and the association.

view more »
policy

The Biden administration requests an additional $47 billion in emergency funding in the continuing resolution, including $22.4 billion to fight COVID-19; Congress must reauthorize the FDA user fee program by Sept. 30.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers return to their states and districts for August recess following last week's passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The bill includes provisions of note for essential hospitals, including those to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and fight climate change.

view more »
policy

Notable for essential hospitals, the bill contains an extension of Affordable Care Act advance premium tax credits, and historic drug pricing provisions that give the federal government power to negotiate drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

view more »

The Inflation Reduction Act preserves access to affordable health care coverage and takes historic steps to fight climate change but it falls short of providing the support essential hospitals need as front-line providers during public health crises.

view more »
policy

President Joe Biden signed the legislation Aug. 16 after the House sent it to his desk with a 220-207, party-line vote. It extends Affordable Care Act subsidies through 2025 and makes other changes of interest to essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The bill, which passed by a 51-50 margin, would extend Affordable Care Act subsidies through 2025, allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, invest in measures to mitigate climate change, and make other changes of interest to essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The $433 billion Inflation Reduction Act would allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and would extend expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years. It also includes tax provisions and new investments related to energy and climate change.

view more »
policy

Work continues on a bill to advance through the reconciliation process by a Sept. 30 deadline. America's Essential Hospitals is pressing lawmakers to include more support for essential hospitals in the final package.

view more »
policy

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) again halts Build Back Better human infrastructure package negotiations; House lawmakers will vote on a FY 2023 appropriations minibus.

view more »
policy

Senate Democrats work to pass a revived human infrastructure bill before the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30. The updated legislative language includes a Medicare prescription drug pricing proposal approved by all 50 Senate Democrats.

view more »
policy

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act seeks to close gaps in current gun safety laws and bolster mental health care, including through new support for hospitals and other providers.

view more »
policy

The committee released a discussion draft of policies to improve youth mental health, the second of an expected five discussion drafts from the committee in advance of their full mental health legislative proposal.

view more »
policy

Amid gun control negotiations and the Jan. 6 hearings, House appropriators will unveil their initial plans for fiscal 2023 spending with a goal of marking up all 12 appropriations bills before the July Fourth recess.

view more »
policy

Both chambers of Congress return from the Memorial Day recess to a packed legislative agenda, including possible action on curbing gun violence following the Uvalde, Texas, shootings. Democratic leaders continue to negotiate possible paths to infrastructure legislation.

view more »
policy

Congress last week passed aid for the Ukraine war effort but remains stalled on a $10 billion COVID-19 funding bill. A group of three House caucuses of Black, Hispanic, and Asian Pacific American lawmakers have introduced health equity legislation.

view more »
policy

House and Senate lawmakers work to finalize a roughly $40 billion aid package for Ukraine but remain stalled on consideration of a COVID-19 aid package; a House panel considers two bills to reauthorize various federal health programs.

view more »
policy

The bipartisan legislation would reauthorize programs under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Health Resources and Services Administration and is timed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month.

view more »
policy

Despite receiving bipartisan support in the Senate, a $10 billion COVID-19 relief bill remains stalled. The outlook for congressional action is uncertain, given a lack of clarity on legislative packages that might emerge in the coming weeks and months.

view more »
policy

House and Senate lawmakers returned this week to Washington, D.C., and a full agenda, which could include renewed consideration of a $10 billion COVID-19 funding bill and work on a budget reconciliation measure.

view more »
policy

Congress began a two-week recess without passing a bipartisan, $10 billion COVID-19 relief bill. Negotiations on the bill were derailed by immigration policy changes recently announced by the White House.

view more »
policy

Party leaders in the Senate announced a compromise package that would fund $10 billion in COVID-19 relief for therapeutics, vaccines, and pandemic prevention. Meanwhile, a House panel continues work on legislation to aid small businesses.

view more »
policy

Congressional panels will review President Joe Biden's fiscal year 2023 budget request. Sens. Robert Casey Jr. (D-Pa.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate low vaccination rates among Medicaid beneficiaries.

view more »
policy

Hopes are slim for additional COVID-19 relief this week, with the House out of session and the Senate focused on a Supreme Court confirmation. Meanwhile, bipartisan legislation would extend the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver program for two years past the end of the public health emergency. 

view more »
policy

President Joe Biden signed a $1.5 trillion fiscal year 2022 spending package; he already signed a four-day continuing resolution to provide time for the omnibus spending measure to move forward. 

view more »
policy

The House-passed bill does not allocate additional COVID-19 relief for providers on the front lines of the pandemic. An initial version of the legislation included $15.6 billion in COVID-19 related spending — a scaled-back version of the $22.5 billion requested by the Biden administration.

view more »
policy

Congress continues work on a roughly $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill to fund the government past March 11, but outstanding issues might force lawmakers to pass another short-term funding extension to buy additional time to reach a deal.

view more »
webinar

Tune in for a FAN-exclusive deep dive on the 2022 midterm elections with POLITICO’s national political reporter, Elena Schneider.

view more »
policy

President Joe Biden signed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through March 11; Biden invited all members of Congress to attend the annual State of the Union address on March 1.

view more »
policy

The Senate voted 50–46 to confirm Robert Califf, MD, as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); The FDA has not had a confirmed commissioner for more than a year. Senators continue work to pass a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government past Feb. 18.

view more »
policy

A short-term continuing resolution would maintain government funding through March 11, giving lawmakers more time to agree on a final funding bill; the measure is expected to clear both chambers. Activity on the Build Back Better Act pauses as Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) recovers from a stroke.

view more »
policy

A bipartisan group of senators released draft legislation to improve the nation's capacity to respond to future public health crises. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announces his intent to retire. The Senate Committee on Budget considers the nomination of Shalanda Young as director of OMB.

view more »

Essential hospitals continue to confront extreme labor costs and staff shortages and need targeted relief from remaining fund dollars and new sources of support.

view more »
policy

In separate bipartisan letters, lawmakers called on the Biden administration to help mitigate dire hospital workforce shortages, particularly among nurses, and protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program from harmful drug manufacturer actions.

view more »
policy

The nomination of Robert Califf, MD, as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration advances to the Senate floor. The Republican-led Healthy Futures Task Force issues several requests for information on telehealth policies and health care affordability.

view more »
policy

House lawmakers noted upcoming federal funding legislation could be an opportunity for additional COVID-19 relief. A Senate committee examines COVID-19 variants and the federal response. Both chambers released draft schedules for their 2022 work.

view more »

America’s Essential Hospitals has selected Jason Pray, a health care policy professional with more than 24 years of experience in Washington, D.C., as its next vice president of legislative affairs.

view more »
policy

Congress is focused on passing the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill before government funding expires Feb. 18. As 2021 came to a close, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced he would not support the Build Back Better Act as currently drafted, stalling the legislation.

view more »
webinar

2022 Advocacy Outlook

Dec. 16, 2021 || Staff

Recap highlights from 2021 and preview the agenda for regulatory and legislative priorities in 2022.

view more »
policy

The legislation delays looming Medicare payment cuts and creates an expedited pathway for debt limit relief; Senate Democrats this week are expected to release legislative text for a $2 trillion debt limit increase — sufficient to last through the 2022 midterm election.

view more »
policy

Congress passed a continuing resolution to maintain government funding through Feb. 18, 2022. The bill does not further suspend Medicare cuts slated to take effect in the new year. Meanwhile, the Senate continues work on the Build Back Better Act, debt limit legislation, and defense appropriations.

view more »
policy

Cutting the DSH program — especially with hospitals still on the front lines of COVID-19 — is misguided. Our latest Our View dispels common misconceptions about these proposed DSH cuts.

view more »
policy

Congress must act to avoid a government shutdown Friday; House leadership is expected to introduce a continuing resolution to fund the government through January 2022. Meanwhile, both chambers are racing to extend the debt limit and pass the Build Back Better Act.

view more »

While essential hospitals support the bill's goals to expand health care coverage and strengthen the health care workforce, they cannot accept the damaging cuts it would make to funding for hospitals that care for low-income patients and underserved communities.

view more »
policy

The Congressional Budget Office this week is expected to release a full score of the $1.75 trillion "human infrastructure" package. Meanwhile, congressional leaders say it is unlikely appropriators will reach an agreement to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2022 by the Dec. 3 deadline.

view more »
policy

The House passed the $1 trillion bipartisan physical infrastructure bill after agreeing on a path forward for the $1.75 trillion "human infrastructure" bill. New language in the human infrastructure measure calls for Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices and retains Medicaid DSH cuts.

view more »
policy

President Joe Biden last week announced a $1.75 trillion framework for "human infrastructure" reconciliation legislation; the House subsequently released updated legislative text for its human infrastructure bill that aims to close the Medicaid coverage gap.

view more »
policy

Democrats aim to reach a deal this week on a "human infrastructure" reconciliation framework, but topline spending numbers, social policy priorities, and other details remain undecided. Once the framework is set, the House will vote on the Senate-passed bipartisan physical infrastructure bill.

view more »
policy

In a letter to congressional leaders, America's Essential Hospitals advocates for strengthening the health care workforce in the wake of COVID-19, including through more funding in public health emergencies, prioritized visas for foreign clinicians, and increased graduate medical education slots.

view more »
policy

Reports indicate Democrats are likely to land on "human infrastructure" legislation costing $2.3 trillion or less — far below the $3.5 trillion package originally passed in committee. Absent a top-line spending agreement, lawmakers cannot determine the policies to include in a final bill.

view more »
policy

The Senate voted Oct. 7 to temporarily increase the debt ceiling by $480 billion; the government likely will remain below the new ceiling through year's end.

view more »
policy

After passing a short-term measure to fund the government through Dec. 3, Congress shifts focus to the federal debt ceiling. A Republican filibuster in the Senate prevented passage of legislation to extend the debt limit; lawmakers must resolve the issue by Oct. 18 to avoid default.

view more »
policy

The Senate remains in a stalemate over a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through Dec. 3, leaving congressional leaders little time to avoid an Oct. 1 shutdown. House debate begins on a physical infrastructure bill and work continues on "human infrastructure" legislation.

view more »
policy

The House this week is expected to consider a continuing resolution to temporarily extend current funding levels for the federal government. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) intend to suspend the debt limit as part of the resolution.

view more »
policy

The House is scheduled to return to Capitol Hill next week, but House committees continue to meet and craft their sections of the Build Back Better Act, a "human infrastructure" reconciliation bill. House committees aim to complete markups by Sept. 15, with a full House vote possible before October.

view more »
policy

House committees begin marking up portions of the forthcoming "human infrastructure" reconciliation package, which is expected to include provisions to expand health coverage and lower prescription drug prices. The association's calls for government relations professionals will resume Sept. 9.

view more »
policy

In a letter to Democratic congressional leadership, the association urges consideration of essential hospital priorities — including funding for critical workforce and hospital infrastructure needs and protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program — in forthcoming budget reconciliation legislation.

view more »
policy

The House passed a procedural rule setting the stage for the chamber's development of a "human infrastructure" package under budget reconciliation. In a concession to moderate Democrats, the rule calls for the House to vote by Sept. 27 on the bipartisan physical infrastructure legislation.

view more »
policy

The House pauses its August break to work on the bipartisan physical infrastructure package and $3.5 trillion fiscal year 2022 budget resolution. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) aims to pass both measures by Oct. 1 but faces some opposition from moderate House Democrats.

