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 »America's Essential Hospitals calls on Senate leaders to reject a House proposal to impose work requirements for Medicaid as part of negotiations to raise the nation's debt limit, saying the plan would jeopardize access to care and harm communities.
view more »Two proposed rules establish access standards and standardize review and assessment of Medicaid payment rates across states; comments are due to CMS July 3.
view more »Mississippi Invests in Hospitals and Medical Workforce Pipeline
April 25, 2023 ||Three bills support the Mississippi Hospital Sustainability Grant Program and efforts to train and retain health care workers.
view more »CMS Report on Access to Coverage and Care in Medicaid and CHIP
Jan. 3, 2023 ||The report summarizes responses to a 2022 request for information, which focus on eligibility and enrollment, access to hospital services, and payment.
view more »It Takes a Village: University of Miami Community Paramedicine Training Shapes the Future of Statewide Care
Nov. 4, 2022 ||Leaders at UHealth have shaped local and statewide care services through their community paramedicine training program and say it's the future of American health care.
view more »A new analysis from corporate affiliate member Guidehouse shows that health care’s chaotic market — rising expenses and unprecedented patient demand — affects academic medical centers (AMCs) more dramatically than non-AMCs.
view more »Paxlovid Access and Education: Hennepin Healthcare’s Approach
Sept. 23, 2022 ||Hennepin Healthcare, in Minneapolis, ensured optimal Paxlovid access by utilizing a local courier service and taking a proactive approach to medication safety.
view more »On the Hill: Congress Passes, Biden Signs Bipartisan Gun Bill
June 27, 2022 ||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 »New Resources for GME Development in Underserved Areas
April 25, 2022 ||The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education introduced two rural track program designations to accredited residency programs and seeks members for an advisory group on health care access for medically underserved areas and populations.
view more »Association Comments on Medicaid Access
April 19, 2022 ||The association made recommendations on payment rates, workforce development, eligibility and enrollment policies, and measuring access to hospital services.
view more »CMS Releases Guidance on Interoperability Rule
May 18, 2021 ||The interpretive guidance includes information on hospital admission, discharge, and transfer notification requirements outlined in CMS' May 2020 interoperability and patient access final rule.
view more »Biden Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Medicaid, ACA
Feb. 1, 2021 ||President Biden released an executive order to strengthen Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. The order calls for a special enrollment period on the federally facilitated exchange for uninsured or underinsured individuals — particularly those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
view more »Association Comments on Plan to Rescind Medicaid Access Review
Sept. 13, 2019 ||America's Essential Hospitals warns the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that its proposal will weaken federal oversight of Medicaid payment rates and undermine beneficiary access to care.
view more »CMS Proposes to Rescind Medicaid Access Reviews
July 12, 2019 ||The agency proposes to rescind the requirement due to states' concerns regarding undue administrative burden.
view more »Association Comments on Consumer Inflation Measure Updates
June 14, 2019 ||In a letter to the Office of Management and Budget, America’s Essential Hospitals expressed concern that changes to the consumer inflation index would negatively impact vulnerable populations’ access to Medicaid coverage.
view more »Learn how your hospital can partner with the Essential Hospitals Institute on new research projects to drive innovation in quality, safety, and care.
view more »Medicaid Policy in 2019: Expansion
May 9, 2019 ||Decisions made at the state and federal levels regarding Medicaid expansion continue to evolve nearly a decade after passage of the Affordable Care Act.
view more »America's Essential Hospitals reviews examples of state-led litigation and state legislation regarding various coverage-related provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
view more »Essential Hospitals and States: Confronting Transportation Barriers to Improve Health
March 18, 2019 ||Communities served by essential hospitals experience a disproportionate prevalence of transportation barriers. This challenge creates an opportunity for essential hospitals, in conjunction with state policy levers, to help mitigate such barriers.
view more »Association Comments on Medicaid Managed Care Proposed Rule
Jan. 15, 2019 ||America's Essential Hospitals praised the administration’s efforts to streamline managed care regulations for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, reduce regulatory burden, and increase state flexibility.
view more »CMS Releases Guidance on Section 1332 Waivers
Oct. 23, 2018 ||The guidance allows states additional flexibility to waive certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act while preserving access to affordable, comprehensive coverage.
view more »Association Comments on Medicaid Access Exemptions Proposal
May 23, 2018 ||To ensure Medicaid beneficiaries' access to quality care, America's Essential Hospitals urges CMS not to issue access monitoring review exemptions to states with high managed care penetration.
view more »CMS Proposes Exemptions to Medicaid Access Reviews
March 27, 2018 ||The proposed rule would exempt states with high Medicaid managed care penetration from Medicaid access to care guidelines; 17 states currently meet the proposal's exemption requirements. America’s Essential Hospitals is analyzing the proposed rule and will provide written comment to CMS.