view more »
policy

The Senate passed a $3.5 trillion fiscal year 2022 budget resolution with no Republican support; House leaders called members back to Capitol Hill for a brief legislative session Aug. 23. Moderate House Democrats are urging leadership to call a vote on the bipartisan physical infrastructure bill.

view more »
policy

The Senate voted 69–30 to advance a bipartisan physical infrastructure bill. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats released a $3.5 trillion budget resolution, the precursor to a partisan reconciliation bill on “human infrastructure” priorities. Notably, the resolution does not contain a debt limit increase.

view more »
policy

The Senate released much-anticipated legislative language for a $1.2 trillion bipartisan physical infrastructure package. While the legislation includes no major health care policies, it does list several health care changes to help pay for new spending.

view more »
policy

Negotiations continue on a bipartisan physical infrastructure plan after Senate Republicans blocked a procedural vote to begin formal deliberations on the framework. Republican senators opposed the legislative text because it is not final and has no Congressional Budget Office score.

view more »
policy

As a bipartisan group of senators crafts infrastructure legislation, Senate Democrats work to develop a human infrastructure package.

view more »
policy

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) aims to vote on a bipartisan physical infrastructure bill, as well as a budget resolution to begin the process of advancing a "human infrastructure" package, before the chamber adjourns for its August recess.

view more »
policy

On July 1, the House passed a five-year $715 billion surface transportation and water infrastructure bill, fulfilling House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) commitment to clear an infrastructure bill before the July Fourth holiday. The Senate continues work to develop broad infrastructure legislation.

view more »
policy

A bipartisan group of senators reached an agreement with the White House on a $1.2 trillion physical infrastructure framework that lists extending the 2 percent Medicare sequester cut as a potential method of funding the package. Lawmakers now must turn the framework into legislation.

view more »
policy

Senators continue efforts to build consensus on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan physical infrastructure proposal introduced last week, but Democrats are taking steps to initiate the budget reconciliation process in case those talks ultimately fall short.

view more »
policy

The new infrastructure deal comes after months-long negotiations between the Biden administration and Senate Republicans fell apart. It includes roughly $579 billion in new spending. However, lawmakers in both parties expressed skepticism that the plan could secure enough votes to pass the Senate.

view more »
policy

A bipartisan infrastructure plan is unlikely to pass the Senate by July. Democrats are likely to explore using budget reconciliation, but a recent parliamentarian ruling indicates they might be unable to attempt the process using the FY 2021 budget resolution.

view more »
policy

Republicans offer a $928 billion counterproposal to President Joe Biden's $1.7 trillion infrastructure package. Leaders of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and House Committee on Energy and Commerce seek information on developing a public health insurance option.

view more »
policy

The Senate confirmed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Several Senate committees last week examined issues of importance to essential hospitals, including telehealth, hospital consolidation, and the medical supply chain.

view more »

Brooks-LaSure takes the reins at CMS at a critical juncture for our nation, as COVID-19 and its lingering economic effects make access to health care coverage more important than ever. Her knowledge of, and experience with, Medicaid and Medicare make her well suited to meet these challenges.

view more »
policy

The Senate voted to advance the nomination of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator; a full Senate vote could take place this week. America's Essential Hospitals hosted a virtual Capitol Hill briefing in recognition of the association's 40th anniversary.

view more »
policy

In a set of letters, America’s Essential Hospitals urges the administration and congressional leaders to address pressing facility needs of essential hospitals and the health care safety net.

view more »
policy

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with House and Senate lawmakers this week to discuss a bipartisan path forward on infrastructure legislation ahead of his fiscal year 2022 budget proposal. The Senate is expected to confirm Andrea Joan Palm as deputy secretary of health and human services.

view more »
policy

President Biden's address to Congress focused on his proposals to rebuild and revamp the nation's infrastructure, including the American Families Plan.

view more »

We applaud the president's focus on equity and building a strong social safety net and his success combating COVID-19, and we urge the administration to ensure ongoing and sustainable support for Medicaid and hospitals' infrastructure needs.

view more »
policy

Senate Republicans release a $568 billion infrastructure framework to kickstart negotiations. House Democrats and Republicans reintroduce opposing prescription drug pricing bills. A CMS decision delays advancement of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure's nomination for CMS administrator.

view more »

We applaud Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and his colleagues for recognizing the need to confront the influence of racism on the social determinants of health. Their resolution is part of the solution to achieving greater health equity.

view more »
policy

The president met with a group of bipartisan lawmakers to discuss his $2 trillion American Jobs Plan infrastructure proposal; other lawmakers have expressed interest in a less costly, more targeted package. The Senate Committee on Finance is expected to advance two Biden administration nominees.

view more »

Extending the Medicare sequester moratorium through the end of this year provides much-needed relief for essential hospitals, which continue to face heavy financial pressure from their front-line response to COVID-19, the association says.

view more »
policy

The House will vote as early as tonight to extend the moratorium on the 2 percent Medicare sequester cut; CMS has held provider claims in anticipation of this bill passing. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue conversations on infrastructure funding and workplace violence prevention.

view more »
policy

The Senate advanced legislation extending the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut; however, it is unlikely the House will take up the measure before April 1, when the cut is scheduled to take effect. The association submitted a letter of support for the LIFT America Act.

view more »
Essential Insights

The community that held members together in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks continues to hold members together today, Christine Capito Burch reflects.

view more »
policy

The House voted to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut, but the bill lacks support from Senate Republicans. The Senate confirms Xavier Becerra. A reintroduced bipartisan bill would ensure 340B hospitals can maintain program eligibility while responding to COVID-19.

view more »

Extending the Medicare sequester moratorium through year's end and waiving the PAYGO cut later this year would provide needed relief for hospitals as they continue to face financial and resource constraints due to COVID-19.

view more »
policy

The House this week will vote on legislation to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut. House Democrats unveil an infrastructure package that prioritizes funding for construction and modernization activities to bolster public health preparedness and cyberattack prevention.

view more »
policy

The association will convene its virtual spring Policy Assembly March 16. Whether or not you join us, these resources are available to encourage your legislators to protect access to care.

view more »
policy

The legislation includes $8.5 billion in funding for certain rural providers that serve Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and a a temporary increase in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments.

view more »

Our members thank Congress and the Biden administration for making timely investments in the American Rescue Plan Act. As the fight against COVID-19 continues, we will continue to work with Congress to secure further support for essential hospitals in future legislation.

view more »
policy

With a 50–50 party split in the Senate, Democrats must remain united and rely on Vice President Kamala Harris' vote to confirm the nomination of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services.

view more »
policy

The $1.9 trillion package temporarily increases Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments to ensure essential hospitals receive the same level of payments as they would have expected absent the pandemic. The package returns to the House for a final vote, expected as early as Tuesday.

view more »
policy

The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill would ensure essential hospitals receive the same level of Medicaid DSH payments as they would have absent the pandemic. Xavier Becerra's nomination as secretary of health and human services is expected to reach the Senate floor as early as next week.

view more »
Essential Insights

Reconciliation and bipartisanship were vital to the origin story of America’s Essential Hospitals and will play a key role in the association's future.

view more »
policy

Congress races to pass COVID-19 relief through the budget reconciliation process before enhanced unemployment benefits expire March 14. Senate committees hold confirmation hearings for Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services.

view more »
policy

The House is expected to vote on a compiled reconciliation bill the week of Feb. 22. The Senate for the second time has acquitted former President Donald Trump of impeachment charges. House members are circulating a bipartisan letter calling for protections to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

view more »
policy

House and Senate committees are working on the details of COVID-19 relief under the budget reconciliation process. The impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump is underway; members of both parties have indicated they prefer a short and swift trial.

view more »
policy

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled a joint budget resolution to advance President Biden's COVID-19 relief priorities through budget reconciliation. Senate leaders have yet to agree on an organizing resolution finalizing operations for the 117th Congress.

view more »
policy

The second Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump is expected to begin in early February, with Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT) presiding. House committees with jurisdiction over health care issues add new members to their rosters.

view more »
policy

For the second time, the House has impeached Donald Trump — this time, for his role in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack. Law enforcement descends on Washington amid threats of violence surrounding the inauguration. The Biden transition team releases a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan.

view more »

Due to the events of Jan. 6 and discord surrounding the November elections, we have suspended contributions from our Essential Hospitals Political Action Committee to members of Congress who voted against certifying the results of a free and fair election.

view more »
policy

Following the uprising at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, lawmakers completed their constitutional duty and certified Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President–elect Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, Democrats swept special elections in Georgia, giving the party 50 Senate seats.

view more »
policy

In the first week of the new Congress, lawmakers will focus on certification of Electoral College votes and a Georgia special election that will determine which party controls the Senate. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was re-elected speaker of the House.

view more »
policy

The $2.3 trillion package to fund the government, provide new COVID-19 relief, and stimulate the economy would eliminate a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments and add $3 billion to the Provider Relief Fund, among numerous other changes.

view more »
policy

Congress' first actions in the new year include deciding how to conduct business with the continuing COVID-19 threat and certifying the Electoral College votes for U.S. president. In the House, lawmakers will vote to select a speaker.

view more »
policy

The continuing resolution delays until Dec. 19 a scheduled $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. Meanwhile, lawmakers introduce a new, two-part $908 billion legislative proposal for COVID-19 relief, as well as a deal on legislation regarding surprise medical bills.

view more »

This $4 billion cut—a third of all program funding—would destabilize hospitals and threaten access to care as the nation confronts a rapidly escalating health care crisis. We now must turn to solutions that protect hospitals and their communities for the long term.

view more »
policy

Congress indicates plans to pursue a one-week continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels through Dec. 18. A group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced a framework for a $908 billion COVID-19 relief deal, reinvigorating negotiations between Republicans and Democrats.

view more »
policy

Without congressional action, the government on Dec. 12 will enter a shutdown and $4 billion will be cut from Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. Meanwhile, negotiations are deadlocked on additional COVID-19 relief.

view more »
policy

In the lame-duck session, Congress will focus on stopping a Medicaid DSH funding cut, averting a government shutdown, and providing COVID-19 relief. The House passed bipartisan bills to enhance research on minority health disparities, address the opioid crisis, and support trauma centers.

view more »
policy

Senators re-elect their leadership teams, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); the House will vote on party leadership this week. Senate Republicans introduce $1.4 trillion legislative package to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2021.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers will prioritize funding for the federal government and additional COVID-19 relief. Join America's Essential Hospitals for a Nov. 18 webinar analyzing the impact of the elections on essential hospitals and health care policy. Registration open for our postelection Policy Assembly, Dec. 8–9.

view more »
policy

In a response to Republican leaders of House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over the 340B Drug Pricing Program, America's Essential Hospitals said the program needs no fundamental reforms and continues to provide vital support to essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

With the arrival of Election Day, the next opportunity for a new COVID-19 relief package might not happen until after the new year. America's Essential Hospitals has opened registration for Policy Assembly, a virtual event scheduled for Dec. 8 and 9.

view more »
policy

In response to stakeholder and congressional feedback, the Department of Health and Human Services revised reporting requirements for health care providers who receive more than $10,000 total in Provider Relief Fund payments.

view more »
policy

Responding to concerns raised by the association and lawmakers, the Department of Health and Human Services has altered detrimental reporting requirements for the Provider Relief Fund, including one regarding lost revenue.

view more »
webinar

The association’s legislative experts shared their analysis and insights on how the outcome of the November elections could impact essential hospitals and shape health care policy.

view more »
policy

A bipartisan House letter urges the administration to rescind harmful Provider Relief Fund reporting changes. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says an agreement must be reached by Tuesday to pass COVID-19 relief legislation before Election Day; the Senate will vote this week on targeted COVID-19 relief.

view more »
policy

Congress is no closer to passing further COVID-19 relief after a tumultuous week of negotiations. Senators urge HHS to reconsider recent guidance on Provider Relief Fund payments. The Senate Judiciary Committee begins confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

view more »
policy

The House-passed $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief package would increase Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments and the Provider Relief Fund. Meanwhile, Congress now has until Dec. 11 to pass its annual spending bills or agree to another short-term CR.

view more »

Essential hospitals thank House leaders for recognizing in the legislation the ongoing needs of providers that form the backbone of the health care safety net and for taking additional steps to support their service to patients and communities.

view more »
policy

The Senate this week will consider a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown the day before the fiscal year ends. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asks committee chairs to draft revised COVID-19 legislation as she reopens negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on COVID-19 relief.

view more »
policy

In a Sept. 25 letter to Congress, America’s Essential Hospitals urged lawmakers to include policies that bolster the health care safety net as part of legislative efforts to help rectify the unconscionable health inequities among vulnerable populations across the country.

view more »
policy

As the nation mourns the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, attention on Capitol Hill is focused who will fill her seat and how soon the confirmation process will begin. Meanwhile, Congress has about a week to pass a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown.

view more »
policy

House Democrats released a continuing resolution to maintain government funding through Dec. 11. The legislation would delay a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding and change the recoupment and repayment terms for the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers have less than three weeks to fund the federal government through the November election before current funding runs out. The prospect of Congress advancing COVID-19 relief legislation before the election appears unlikely.

view more »
policy

Nearly 250 members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar expressing concerns about recent actions by several drug manufacturers to impose policy changes that would undermine the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

view more »
policy

The Senate reconvenes and is expected to consider a COVID-19 relief package. The Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing on COVID-19 vaccines. A bipartisan group of House lawmakers circulates a letter to HHS expressing concern about drug manufacturer attacks on 340B contract pharmacies.

view more »
policy

Opportunities are dwindling for congressional negotiators to agree on additional COVID-19 relief legislation. During this last week of the August recess, essential hospitals should tell their delegations to urge House and Senate leadership to expeditiously address essential hospital needs.

view more »
policy

The Senate officially adjourned for August recess; House lawmakers will return to Washington this weekend to address postal service funding.

view more »
policy

Democratic and Republican negotiators failed to reach a deal on the next COVID-19 supplemental package. After negotiations faltered, President Trump issued four executive orders and memoranda related to pandemic relief, but the legality of the executive actions could be challenged.

view more »
policy

Republicans and Democrats have yet to make progress in negotiations on the next COVID-19 bill; the association shared essential hospital priorities with congressional leadership. A new House bill would ensure hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program will not lose eligibility during the pandemic.

view more »
webinar

Hear association leaders share what’s happened, what’s new, and what’s next for the essential hospital response to COVID-19 and structural racism, and preview Virtual VITAL2020 programming.

view more »
policy

The highly anticipated bill would add $25 billion to the Provider Relief Fund and extend Medicare telehealth flexibility. It would not block the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation or delay the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cut scheduled for Dec. 1.

view more »
policy

Republicans and Democrats remain divided on relief measures to include in a fourth COVID-19 package; the association encourages members to share essential hospital priorities. An association letter to key congressional committees highlights the importance of telehealth during and after the pandemic.

view more »

Rep. John Lewis championed the mission-driven work of essential hospitals and steadfastly supported policies to safeguard their service to vulnerable patients, communities, and the health care safety net.

view more »
policy

The association calls on member hospitals to urge their senators to include essential hospital relief measures in future COVID-19 supplemental legislation. House committees continue work on COVID-19 oversight and fiscal year 2021 spending bills. 

view more »
policy

As Senate leaders consider a fourth COVID-19 aid package, the president signs legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program. A bipartisan bill would ensure 340B hospitals maintain eligibility amid COVID-19, regardless of payer mix changes.

view more »
policy

The House passed legislation to strengthen the ACA and is expected to pass an infrastructure bill authorizing $10 billion for hospital construction and modernization; the Senate is unlikely to consider the bills. The association responds to a congressional request for lessons learned from COVID-19.

view more »
policy

Hearings are slated this week in several committees to examine the COVID-19 pandemic and response. Meanwhile, House Democratic leaders introduced a $1.5 trillion infrastructure investment package that would dedicate $10 billion over five years to hospital construction and modernization.

view more »
policy

House and Senate lawmakers are analyzing and reacting to last week's announcement of new Provider Relief Fund allocations for safety-net providers; committees are slated to examine the role of telehealth and disparities as the pandemic has progressed.

view more »
policy

In a letter to Senate leaders, America's Essential Hospitals outlines key legislative priorities to assist essential hospitals in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency as Congress considers another supplemental bill.

view more »
policy

The letter urges HHS to target COVID-19 provider relief funds toward hospitals serving a disproportionate number of vulnerable patients. The timeline for developing and negotiating the next COVID-19 supplemental legislative package has slipped to July.

view more »

We thank Sens. Capito and Menendez, and their Senate colleagues, for their bipartisan efforts to target relief funding to hospitals caring for Medicaid and low-income patients.

view more »

We wholeheartedly agree with the leaders of the Senate Finance and House Energy and Commerce committees: Emergency aid allocations so far have disadvantaged essential hospitals, and new distributions must target hospitals that care for many Medicaid patients.

view more »
policy

The House passed a bipartisan bill on a 417-1 vote to loosen some restrictions on Paycheck Protection Program relief funds and extend the timeline for businesses to use the funding. The House and Senate are in session this week and will conduct committee work related to COVID-19.

view more »
policy

Voting by proxy for the first time, the House is slated to decide this week on legislation to amend the Paycheck Protection Program to increase the amount of time small businesses have to spend emergency COVID-19 aid.

view more »
policy

The House passed a resolution temporarily permitting proxy voting and remote committee work, as well as a new stimulus package. Meanwhile, more than 90 representatives signed a letter calling for relief payments for providers seeing a disproportionate number of Medicaid and low-income patients.

view more »

The HEROES Act would take important steps to support the safety-net mission of essential hospitals, which care for the disadvantaged people and underserved communities disproportionately harmed by COVID-19.

view more »
policy

The House approved the HEROES Act by a narrow margin. While the bill will not become law, it contains a number of provisions important to essential hospitals and for which the association will advocate in any final COVID-19 supplemental legislation.

view more »

More than 90 House members sent a bipartisan letter to the administration calling for targeting of COVID-19 emergency funding to hospitals that serve large numbers of Medicaid and low-income patients.

view more »
policy

House Democratic leaders released a comprehensive COVID-19 legislative package. The association is calling on member hospitals to ask their representatives to sign a bipartisan letter on targeting COVID-19 emergency funds toward essential providers.

view more »
policy

The Senate returns to Washington this week, with the House expected to return May 11. Congressional hearings this week will focus on COVID-19 response efforts, including testing. Meanwhile, several association webinars will focus on health care workforce issues related to the pandemic.

view more »
policy

The House and Senate passed legislation to provide an additional $484 billion in relief for small businesses and health care entities impacted by COVID-19. A new bipartisan House task force will examine how to adapt legislative business and voting procedures to social distancing practices.

view more »
policy

The bipartisan legislation provides $484 billion in resources across the Department of Health and Human Services and the Small Business Administration, including an additional $75 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for providers.

view more »

America's Essential Hospitals thanks Congress for this additional aid and the inclusion of demographic data reporting to help illuminate and respond to the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has on communities of color.

view more »
policy

Negotiations continue on a final agreement, which is expected to include funding for small businesses, hospitals, and coronavirus testing. America's Essential Hospitals urges members to contact their members of Congress and ask them to support the association's COVID-19 priorities.

view more »
policy

Congress should increase emergency funding for hospitals on the front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic, target hospitals in greatest need, adjust Medicaid to help essential hospitals, and provide other financial and regulatory relief.

view more »
policy

Senate lawmakers continue to negotiate the next round of legislation to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, America's Essential Hospitals, in a letter to congressional leadership, shared its priorities for the next COVID-19 supplemental bill.

view more »
policy

House Democratic leaders seek to bolster economic aid and unemployment benefits, extend community health center funding, and increase workplace protections for health care workers and first responders.

view more »
policy

House Democratic leaders are developing a fourth COVID-19 supplemental funding bill on the heels of a $2 trillion aid package the president signed last week. This fourth legislative package could include measures to enhance protections for health care workers.

view more »
policy

President Trump has signed a $2 trillion package of COVID-19 aid that provides $100 billion to hospitals and other providers, averts cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, suspends Medicare sequester cuts, and includes numerous other relief measures.

view more »
webinar

Dive into Congress’ third COVID-19 response package, and learn what resources are available for essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The $2 trillion bill includes $100 billion for a Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to reimburse eligible health care providers for health care–related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19.

view more »

With COVID-19 poised to overwhelm the nation’s health care infrastructure, the Senate vote on funding support is welcome and appreciated as hospital resources are stretched thin. We thank congressional leaders for recognizing the support our member hospitals need during this unprecedented crisis.

view more »
policy

As the Senate continues work on a third legislative package to address public health and economic needs during the COVID-19 crisis, House Democrats introduced an alternative that includes provisions important to essential hospitals and key changes absent in the Senate bill.

view more »
policy

After two failed votes, senators continue negotiations on a $1.6 trillion funding package to boost the economy and improve access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, House Democratic leadership unveiled competing legislation to provide relief.

view more »
policy

A third major legislative response to COVID-19 would provide $75 billion in emergency funding for hospitals and health care providers, delay until fiscal year 2022 a planned $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, and authorize other support.

view more »
policy

The law increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage to states, allows states to extend Medicaid eligibility, and requires diagnostic test coverage.

view more »
policy

This second supplemental legislative package to address the new coronavirus would increase the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to states, require insurance coverage of COVID-19 diagnostic tests and visits, extend paid leave, and more.

view more »
policy

President Trump has signed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $8.3 billion in funding to several federal agencies for COVID-19 response.

view more »

The Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2020 takes an important step toward a solution to surprise medical bills that protects patients and increases transparency without putting hospitals at a disadvantage in negotiations with insurers.

view more »
policy

As the impeachment trial ends, House and Senate leaders will transition back to their legislative priorities, including reducing out-of-pocket health care costs.

view more »
policy

The Senate trial begins this week on two articles of impeachment against President Trump, for obstruction of Congress and abuse of power.