view more »CMS Issues Medicaid Access to Care Guidance
Nov. 21, 2017 ||The guidance specifies rate reductions in Medicaid fee-for-service that will not require access reviews by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
view more »Applications Open for Minority Health Policy Fellowship
Oct. 16, 2017 ||The fellowship, based at Harvard University, is designed to prepare physician-leaders to improve health system capacity and promote policies and practices to improve access to care for minority, disadvantaged, and vulnerable populations.
view more »Funding Opportunity Aims to Overcome Barriers to Care
Sept. 13, 2017 ||The Health Care Access Design Challenge, offered through the Federal Transit Administration, aims to overcome transportation-related barriers to health care access.
view more »Expanded Medicaid access under the Affordable Care Act might have helped patients seek treatment for behavioral health issues, which disproportionately affect low-income populations.
view more »ACA Led to Improved Care Access for Low-Income Adults
July 7, 2017 ||Researchers examined outcomes in Kentucky, Arkansas, and Texas; they found expanding access to health coverage improved care access and affordability.
view more »Statement on American Health Care Act Amendment
April 26, 2017 ||Attempts to revive the American Health Care Act with changes that make a deeply damaging bill even worse are misguided and disappointing.
view more »OIG Gives Safe Harbor for Transportation Arrangements
Dec. 12, 2016 ||Under the rule, OIG provides safe harbor protections for hospital agreements that provide no-cost or discounted local transportation to established patients
view more »CMS Seeks Input To Improve Home, Community-Based Services
Nov. 8, 2016 ||These long-term HCBS services and supports are critical to ensure people can remain in their homes and communities as they receive treatment.
view more »NAM Summarizes Work on Bipartisan Health Policy Agenda
Sept. 27, 2016 ||The summaries outline efforts by 19 working groups under the "Vital Directions" initiative to improve health care in the United States.
view more »CMS Issues Bulletin for States Proposing Medicaid Payment Changes
June 29, 2016 ||Failure to follow the public notice and process for Medicaid payment changes can result in delay or disapproval of state plan amendments.
view more »KFF Brief Highlights Medicaid Expansion Benefits
June 21, 2016 ||A review of 61 studies found that expansion under the ACA has improved health coverage, access to care, and economic outcomes.
view more »Nondiscrimination, Language Assistance Rule Final
May 17, 2016 ||The rule carries out Affordable Care Act protections for individuals in federally funded health programs and sets new requirements for supporting people with limited English proficiency.
view more »CMS Announces New Primary Care Medical Home Model
April 20, 2016 ||The Comprehensive Primary Care Plus model will encourage primary care practices to transform care delivery, including by increasing care management and coordination.
view more »Results of America's Essential Hospitals member survey show new landscape of foundation support for essential hospitals and fundraising challenges in the post-Affordable Care Act world.
view more »Funding Available for Telehealth Services in School Clinics
Feb. 26, 2016 ||Telehealth Network Grant Program will award up to 20 grants for a maximum of $300,000 annually to expand services; applications are due April 8.
view more »GAO Appoints New MACPAC Commissioners
Dec. 18, 2015 ||New members include six who will serve three-year terms and one who will serve the remaining two years of a vacant seat; GW health policy expert Sara Rosenbaum was named chair.
view more »On the Hill: Appropriations Debate, Tax Extenders, Medicare DSH
Dec. 9, 2015 ||Congress debates omnibus appropriations measure, considers another stop-gap funding bill, as deadline for government shutdown looms.
view more »Agencies to Issue Guidance to Ensure HIV Care Coordination
Dec. 9, 2015 ||National HIV/AIDS Strategy Federal Action Plan directs HHS to issue best practices for hospitals to ensure access to services for patients with HIV. CMS also will provide states with information on program flexibility to ensure access to testing, coordinated care.
view more »Health Affairs Details Medicaid’s Commitment to Access and Quality
July 31, 2015 ||Articles focus on innovative waivers that support states in transforming delivery systems to improve access and quality of care. Another focus is Medicaid coverage in areas of crucial need, such as mental health care.
view more »Experience Medicaid and Medicare with the WALLS DOWN
July 30, 2015 ||As we mark 50 years of Medicaid and Medicare, we reflect on the experiences of others within and beyond the four walls of essential hospitals.
view more »Six justices ruled in favor of the Obama administration, arguing that the overall structure and purpose of the ACA supports the interpretation that Congress intended subsidies to be available in both federally facilitated and state-based marketplaces.
view more »Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision in King v. Burwell
June 25, 2015 ||Decision maintains access to vital health care services for millions of Americans and supports the hospitals that care for our most vulnerable patients
view more »Two Essential Hospital Leaders Reappointed to MedPAC
May 26, 2015 ||These leaders from Henry Ford Health System and UCSF Medical Center are among five reappointed commissioners, one new commissioner, and new Chair Francis “Jay” Crosson, announced by GAO.