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals this week is closely following congressional health care committee efforts to develop a robust legislative package to stop impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding and extend funding for several expiring health care programs.

view more »
policy

After delaying Medicaid DSH cuts and extending funding for other health care programs by five additional months, congressional leaders are expected to leverage the new May 22 expiration date to advance bills to lower drug prices and protect patients from surprise medical bills.

view more »
policy

Congress approved and the president signed a fiscal year 2020 spending package that delays through May 22, 2020, a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

view more »
policy

Congressional leaders have delayed for five months a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments under comprehensive legislation to fund federal operations for the remainder of fiscal year 2020, which started Oct. 1.

view more »

Today's House vote on a spending package and Senate support will avert the harm sure to result from a $4 billion payment cut for hospitals that care for millions of low-income people. Now, we must turn to longer-term relief for essential hospitals and their patients.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers have three weeks to agree on funding for the federal government and various health care programs, including Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. The House resumes its impeachment investigation with a Judiciary Committee hearing.

view more »
policy

The latest continuing resolution, which funds the government through Dec. 20, will give Congress more time to negotiate a longer-term agreement on government spending and relief from impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

view more »

We thank House and Senate lawmakers for again standing with essential hospitals and vulnerable patients by delaying an unsustainable, damaging cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

view more »
policy

The House is scheduled to vote on a continuing resolution that would extend federal funding through Dec. 20 and further delay a scheduled $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments; House impeachment hearings continue.

view more »
policy

While lawmakers continue negotiations on fiscal year 2020 spending bills and prescription drug pricing legislation, committees will hold hearings on electronic cigarette use, state efforts to undermine reproductive health care, and the presidential impeachment inquiry.

view more »
policy

Twelve spending bills must advance through Congress and be signed by the president by Nov. 21 to fully fund the federal government for fiscal year 2020.

view more »
policy

A House vote on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, scheduled for this week, has been postponed to allot more time for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to score the bill.

view more »
policy

Essential hospital leaders will meet with lawmakers this week at our fall Policy Assembly amid government funding talks and drug pricing negotiations.

view more »
policy

Essential hospitals tackle social determinants of health while operating with limited means. Congress must act to preserve the federal support essential hospitals rely on to fulfill their mission of care for all and keep communities healthy.

view more »
policy

Negotiations continue on funding the federal government — and averting Medicaid DSH cuts — while House committees hold hearings and markups on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.

view more »
policy

Congress will focus on the looming deadline to fund the federal government and address the $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding.

view more »
policy

President Trump signed a short-term continuing resolution delaying disproportionate share hospital funding cuts to Nov. 22; House Speaker Pelosi launched an impeachment inquiry.

view more »

The Senate's bipartisan action, like that of the House, recognizes the vital role essential hospitals play across the country in caring for vulnerable patients and communities — and the threat DSH cuts pose to access to care.

view more »
policy

A continuing resolution to fund the federal government, including the disproportionate share hospital program, through Nov. 21 heads to the Senate; House Speaker Pelosi introduces a drug pricing bill.

view more »

The continuing resolution averts the imminent and deeply damaging $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

view more »
policy

DSH cuts will start Oct. 1 without congressional action; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is expected to introduce a drug pricing proposal; the House considers a stopgap government funding measure.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers must act before Oct. 1 to stop the $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, extend expiring health care programs, and fund government operations for fiscal year 2020.

view more »
policy

The bipartisan deal averts a $125 billion cut to federal discretionary spending, raises spending caps by $324 billion, and partially offsets costs by extending a 2 percent cut to Medicare provider payments,

view more »
Essential Insights

Americans have repeatedly voiced their desire for policymakers to reduce high health care costs; Congress and the Trump Administration — and even state leaders — have heard their message loud and clear.

view more »

The committee’s action on DSH funding marks a significant step forward in efforts to save the safety net from a fiscal cliff Oct. 1, when a $4 billion DSH funding cut is set to take effect.

view more »
policy

A House panel marked up legislation to eliminate $16 billion in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts, mitigate surprise bills, and fund expiring health care programs.

view more »

Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce takes an important step toward saving essential hospitals from a fiscal cliff by approving legislation that would eliminate two years of deep cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding.

view more »
policy

As Congress returns from the July Fourth recess, lawmakers focus on legislation to reduce surprise medical bills and prescription drug costs, as well as extend short-term funding for community behavioral health clinics.

view more »
policy

Also last week, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions advanced the bipartisan Lower Health Care Costs Act and the House Committee on Ways and Means marked up five Medicare-focused bills.

view more »

We thank President Trump for signing the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019, which will direct more resources to hospitals and other providers on the front lines of disasters and other public health threats.

view more »
policy

A House-passed bill to extend funding for Medicaid programs heads to the Senate; the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions introduced the Lower Health Care Costs Act.

view more »
policy

House and Senate committees this month remain focused on legislation to reduce surprise billing and health care costs. The House last week began deliberations on a $987 million spending package to fund many federal agencies for FY 2020.

view more »
policy

The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovations Act would provide $385 million annually for the Hospital Preparedness Program. Congress stacks its agenda ahead of the July Fourth recess, focusing on health care funding, surprise billing, single-payer proposals, and drug pricing.

view more »
policy

A House subcommittee hearing features testimony from an essential hospital on the importance of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding. The House is expected to approve a bill providing $385 million in annual funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.

view more »
policy

A draft plan from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee aims to end surprise medical bills for out-of-network emergency services, reduce prescription drug prices, and improve transparency in health care costs, among other priorities.

view more »
policy

In a May 17 Capitol Hill briefing, leaders from NYC Health + Hospitals, East Alabama Medical Center, and Eskenazi Health shared how disproportionate share hospital funding sustains their hospitals.

view more »
policy

The Senate last week passed a new version of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019. House and Senate panels continue work to address balance billing and drug pricing ahead of next week's recess.

view more »

We applaud the letter’s organizers, Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Pete Olson (R-TX), and all their House colleagues for recognizing the severe threat posed by Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts and standing up for patients, communities, and hospitals.

view more »
policy

Hearings focused on rising drug costs and pricing transparency. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) reintroduced a measure to bolster consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act. Both chambers will return to legislative business on April 29.

view more »

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission analysis shows hospitals that care for Medicaid and uninsured patients still depend on Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments to meet this mission. Congress must act now to stop the October disproportionate share hospital payment cuts.

view more »
policy

Seven pharmaceutical company executives will testify in a Senate Committee on Finance hearing about prescription drug pricing practices.

view more »
policy

The president signs a multibillion-dollar funding package and declares a national emergency, which now faces multiple court challenges. Two House Democrats announce plans to introduce Medicare-for-all legislation.

view more »
policy

Congressional committees requested information from providers and health plans on balance billing practices and invited several pharmaceutical companies to testify in a hearing on drug pricing; congressional negotiators strike a tentative deal to avoid another federal shutdown.

view more »
policy

As the president prepares to deliver his State of the Union address this week, Congressional committees remain focused on health care costs and threats to the Affordable Care Act.

view more »
policy

The Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019 heads to President Trump for approval. Meanwhile, a new bill would limit the use of Medicaid to care for undocumented immigrants.

view more »

We now call on the Senate to invest in the nation’s disaster response and public health infrastructure by reauthorizing the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Innovation Act.

view more »
policy

The 116th session of Congress convenes as leaders seek a deal to end a partial government shutdown, while health care legislation hangs in the balance.

view more »
policy

House and Senate Democratic leaders vowed to pursue legislation to intervene after a judge ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional; negotiations continue on a spending package to fund portions of the federal government before current funding expires on Dec. 21.

view more »
policy

A new association tracker lists grants and demonstration projects available under H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, that will be available to essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

Ahead of the holiday recess, the Senate needs to approve the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovations Act, while both chambers work to finalize a year-end spending bill to avoid a partial government shutdown.

view more »
policy

President Trump has agreed to sign a short-term extension of government funding for many federal agencies to avoid a partial government shutdown; House Democratic Caucus last week elected leadership for the next session of Congress.

view more »
policy

The House Democratic Caucus on Wednesday will hold closed-door votes to elect its leadership team for the next session of Congress; Congress faces several deadlines as lawmakers return from the holiday weekend.

view more »
policy

Senators of both parties and House Republicans last week began elections for leadership positions in the 116th session of Congress; after the Thanksgiving holiday, lawmakers will continue work to approve a spending bill by Dec. 7.

view more »
policy

Next steps for both parties include choosing leadership for the next Congress and, for Republicans, accomplishing remaining legislative priorities while they still control all levers of the federal government.

view more »
webinar

Join the America’s Essential Hospitals advocacy team as they break down the results of the 2018 midterm elections and their effect on future health care policy priorities

view more »
policy

The new law, which represents the federal government’s first comprehensive policy response to the nation’s opioid crisis, aims to advance treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention, protect communities, and bolster efforts to fight deadly illicit synthetic drugs.

view more »
policy

Senators left Washington earlier than expected to campaign for midterm elections after confirming 15 federal judicial nominees and failing to overturn a regulation expanding short-term insurance plans.

view more »
policy

As midterm elections loom, Congress sent to the president the federal government's first comprehensive policy response to the nation's opioid crisis; a bipartisan House letter questions outpatient payment cuts; and New Hampshire senators introduced surprise billing legislation.

view more »
webinar

Join us for a preview of the 2018 midterm elections, and learn how you can educate congressional candidates about the issues that matter most to your hospital.

view more »
policy

The discussion draft addresses several patient care scenarios that could lead to surprise billing; Congress is expected to vote this week on reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, government funding for fiscal year 2019, and a bipartisan opioid package.

view more »
policy

Two senators lead a letter-signing campaign to stop the expansion of hospital outpatient department cuts; in a 99-1 vote, the Senate approves legislation to combat the opioid crisis and is poised to vote on a spending bill for fiscal year 2019.

view more »
policy

The Senate is expected to vote this week on a bipartisan legislative package to combat the opioid crisis. The House considers legislation to roll back Affordable Care Act provisions.

view more »
policy

Before starting the final campaign stretch, Congress returns to Washington to consider Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination and to fund the federal government for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.

view more »
policy

Leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions expressed concern that the Health Resources and Services Administration is not using its existing authority to ensure proper management of the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

view more »
policy

The Senate passed a funding package for the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments and now must reconcile its version with House-passed legislation.

view more »
policy

Senate leaders hope to pass by Labor Day legislation to appropriate funds for the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments; a Senate committee will examine Medicaid fraud.

view more »
policy

Congress is expected to consider legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, fund the Department of Health and Human Services, and enable federal response to pandemic threats.

view more »
policy

Senate action on opioid legislation has been delayed by the debate over the Supreme Court nomination and what to include in the final package; Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said senators likely will consider opioid legislation after the August recess.

view more »
policy

Bills to repeal the medical device tax and expand health savings accounts go to a House floor vote; a House committee advanced legislation that would fund the Hospital Preparedness Program at about $265 billion annually.

view more »
policy

A Government Accountability Office witness and several 340B Drug Pricing Program stakeholders testified last week at a House committee hearing; another House committee marked up several consumer-driven health care bills.

view more »
policy

The July 11 hearing will focus on contract pharmacies and a slate of 15 bills and discussion drafts related to the program; two essential hospital leaders will testify.

view more »
policy

A new bill by Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) would impose a user fee for hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program; a House subcommittee marked up hospital preparedness and graduate medical education bills.

view more »
policy

The legislation, containing more than 50 bills to combat the opioid crisis, now heads to the Senate; it is unclear whether senators will pass the package or consider their own legislation.

view more »

Cleveland Clinic government affairs chief Carlos Jackson will join the association as its new vice president of legislative affairs and oversee the organization's Capitol Hill work.

view more »
policy

Modeled on a program developed at essential hospital St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, in Paterson, N.J., the Alternatives to Opioids bill is one of 25 opioid-related bills the House passed last week.

view more »

The bill would bring relief to essential hospitals and their patients from damaging Medicare outpatient payment cuts and much-needed accountability for manufacturers in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

view more »
policy

The House aims to complete voting by the July Fourth recess, but Senate work on opioid legislation likely will continue into August amid a shortened recess.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers previously aimed to pass an opioid package by Memorial Day; Committee hearings focus on the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the president's blueprint to lower drug prices.

view more »
policy

The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, which includes $385 million annually for the Hospital Preparedness Program, has been cleared for consideration on the Senate floor; Congress aims to vote on opioid package before the July Fourth recess.

view more »
policy

Senate Democrats sharply questioned the repeated delays of a final rule on drug ceiling prices and manufacturer civil monetary penalties; The House continues to focus on passing an opioid package.

view more »
policy

House leadership remains focused on passing a bipartisan opioid-related legislative package by Memorial Day, but recently indicated a June vote might be more likely.

view more »
policy

Four House hearings this week examine the opioid crisis, as lawmakers work to craft bipartisan legislation; A Senate hearing focuses on oversight reports on the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

view more »
policy

House and Senate lawmakers last week reviewed more than 60 opioid-related bills before heading into a week-long recess.

view more »
policy

House and Senate committees this week will mark up legislation to combat the opioid epidemic with the hope of passing a bipartisan bill by Memorial Day.

view more »
policy

Senate and House panels hold hearings on opioid and substance use disorder treatment among Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and how distributors might contribute to the crisis.

view more »
policy

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold hearings this week on measures to combat the opioid epidemic.

view more »
policy

When Congress returns next week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will consider more than a dozen bills during its third and final hearing on the opioid crisis.

view more »
policy

The final package, passed last week, included $4 billion for combating the opioid crisis and a $10 billion increase in HHS funding, but left out measures to stabilize the insurance marketplace.

view more »
policy

The House of Representatives approved a $1.3 trillion fiscal year 2018 omnibus spending bill that includes nearly $4 billion to combat the opioid crisis and increased funding for the National Institutes of Health.

view more »
policy

Negotiations on the bill have stalled amid disagreements on certain provisions, such as including language barring abortion access as part of a package to stabilize the Affordable Care Act's insurance marketplace.

view more »
policy

In its annual report to Congress, the commission also recommends curbing Medicare Advantage plan consolidation and evaluating telehealth services before including them in coverage.

view more »
policy

House Republicans this week hope to bring to the floor a bill to fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year; America's Essential Hospitals CEO asked to testify during Senate committee hearing on 340B Drug Pricing Program.

view more »
policy

Congress this week is focused on negotiating legislation to stabilize the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace and efforts to fight the opioid crisis.

view more »
policy

House hearings will review legislation on enforcement measures to combat the opioid crisis; a new Senate bill would provide funding for prevention and treatment programs.

view more »
policy

Republicans from both chambers work on a marketplace stabilization package; Senate Finance Committee Republicans plan to review the Internal Revenue Service's process for designating nonprofit hospitals.

view more »
policy

The budget plan for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 proposes changes to the distribution of 340B Drug Pricing Program savings and increased funding to fight the opioid crisis.

view more »
policy

America’s Essential Hospitals thanks its member hospitals and congressional champions for their hard work and advocacy during the lengthy process to finalize a two-year delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding cuts.

view more »

Congress made the right choice this morning for patients and communities by voting to halt damaging cuts to hospitals that care for low-income working families and others who face financial challenges.

view more »
policy

The measure, which updates a continuing resolution set to expire on Feb. 8, delays cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

view more »

The groups called for swift action on seven programs and policies lawmakers left out of a Jan. 19 continuing resolution that funds the government through Feb. 8 and that extended the Children’s Health Insurance Program by six years.

view more »
policy

The association continues to work with congressional leadership and staff to ensure a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts is included in the next funding measure; Senate confirms new Health and Human Services Secretary.

view more »
policy

The measure passed by Congress and signed by President Trump Monday funds the government through Feb. 8 and extends the Children's Health Insurance Program six years, but leaves unresolved a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts.

view more »
policy

The Senate needs 60 votes to avoid a filibuster and pass the continuing resolution. There are only 51 Republicans in the Senate, and several have said they won’t vote for the bill in its current form.

view more »

We commend the House for funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program, but regret lawmakers chose not to extend the same support to hospitals at the center of our health care safety net.

view more »

The harm from disproportionate share hospital cuts is imminent, but not unavoidable. Congress must act immediately to stop the cuts in its next government funding measure.

view more »
policy

As Congress focuses on Jan. 19 funding deadline, America's Essential Hospitals continues pressure to delay Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts. The Trump administration releases guidance on work requirements for Medicaid recipients.

view more »

The chief executives of 18 of the nation’s largest hospital systems that care for low-income patients asked congressional leaders for a two-year delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts.

view more »
policy

The association launched an advocacy and media campaign calling on Congress to delay Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts as part of a long-term government funding measure.

view more »
webinar

America’s Essential Hospitals continues to fight to protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a crucial source of support for essential hospitals. Participants heard an overview of our recent advocacy activities and an update on our next steps.

view more »
policy

Congress returns from recess to focus on long-term solutions after passing a short-term bill to fund the government through Jan. 19; lawmakers push for delay of 340B Drug Pricing Program cuts.

view more »

Hospitals cannot sustain these losses without scaling back services or closing altogether, especially as the ranks of the uninsured swell with the end of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate. Congress must immediately halt the cuts when lawmakers return in January.

view more »
policy

America’s Essential Hospitals will continue its fight to stop the onset of these cuts, and have assurances that lawmakers are committed to a two-year delay. We urge Congress to act swiftly to delay the Medicaid DSH cuts when lawmakers return in January.

view more »
policy

The final tax deal includes the repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate, Advance Refunding Bonds and Private Activity Bonds.

view more »
policy

Republican leaders hope to introduce the final tax reform bill early next week; a bill to stop cuts to the 340B Drug Pricing Program has 130 cosponsors.

view more »

The House and Senate tax reform bills would destabilize hospitals that care for those who face financial hardships by triggering deep cuts to social programs.

view more »
webinar

Staff experts shared insights on the legislative landscape for essential hospitals one year into the new administration and offered predictions for 2018.

view more »
policy

The legislative priorities include a health care extenders package, tax reform, and a long-term funding bill. Also, bipartisan House legislation to halt 340B payment cuts now has more than 50 cosponsors.

view more »
policy

The House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; the Senate version of the tax reform bill includes a repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate.

view more »

America's Essential Hospitals thanks Reps. David McKinley (R-WV) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) for legislation that would place a permanent moratorium on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services policy to cut $1.6 billion in Medicare Part B drug reimbursement from 340B hospitals.

view more »
policy

The Finance Committee's "chairman's mark" is similar to a House bill, but forgoes many House provisions of particular concern to essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

Both the House and Senate versions of the bill contain several provisions of concern to essential hospitals. This Action Update details the status of these issues in both versions.

view more »
policy

The bill delays disproportionate share hospital payment cuts for two years; House Republicans consider repealing the individual mandate through tax reform.

view more »

The vote moves us a step closer to protecting funding for hospitals that care for uninsured and underinsured patients and to preserving access to care for our nation’s children. America's Essential Hospitals now calls on the Senate to act in bipartisan fashion to do the same.

view more »
policy

The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act extends Children's Health Insurance Program funding for five years and delays cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments for two years.

view more »

America's Essential Hospitals thanks House leaders for supporting vulnerable patients and essential hospitals with a proposed two-year delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding cuts.

view more »
policy

A bipartisan Senate bill would fund cost-sharing reduction payments; Congress has yet to renew funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program.

view more »

The end of cost-sharing reduction subsidies poses an imminent threat to those who depend on marketplace plans. America’s Essential Hospitals thanks Sens. Alexander and Murray for their bipartisan leadership to create more certainty in the individual market.

view more »

Ending the government’s cost-sharing subsidies to insurers in the Affordable Care Act marketplace won’t fix the law’s shortcomings or move us closer to a workable alternative. It only will destabilize the insurance market and drive costs higher for patients who can least afford increases.

view more »
policy

Senate and House bills to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program are similar, but the House version includes a one-year delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts.

view more »

America's Essential Hospitals appreciates the one-year delay of cuts to disproportionate share hospital payments and will continue to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for a two-year delay to provide greater stability for hospitals and more time to find a long-term fix.

view more »

America’s Essential Hospitals applauds the HEALTHY KIDS Act for extending the Children’s Health Insurance Program but remains concerned the bill's disproportionate share hospital provision will make it harder to find a sustainable solution to uncompensated care.

view more »
policy

The federal fiscal year came to a close Sept. 30, ending a nearly yearlong congressional effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and bringing tax reform efforts and other health care priorities to the forefront in Congress.

view more »
policy

Reductions to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act, went into effect on Oct. 1. A total of $2 billion will be cut from Medicaid DSH funding in fiscal year 2018 alone.

view more »

The signers of the letter to Ryan and Pelosi include 162 Democrats and 59 Republicans from 41 states. They also include five House committee chairs and 13 committee ranking members.

view more »

We hope the Senate’s decision to stop the rush to a vote on the Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson proposal opens the door to renewed bipartisan talks on ways to fix the Affordable Care Act.

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals continues to advance our opposition to the Senate's Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson proposal.

view more »

The proposal appears to significantly restrict federal health care funding through per-capita caps and block grants; shift costs to states, patients, providers, and taxpayers; and achieve the same result as earlier bills: millions left uninsured.

view more »

In a letter to House and Senate committees, leaders of more than 250 hospitals and health systems nationally urge Congress to stop a $2 billion disproportionate share hospital cut scheduled for Oct. 1 and to delay cuts for at least two years.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers return from the August recess to consider legislation and policy related to the Children’s Health Insurance Program, market stabilization, and cost-sharing reductions.

view more »
policy

Substantial cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments are set to begin on Oct. 1; strong and immediate input from essential hospitals is vital to successfully secure another delay.

view more »
policy

Senate committees will focus on market stabilization legislation and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) reauthorization; the association seeks to attach to the CHIP bill a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts.

view more »
policy

After Affordable Care Act repeal efforts collapsed in the Senate, the administration began considering options on cost-sharing reduction payments, but some lawmakers remain focused on repeal.

view more »

With the Senate defeat of the repeal bill, America's Essential Hospitals urges lawmakers to turn their attention to averting Oct. 1 cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments and to renewing their commitment to CHIP and other elements of the safety net.

view more »

All plans considered so far by Congress would end with the same terrible result: at least 22 million more uninsured people, devastating cuts to Medicaid, and higher costs for patients and taxpayers.

view more »
policy

The Senate approved a motion to proceed, which is needed to open floor debate of a repeal bill; it remains unclear how the Senate will proceed.

view more »
policy

Senate Majority Leader McConnell said he would bring up a repeal-only bill that includes a two-year transition period for replacing the Affordable Care Act, but three Republican senators oppose the plan.

view more »

The revised Better Care Reconciliation Act leaves untouched the most destructive provisions of the original bill: those that would gut the Medicaid program and strip affordable coverage from millions of people.

view more »
webinar

Attendees gained a comprehensive view of legislative and regulatory action in Washington, D.C, a preview of action in the fall, and our recommendations for messaging and strategy during Congress’ August recess.

view more »
policy

Senate Republican leadership continues negotiations with Republican holdouts; a vote on the bill is expected before the month-long August recess.

view more »

The Congressional Budget Office score of the Senate's Better Care Reconciliation Act confirms what most observers expected: The bill is as damaging as its deeply unpopular House counterpart, the American Health Care Act.

view more »
policy

A revised draft of the Senate bill was released to address some Republicans' concerns, but it made no meaningful changes to the bill’s Medicaid provisions.

view more »
policy

The brief projects Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment reductions under the Affordable Care Act and the House-passed American Health Care Act.

view more »

Senate leaders have put ideology ahead of lives with a plan that puts health and home at risk for millions of working Americans.

view more »
policy

A group of Republican and Democratic governors sent a letter to Senate leadership encouraging a bipartisan approach to repealing the Affordable Care Act.

view more »
policy

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's annual report examines various issues in the Medicare payment system and offers recommendations to Congress.

view more »
policy

Senate Republican leaders aim to submit a draft bill to the Congressional Budget Office early this week and vote on the bill before the July Fourth recess.

view more »
policy

The committee’s intentions remain unclear; we recommend essential hospitals prepare to publicly describe what auditors found and corrective actions taken.

view more »

The Eliminating Health Disparities Act of 2017, introduced in April by Rep. Ben Ray Luján, would allow states to apply for Medicaid state plan amendments to establish a Health Disparities Elimination Program.

view more »
policy

Senate Republican leadership recently indicated the possibility of a vote by the end of July, before the month-long August recess.

view more »
policy

A white paper calls for a stop to impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments and recommends modernizing existing DSH policy.

view more »
policy

The plan would reduce funding for social and entitlement programs for low-income Americans by $1.7 trillion, including a $610 billion cut to Medicaid.

view more »
policy

Senate Republicans stay focused on a strategy to repeal and replace the ACA; committees hold hearings on public health, Medicare, and chronic conditions.

view more »
policy

A 13-member Senate working group made up of conservative and moderate Republicans now begins to craft its own version of the legislation.

view more »
policy

Three new amendments garnered enough Republican support to pass the bill in a 217-213 vote; CBO has not scored the bill since the amendments were added.

view more »

The bill the House approved today would leave tens of millions of Americans uninsured and reduce benefits and increase costs for millions more - including the sick.

view more »

The amendment to increase funding for American Health Care Act high-risk pools applies a bandage to a mortally wounded patient and changes in no material way the harm this bill would cause.

view more »
policy

Rep. MacArthur (R-NJ) proposed an amendment to the AHCA that would have allowed states to opt out of several important insurance regulations.

view more »

The bipartisan Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act supports our nation’s teaching hospitals and the next generation of health care professionals.

view more »
policy

A vote on the bipartisan bill could come Wednesday in the House, followed by Senate consideration before continuing resolution appropriations expire Friday.

view more »

Attempts to revive the American Health Care Act with changes that make a deeply damaging bill even worse are misguided and disappointing.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers face an extensive agenda of legislative priorities, including health care and tax reform, and most urgent, a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown.

view more »
policy

When lawmakers return, they could attempt to make additional changes to pass the American Health Care Act, legislation to repeal and replace the ACA.

view more »
policy

Talks of a deal to resurrect the American Health Care Act — legislation to repeal and replace the ACA that was pulled in March — are underway.

view more »
policy

House GOP leadership pulled the bill due to inadequate support; the association now resumes its focus on other hospital-related issues, including DSH cuts.

view more »
policy

The American Health Care Act's Medicaid cuts would fall heavily on low-income states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

view more »
policy

Samuel Ross, CEO of Bon Secours Baltimore Health System, testified at an event held by House Democrats on the Republican-proposed bill to repeal the ACA.

view more »
policy

The replacement plan would make steep cuts to Medicaid and leave an estimated 24 million more people uninsured, compared with current law under the ACA.

view more »
webinar

With the surprising and abrupt death of the American Health Care Act, the federal health policy landscape has shifted. We discussed the association’s top advocacy goals as Congress picks up the pieces.

view more »
policy

The American Health Care Act moves next to the House Committee on the Budget, which is scheduled to mark up the legislation on Thursday.

view more »

America's Essential Hospitals recognizes the new CMS administrator for her experience with health care for low-income and other vulnerable people and helping states tailor Medicaid to meet specific program and policy goals.

view more »

America's Essential Hospitals says the Congressional Budget Office analysis of coverage losses under the American Health Care Act underscores the urgent need for Congress to rethink its strategy on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

view more »
policy

The committees on Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means passed ACA repeal and replacement bills that could affect coverage and essential hospital funding.

view more »
policy

The House committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means this week released their long-awaited legislation to repeal and replace the ACA.

view more »

While the House bill would bring welcome relief from damaging cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, the association remains deeply concerned about provisions to end Medicaid expansion and impose per-capita caps on the program.

view more »
policy

Draft GOP text for legislation to repeal and replace the ACA leaks; a Senate committee is poised to vote on the administration's CMS administrator nominee.

view more »
policy

Whether you join us or support the fight from home, urge lawmakers to ensure continued coverage access and stable, equitable, sustainable Medicaid funding.

view more »
policy

A leaked House GOP plan to repeal & replace the ACA raises concerns for essential hospitals. A Senate committee considered nominee Seema Verma to lead CMS.

view more »
policy

Former Rep. Tom Price was confirmed as secretary of HHS; the Senate Committee on Finance will consider the nomination of Seema Verma as CMS administrator.

view more »

America's Essential Hospitals tells the newly confirmed Secretary Price that it looks forward to working with him to ensure essential hospitals can sustain their commitment to vulnerable patients and underserved communities.

view more »
policy

A House subcommittee marked up two bills focused on income eligibility for Medicaid. The association weighed in on a hearing about the individual mandate.

view more »
policy

No agreements have been reached about a repeal/replacement plan for the ACA and it appears Republicans in both chambers are far from making final decisions.

view more »
webinar

Attendees heard about the current status of health care legislation, including efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

view more »
policy

The second confirmation hearing was held for Rep. Price as HHS secretary and a House subcommittee held a hearing on the individual mandate's effectiveness.

view more »
policy

With House and Senate passage of budget resolutions, efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act now move to committees and toward a Jan. 27 deadline for repeal legislation.

view more »
policy

Debate and amendment votes in the Senate are expected though the weekend. The Senate measure then will go to the House for consideration.

view more »
policy

Essential hospitals can expect the new Congress' Republican leaders to follow through quickly with their pledge to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

view more »
policy

President Obama signs the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes the historic risk adjustment provision and also provides partial relief to hospitals from cuts to off-campus outpatient department payments.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers approve funding for the federal government through April 28, 2017, and pass legislation that includes two key advocacy wins for essential hospitals: socioeconomic risk adjustment and partial relief from outpatient department payment cuts.

view more »
policy

Essential hospitals should be equipped with key information to understand this procedural tool that likely will be used early next year to begin the process of dismantling the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

view more »

With their vote, senators have helped level the playing field for essential hospitals by risk adjusting readmissions measures that unfairly penalize hospitals for factors outside their control.

view more »
policy

Congress plans to vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government running past Dec. 9. The Senate is expected to pass 21st Century Cures legislation.

view more »
webinar

In this webinar we looked back at the 2016 advocacy landscape, discussed the progress we have made on key issues affecting essential hospitals, reviewed our interaction with the Trump transition team, and looked forward to 2017. Webinar Recording

view more »

Essential hospitals thank House lawmakers for voting to protect access to health care services for vulnerable patients and underserved communities by accounting for patients' social and economic status in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP).

view more »
policy

Congress is poised to pass legislation that would include socioeconomic risk adjustment for the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and some relief from payment cuts for new hospital outpatient departments.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers are closing in on negotiations for 21st Century Cures legislation and also working to complete a short-term continuing resolution to fund the federal government through March 2017.

view more »
policy

The impending full control of government by Republicans is expected to kick start discussions about repealing the Affordable Care Act and passing entitlement reform.

view more »

The association calls on the new administration to sustain support for the safety net and reject changes that reduce spending at the expense of coverage and access.

view more »
policy

On Sept. 27, the Senate failed to invoke cloture, which would have allowed it to move to final passage of the continuing resolution.

view more »
policy

At stake is funding to combat the Zika virus, among several other policy issues that have kept the measure from moving forward.

view more »
policy

While details are still being finalized, a continuing resolution to fund the government through early December likely will include funding to combat Zika.

view more »
policy

Congress seems likely to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government beyond Sept. 30. Lawmakers also are expected to approve funding to combat Zika.

view more »
policy

A webinar and new election toolkit from America's Essential Hospitals can help to make sure hospitals' voices are heard this congressional election season.

view more »
webinar

Learn how to make your issues count and how to get candidates to listen leading into the November election.

view more »
policy

When Congress resumes, it will race to pass legislation to keep the government running beyond Sept. 30.

view more »
policy

This week, the Senate votes on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. Last week, the House passed a mental health bill in a bipartisan vote.

view more »
policy

To avoid a government shutdown, Congress might have to pass an omnibus appropriations measure if lawmakers fail to reach spending agreements by Sept. 30.

view more »
policy

The Senate rejected a $1.1 billion Zika funding package, and Patrick Conway, with CMS, testified about the proposed Medicare Part B demonstration project.

view more »
policy

Senate appropriators pass HHS spending bill that includes 340B Drug Pricing Program user fee and instructions to HRSA to consider stakeholder input in final mega-guidance.

view more »
policy

The legislation would incorporate risk adjustment for socioeconomic status into Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers are expected to have a busy June that also could include agreement among House and Senate leaders on funding to combat Zika.

view more »
policy

Panel approves bill that would add socioeconomic risk adjustment to Medicare's readmissions reduction program and avert some cuts to hospital outpatient departments.

view more »
policy

The House and Senate are expected to vote on Zika spending. In other activity, opioid measure are set to go to conference and committees review Part B payment model and tax-related health proposals.

view more »
policy

The House is expected to vote on several opioid-related measures, and 19 House Democrats sent CMS a letter of support for the Medicare Part B demonstration to reduce drug costs.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers are in recess this week following failure of the House to pass a bipartisan budget resolution. Last week, House and Senate committees tackled opioids, disparities, and mental health.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers continue negotiations to respond to the president’s request for $1.9 billion in emergency funding. Also this week, an expert from association member The University of Chicago Medicine will participate in a Capitol Hill forum on minority health disparities.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers say star ratings fail to consider patients' socioeconomic status and could mislead consumers. House, Senate also work on appropriations legislation, Zika, Flint water crisis, and health tax.

view more »
policy

HELP Committee finishes work on package of 19 bills, designed to complement the House-passed 21st Century Cures measure. The House is in recess this week.

view more »
policy

House Republicans might not have the votes to pass their budget resolution before a two-week congressional recess. House committees take up opioids and medical liability and the Senate HELP committee continues work on its 21st Century Cures companion legislation.

view more »
policy

House Committee on Energy and Commerce approves legislation that would cut provider taxes, repeal enhanced FMAP for prisoners and CHIP, and end ACA Prevention and Public Health Fund.

view more »
policy

FDA official notes "urgent need” to accelerate development of medical products to combat the virus and says the agency will “leverage its authorities" to aid that process.

view more »
policy

Nonpartisan PAC would support congressional candidates who champion policies that improve access to the high-quality health care essential hospitals provide.

view more »
policy

Association responds to House lawmakers' request for comment on Medicare's new payment policy for off-campus hospital outpatient departments. Congress works on FY 2017 budget, holds hearings on Zika virus and opiod abuse.

view more »
policy

Partisan politics follow Scalia death; House speaker to table entitlement reform until next year; congressional panels to hold hearings on HHS budget, opiod abuse, Zika virus.

view more »
policy

Budget plan would improve Medicaid access and coverage and tackle drug pricing, but make damaging Medicare cuts; lawmakers examine Medicaid housing coverage, FMAP, 21st Century Cures, mental health.

view more »
policy

House, Senate panels to examine rising cost of drugs, lack of transparency in the drug price negotiation process, and barriers to generic drug applications.

view more »
policy

Senate Judiciary examines heroin and prescription drug abuse; Winter Storm Jonas delays scheduled House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on Medicaid FMAP

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals and two members systems host congressional staff for round-table discussions about how proposed 340B Drug Pricing Program guidance threatens vulnerable patients and essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

March 8 to 9 event, in Washington, DC, offers opportunities to meet with your congressional delegation and network with other hospital leaders; book a room by Feb. 12 for special conference rate.

view more »
policy

Obama touts ACA successes in final address, calls for ongoing support of Medicare, Social Security. House Speaker Ryan prepares ACA replacement plan as GOP continues repeal efforts; Califf wins Senate HELP vote.

view more »
policy

House returns from recess for largely symbolic vote on Senate-passed reconciliation bill that would repeal many ACA provisions, including Medicaid expansion; Senate remains out.

view more »
policy

House and Senate lawmakers negotiate omnibus appropriations bill and two-year extension of tax cuts, but fail to provide relief on new Medicare site-neutral payment policy for hospital outpatient departments.

view more »
policy

Congress returns from Thanksgiving recess to must-pass bills on highway funding and appropriations; Senate leaders work on reconciliation package ahead of Dec. 11 appropriations vote.

view more »
policy

Congressional staff continue negotiating omnibus appropriations package, which is expected to go to a vote by Dec. 11; Sen. Wyden asks HHS for update on progress of state 1332 waivers.

view more »
policy

Letter from Senate Finance Committee leaders asks America's Essential Hospitals, other stakeholders, for comment on Medicaid transparency, quality, accountability

view more »
policy

Senate plans to expand House reconciliation bill with full ACA repeal; Rep. Brady named Ways and Means chair; Republicans establish Medicaid task force.

view more »
policy

President signs budget deal that reduces payment to new hospital outpatient facilities; Ryan becomes House speaker; Energy and Commerce Committee considers Medicaid supplemental payment oversight bills

view more »
policy

The House proposes a budget deal with potentially damaging changes for essential hospitals - the association is fighting these. Paul Ryan expected to be the next speaker of the House. The Senate HELP committee examines mental health.

view more »
policy

Letter to congressional leaders, signed by more than 100 hospital executives, calls for passage of bills to adjust Medicare readmissions program for socioeconomic status

view more »
policy

House Budget Committee clears reconciliation bill that would defund Planned Parenthood for one year and make substantial changes to the Affordable Care Act. Outlook remains unclear for choice of next House speaker.

view more »
policy

The House Republican vote for speaker will be held on Thursday, other leadership races postponed until later this month. Full House vote for speaker expected in Nov. Budget reconciliation efforts continue.

view more »
policy

Congress will vote to pass legislation to avoid a government shutdown. Meanwhile, House committees are also working to pass budget reconciliation measures that would defund Planned Parenthood and make major changes to the Affordable Care Act.

view more »
policy

The briefing included a panel of four experts serving different Medicaid populations who spoke about continuing to strengthen the program and the role of Medicaid expansion in increasing access to care.

view more »
policy

This week congressional action is slow as lawmakers prepare for the papal visit. With a government shutdown only days away, lawmakers work to reach funding negotiations amid Planned Parenthood debate.

view more »
policy

Planned Parenthood controversy continues to influence federal funding negotiations. Health insurer and hospital mergers are reviewed. Plus, committees consider abortion, Medicaid, HIT, and biosimilar drugs.

view more »
policy

Planned Parenthood remains an issue in government funding. Congress considers hospital bills, Medicare Part B premiums, medical innovation, health care competition, and Medicaid fraud and abuse, vows to focus on mental health.

view more »
policy

The hospital-related NOTICE Act was sent to the president last week. An ACA repeal vote remains likely for fall along with the potential for a government shutdown.

view more »
policy

Nearly 200, including America's Essential Hospitals, sign Partnership for Medicaid letter to the president and Congress praising Medicaid on the program's 50th anniversary.

view more »
policy

Panelists from across the membership asked Congress to ensure the sustainability of telehealth through payment parity for telehealth services.

view more »
policy

The Senate fails to repeal the ACA but will keep trying. Committees discuss HHS priorities and health care bills, including a bundle of hospital-related bills.

view more »
policy

Sen. Grassley requested a hearing on recent 340B GAO report. House calls and clinical trials for Medicare patients each pass one chamber. Committees review Medicare hospital payments, HIT, and marketplaces.

view more »
policy

Last week the House passed 21st Century Cures legislation with strong bipartisan support. Congressional committees are reviewing Medicare Part D, deadly diseases and HealthCare.gov.

view more »

America's Essential Hospitals applauds choice, calls on Senate to confirm her.

view more »

America's Essential Hospitals urges Senate to quickly confirm Slavitt as CMS administrator.

view more »
policy

GOP will weigh procedural tactics to repeal the ACA or propose tax reform; House vote on Cures bill expected.

view more »
policy

Republicans will also continue to develop a strategy for undoing the ACA in light of the Supreme Court's ruling upholding the law last week.

view more »
policy

The House will vote to repeal two major ACA provisions this week - medical device tax and the IPAB - and consider four Medicare Advantage bills. Health committees are reviewing mental health and HIT.

view more »
policy

A total of $3.3 billion is marked for CMS, which is about $344 million below current funding. The subcommittee will consider the bill tomorrow.

view more »
policy

The House could vote on 21st Century Cures legislation as early as next week, health committees focus on 9/11 compensation and health information exchange.

view more »
policy

Parts of the Cures package will now likely go to other House committees for review. The Senate will discuss NSA surveillance after recess.

view more »
policy

We are pleased to see that this amendment was not included in the Cures package and look forward to working with lawmakers to strengthen the 340B program in the future.

view more »

We look forward to working with the committee and others in Congress as they seek to strengthen this valuable program and provide other support for those in need.

view more »

Association urges committee to reject inclusion of 340B program changes in 21st Century Cures bill

view more »
policy

It remains unclear what 340B Drug Pricing Program provisions could be included in the legislation.

view more »
policy

The Energy and Commerce Committee is scheduled to vote on 21st Century Cures Wednesday, possibly including an amendment that would make changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals is pleased that the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is working collaboratively with stakeholders on the proposal.

view more »
policy

House votes on defense and late-term abortions, while the Senate votes on the trade bill, faces pharma pressure on biologics. Health committees review 21st Century Cures and Medicare patients' chronic conditions.

view more »
policy

The Senate takes up the House-passed budget resolution. Both the House and Senate are focused on medical innovation as the next major health push.

view more »
policy

Congress plans for a final vote on a FY 2016 budget resolution, and House and Senate committees will review medical innovation initiatives.

view more »
policy

The law also delays Medicaid DSH payment cuts for an additional year - until fiscal year 2018 - and extends CHIP funding for two years.

view more »

Association praises Congress and the administration for replacing broken SGR, delaying DSH cuts an additional year, and extending CHIP funding

view more »
policy

Congress will consider SGR legislation and a final budget resolution. Health committees will hold hearings on medical device tax, post acute care, Medicare appeals and audits, and the Affordable Care Act.

view more »
policy

The Senate will vote on the SGR measure after a two-week recess. Both chambers also passed budget legislation before adjourning.

view more »
Essential Insights

For now, lawmakers focused on information gathering, better oversight, clarity, and accountability

view more »
policy

DSH cuts would be eliminated in FY 2017, and DSH would be "rebased," extending cuts by one year, to 2025.

view more »
policy

Congress will attempt to pass SGR and budget legislation by Friday. The SGR package includes a one-year delay of Medicaid DSH cuts. House Committees will hold hearings on 340B, heroin and prescription drug abuse, and Medicare Fraud. The Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing on patient research.

view more »
policy

Contact your lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committees to underscore the critical need for the 340B program. An update on the SGR package will be provided as more information is available.

view more »
policy

The House's bipartisan bill will face a tough road in the Senate. Budget negotiations are also under way, to be completed this month.

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals supports legislation, which seeks to ensure hospitals are not unfairly penalized for patients' sociodemographic challenges

view more »
policy

Senate HELP Committee to examine changes that could improve FDA process without compromising safety

view more »
policy

Commentary argues to keep program savings with essential hospitals to benefit low-income patients and entire communities

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals reviews Republican plan, which would join two Democratic bills now under consideration

view more »
Essential Insights

What are we doing to demonstrate support for ACA insurance coverage subsidies? We filed and amicas brief for King v. Burwell affirming the position. Here's what we said and why.

view more »
policy

Also under consideration is legislation addressing human trafficking, immigration, and border security

view more »
policy

Obama delivers annual address; House considers an abortion ban, natural gas permits, and SGR; and Senate considers the Keystone Pipeline and definition of full time.

view more »
policy

Congress meets this week to pass Keystone Pipeline legislation and Homeland Security funding, considers immigration and veterans' mental health.

view more »
policy

Congress convenes with a new Republican majority in the Senate. The House will vote on the ACA 40-hour work week, veterans legislation and the Keystone pipeline. The Senate will elect committee chairs.

view more »
policy

Final spending agreement averts government closure, but leaves some Democrats upset over easing of Wall Street regulation and school lunch health requirements

view more »
Essential Insights

Top issues include protecting Medicaid and Medicare from cuts, protecting the 340B program, and risk adjusting quality incentive program measures

view more »
policy

Legislation includes provisions on Ebola response funding, 340B Drug Pricing Program, children's hospital GME, and Health Centers Program

view more »
policy

Congress must past spending legislation before Dec. 11, governors request CHIP funding extension, Cassidy defeats Landrieu.

view more »
policy

Congress works to finalize several measures, including an omnibus spending package to extend federal funding. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will review CHIP.

view more »
policy

Impact of president's recent action on immigration could complicate congressional passage of FY 2015 spending bill; leadership changes progress for key health committees in House, Senate

view more »
policy

With health care activity quiet, incoming House freshman orientation is under way, and Ebola hearings in both chambers continue.

view more »
policy

Lame duck session starts this week, will cover federal funding legislation, which may include funding for Ebola and defense. Association testified on behalf of its members regarding Ebola.

view more »
policy

After eight years in the Senate minority, Republicans will take control of the chamber in 2015, with at least 52 seats. The elections also resulted in at least 61 new members being elected to Congress, providing a valuable opportunity for essential hospitals to educate new lawmakers.

view more »
policy

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce called members back from recess for a hearing to assess the U.S. public health response to Ebola.

view more »
policy

While Congress is in recess, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing addressing the U.S. public health response to Ebola. CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD, and other U.S. public health officials will testify.

view more »
webinar

Review the results and impact of the 2014 midterm elections, and share strategies on preparing for the 114th Congress.

view more »
policy

This week, Congress will likely consider a CR, allowing non-ACA-compliant group health insurance plans through 2018, extending the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program, and several health-related items.

view more »
policy

The association sent a support letter to House Energy and Commerce ranking members commending their effort to extend CHIP through FY 2019. The proposed legislation would also extend Medicaid primary care payments and bolster quality measures.

view more »
policy

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations called an emergency hearing to address the Ebola outbreak, including the capacity to contain it in the United States.

view more »
policy

The House and Senate head into August recess after voting to clear a VA assistance bill, sending it to the president on Friday. The Senate couldn't pass border emergency supplemental legislation, while the House passed a less expensive version. CMS faced tough criticism from Republicans about HealthCare.gov contractors.

view more »
policy

These members of Congress went on record supporting the 340B Drug Pricing Program and the patients it benefits.

view more »
policy

This year’s congressional races will set the tone for policy discussions that could impact our nation’s essential hospitals. America’s Essential Hospitals 2014 Election Advocacy Toolkit contains resources to support your work to engage congressional candidates this election season.

view more »
policy

Congress considers Veteran Affairs, Medicare, and immigration bills as August recess nears; House holds hearing on state Medicaid funding.

view more »
Essential Insights

Sixteen members of America's Essential Hospitals from across the Southeast met for our Regional Strategy Meeting that covered direct lobbying, effective communication, and citizen advocacy.

view more »
webinar

Learn valuable strategies for engaging your congressional candidates this election season

view more »
policy

House Republicans continue negotiations on President Obama's request for emergency supplemental funding to address the influx of undocumented minors. The Senate HELP committee will be marking up eight bills, including the Trauma Systems and Regionalization of Emergency Care Reauthorization Act.

view more »
policy

House GOP will move forward with a lawsuit against President Obama on the delay of the employer mandate without congressional approval. Energy and Commerce is marking up a variety of bills and holding hearings on the health insurance marketplaces and anthrax.

view more »
policy

Congress returns to session focused on improving access in the VA health care system. The Senate Appropriations Committee will review the president's request for funding to contain illegal immigration of minors, and House committees will look at 21st Century Cures and Medicare reforms.

view more »
policy

Congress is on recess for July 4th. Last week leaders in the Finance and Ways and Means committees introduced the IMPACT Act regarding postacute care in Medicare. Energy and Commerce held hearings on Medicare program integrity and digital health's impact on 21st century cures.

view more »
policy

The bill would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to consider socioeconomic status of hospital patient populations in its calculation of penalties under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.

view more »
policy

House GOP Leadership elected Rep. Kevin McCarthy as majority leader and Rep. Steve Scalise as Whip. This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold two health care related hearings, one on their 21st Century Cures initiative and the second on Medicare program integrity.

view more »
policy

The Labor/HHS appropriations bill vote was cancelled due to Republican threats to derail the process over ACA funding. House Majority Leader Cantor's loss has House Republicans vying for his seat. MedPAC shares its biannual report to Congress on Wednesday.

view more »
policy

CHIP funding will expire in FY 2016. Sen. Rockefeller introduced legislation last week to extend funding through FY 2019, which the association supports.

view more »
policy

The letter addresses the unintended consequences for essential hospitals of the current readmissions penalty methodology and asks federal agencies to work with Congress.

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals submitted public comments to the Ways and Means committee regarding Medicare hospital payment issues, including the two-midnight rule, short inpatient stays, and RAC auditing, addressed in a committee hearing in May.

view more »
policy

The Senate will vote on HHS secretary nominee Sylvia Mathews Burwell and the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee begins to work on legislation regarding the VA health care system.

view more »
policy

The House and Senate vary recesses. Finance Committee approves HHS secretary nominee Sylvia Matthews Burwell. The Senate is expected to vote on her nomination in early June. Congress continues to scrutinize the scandal around several Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.

view more »
policy

The Ways and Means Committee reviewed hospital issues as part of the Medicare Program. Two Louisiana delegates urged CMS to accept nonprofit-provided premium assistance. The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing featuring Secretary Shinseki.

view more »
policy

The yearlong investigation of the federal government's spending and resources on mental health issues. The report found that individuals with the most severe conditions are less likely to receive treatment for their illness. The investigation was led by Rep. Tim Murphy, chair of the committee's Oversight Subcommittee.

view more »
policy

The Senate will consider tax extenders legislation. The Senate Finance Committee will hold the current Director of OMB Sylvia Matthews Burwell's confirmation hearing to be the next HHS secretary on Thursday, and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee will investigate the recent allegations of delayed care at VA hospitals.

view more »
policy

Congress will begin the appropriations process, but not much is expected to be accomplished since it is an election year. Senate Democrats will bring up a bill to increase the minimum wage but expect Republican resistance. The House will reconsider a bill regarding exemption of expatriate health plans under the ACA.

view more »
policy

The funding authorization for CHIP is set to expire in October 2015. The Partnership for Medicaid urged Congress to protect CHIP funding, which will support coverage for an estimated 12.7 million children in 2015.

view more »
Essential Insights

Staff from our members held 100 meetings with their senators and representatives to discuss what defines an essential hospital and the key issues facing essential hospitals. Issues included: protecting essential hospital payments, ensuring essential hospitals are included in marketplace health insurance plan networks, and preserving support for training future clinicians at essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The plan would partially privatize Medicare and turn Medicaid into state block grants. It also repeals the ACA.

view more »
policy

Association members explained what makes an essential hospital and the key issues facing essential hospitals to their policymakers on the Hill. The event also included reflections from senior Capitol Hill and administration staff and two award ceremonies that recognized members of Congress and congressional staff for their commitment to essential hospitals.

view more »

Christine Capito Burch awards, named for association's former executive director, recognize congressional staff who have demonstrated health care expertise and a commitment to vulnerable patients and essential hospitals.

view more »

Awards by America's Essential Hospitals recognize congressional lawmakers who have worked or trained in member institutions and demonstrate leadership on Capitol Hill for vulnerable patients and essential hospitals.

view more »
policy

The bill replaces the SGR with a sensible physician payment system, ensures the continuation of health policies that help low-income patients access health care, and mandates an annual report on Medicaid DSH payments. The association notes that it would not support any methods of paying for the legislation that would "damage access to and quality of care..."

view more »
Essential Insights

Recently, a prominent Member of Congress announced that he would forgo health insurance coverage. While he does so in an effort to protect individual liberty, the ultimate cost of choosing to go insured is borne by the rest of us - taxpayers and the insured alike.

view more »
policy

Legislation expected next week from Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH) would help ensure Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program does not unfairly penalize hospitals that care for vulnerable patients. The association offered support for the bill, which would protect hospitals whose patients might experience higher readmission rates due to socioeconomic conditions.

view more »
policy

The legislation would extend the partial enforcement delay of the two-midnight policy and require CMS to develop new criteria for inpatient stays that last fewer than two midnights. Association President and CEO Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, said, "It's vitally important that we get this policy right so that we don't inadvertently destabilize hospitals that care for the vulnerable."

view more »
policy

Medicare GME and IME cuts, bad debt cuts, and Medicaid DSH rebasing are included in the proposal. The association will continue to follow these concerning issues closely.

view more »
Essential Insights

We will continue to fight for changes to the Medicaid DSH cuts that are scheduled to begin in FY 2016. At the same time, we will take action on other issues that are important for essential hospitals, including ensuring marketplace health insurance plan network adequacy and protecting vital hospital funding.

view more »
policy

Congress has increased the debt limit but did not patch the Medicare physician payment system, as physician groups want a full repeal rather than a temporary fix. The Senate Finance Committee has a new chairman, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). Wyden assumed the position after Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) left to serve as ambassador to China.

view more »
policy

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate introduced a consensus bill to repeal the Medicare physician payment system. Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) have each begun campaigning to take over Henry Waxman’s (D-CA) role as ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing to examine drug shortages.

view more »
policy

Republican House leaders are working on a proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). On Wednesday, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will hold a hearing on the risk corridors provision in the ACA. Last week, House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member and Former Chair Henry Waxman (D-CA) announced he would retire at the end of his term this fall.

view more »
policy

The Patient Choice, Affordability, Responsibility, and Empowerment (CARE) Act would repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with market-based reforms. The plan would keep some ACA provisions. The proposal would end the individual mandate and offer tax credits for individuals unable to afford coverage.

view more »
policy

America’s Essential Hospitals urged Congress to oppose this proposal

view more »
policy

The event will begin with lunch Tuesday, April 1, and conclude with a full day of lobbying, Wednesday, April 2

view more »
policy

Bill includes provisions to fund the ACA, House held healthcare.gov hearings

view more »
policy

Jan. 13 letter urges Congress to oppose Senate proposal to cut Medicare funding to pay for an extension of unemployment benefits

view more »
policy

Subcommittee considered necessity, effectiveness of temporary extenders

view more »
policy

Key staff indicated total cost of all extenders could be more than $200 billion

view more »
policy

House passed “Keep Your Health Plan Act,” Senate considered similar bills

view more »
policy

Congress holds healthcare.gov hearings, planned vote on "Keep Your Health Plan" Act

view more »
policy

America's Essential Hospitals cautions against paying for SGR provision with cuts to hospitals

view more »
policy

Congress holds healthcare.gov hearings, committee met on budget agreement

view more »
policy

Oct. 28 letter notes that hospitals have faced more than $95 billion in cuts over the past three years

view more »
policy

Congress narrowly avoids reaching the debt ceiling, gears up for healthcare.gov hearings

view more »
policy

Senate reached a deal to end the federal government shutdown

view more »
policy

Lawmakers negotiated potential plans to raise the debt limit

view more »
policy

Held nearly 100 meetings, educated Congress about work to ensure patient access to high quality care

view more »
policy

Congressional leaders stalled on debt limit agreement

view more »
policy

House abandoned plans to vote on a bill to extend the continuing resolution

view more »
policy

Committee to review groups’ activities, budget, employees and training, and other issues

view more »
policy

Event Oct. 1 and 2 to conclude with full-day of Capitol Hill visits

view more »
policy

Registration open for America’s Essential Hospitals’ Fall Legislative Event, Oct. 1 to 2

view more »
policy

Letter suggests security could be compromised by missed IT system deadlines

view more »
policy

Oct. 1 to 2 event to include presentations by legislative experts, visits to Hill offices

view more »
policy

House votes to bar IRS from implementing Affordable Care Act and collecting taxes to fund the law

view more »
policy

ACA hearings focus on health insurance exchange implementation and employer mandate delay

view more »
policy

Gang of Eight meets with 50 business lobbyists to encourage pressure on House to pass immigration measure

view more »
policy

On law's 20th anniversary, members of Congress say law helps reduce drug costs for hundreds of hospital

view more »
policy

House Republican leaders to meet July 10 to discuss whether to take steps toward immigration bill

view more »

Notes new administrator's distinguished career in health care, experience with hospitals and health systems

view more »

Renews call for Congress to delay Medicaid DSH cuts to allow time for informed, rational funding discussions

view more »
policy

Plan outlines options for states to adopt delivery system reforms

view more »

Says measure would direct much-needed funding toward services for mentally ill and entire communities

view more »

Calls decision to keep Medicaid off table in budget negotiations "welcome news" for the millions

view more »

Cautions against more cuts that will harm access to care and shift costs to states, local governments, and taxpayers

view more »
policy

Senate passed legislation by a vote of 89-9, sent for vote in the House of Representatives

view more »

Says agreement averts severe economic hardships for nation, but puts essential health care for millions at risk

view more »

Groups say limiting crucial funding stream will shift costs onto states and hurt patients, providers

view more »

Cuts will cause significant harm to core government functions, including protecting the public's safety and health

view more »

Notes that more than 40 states use taxes to fund, maintain stable, functioning Medicaid programs

view more »

Association urges Congress to reject proposed $770 billion cut to Medicaid spending over 10 years

view more »
Load More
Previous Next
Close
Test Caption
Test Description goes like this