view more »Association Urges CMS to Ensure Medicaid Payment Sustainability
April 28, 2015 ||In an April 28 letter, the association urged CMS to adopt a holistic view of how payment mechanisms impact essential hospitals, including sustainable base payment rates, Medicaid waivers to address uncompensated care, and DSRIP waivers.
view more »Supreme Court: Providers Can’t Sue States over Medicaid Rates
March 31, 2015 ||Today, the U.S. Supreme Court released its opinion on Armstrong v. Exceptional Child. The court ruled that Medicaid providers cannot sue states for low payment rates and advised on alternative actions.
view more »GAO Appoints Sheldon Retchin and others to MACPAC
Jan. 6, 2015 ||The six new members will serve three-year appointments, effective Jan. 1.
view more »Association Urges MACPAC to Support Four-Year CHIP Extension
Jan. 6, 2015 ||America’s Essential Hospitals urged MACPAC to support a four-year CHIP funding extension and during that time, evaluate the marketplaces' network adequacy, affordability, and covered benefits.
view more »MACPAC Seeks Public Comment on Coverage for Children
Nov. 17, 2014 ||The commission seeks input on which groups of children would be most affected if CHIP expires and potential policy options through the marketplaces.
view more »Association Advocates for Flexibility in Medicaid Managed Care
Oct. 20, 2014 ||The association advocates for a modification of the direct pay prohibition to allow states to pursue public policy goals while implementing Medicaid Managed Care
view more »Access Standards Vary Widely in Medicaid Managed Care
Oct. 7, 2014 ||OIG finds state standards for access to care for Medicaid managed care beneficiaries vary widely. OIG recommends stronger CMS oversight and more state accountability.
view more »Association Advocates for Equal Access for Medicaid Beneficiaries
Sept. 30, 2014 ||America's Essential Hospitals asks CMS to finalize a 2011 proposed rule on equal access, with modifications to address the link between provider reimbursement and access.
view more »IOM Reports on Health Literacy, Public Health
Sept. 16, 2014 ||The report summarizes a Roundtable on Health Literacy workshop that featured initiatives public health organizations are undertaking to increase health literacy and the implications of health literacy on public health.
view more »States Explore Provider-Based Premium Assistance
Aug. 18, 2014 ||Florida, New York, and Wisconsin consider options to allow hospitals to subsidize insurance premiums for individuals. Financial assistance would increase opportunities for coverage and continuous, coordinated care.
view more »A recent study published in Health Affairs found that California essential hospitals were more likely to be penalized than other California hospitals under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, despite lower 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rates.
view more »Eskenazi's mobile office medical home and cost-efficient use of staff contribute to a 50 percent reduction in depressive symptoms among more than half of patients with high depression scores and a 50 percent reduction in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia for about half of patients.
view more »MACPAC Nominations Open
July 22, 2014 ||Letters of nomination and resumes are currently being accepted for six MACPAC seats. Appointments will be effective Jan. 1, 2015. Nominations can be submitted through Sept. 5.
view more »Care Coordination Models, Patient Safety Partnerships, and More
July 16, 2014 ||Recent articles from Health Affairs, the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, the Journal for Healthcare Quality, and The New England Journal of Medicine explore efforts to reduce readmissions and infection rates, improve patient safety, and more.
view more »Foundation-Supported Premium Assistance Programs
July 9, 2014 ||Guidance for those offering premium assistance to low-income marketplace populations
view more »Research: Medicaid Expansion Improves Health
July 2, 2014 ||White House report confirms the numerous benefits of Medicaid expansion and demonstrates that state decisions not to expand have far-reaching consequences for our nation's health and economy. Essential hospitals have driven enrollment and need continued financial support to serve their communities.
view more »Association Supports Hospital, Provider Integration
June 24, 2014 ||The association filed an amicus brief supporting the reversal of the District Court’s ruling to dissolve the affiliation between St. Luke’s Health System and Saltzer Medical Group. The association supports the integration of essential hospitals and providers to improve access to high-quality, cost-effective care for all patients.
view more »On the Hill: GOP Leadership Elections, Stalled Appropriations, Hearings on Narrow Networks and MedPAC Report
June 17, 2014 ||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 »Association Supports Medicaid Payment Parity
June 17, 2014 ||Congress should ensure Medicaid pays at least Medicare rates for primary care until at least 2016, said 22 groups in a June 10 letter to congressional leadership.
view more »CMS to Conduct Nationwide Survey of Medicaid Enrollees
June 16, 2014 ||A nationwide survey of adult Medicaid enrollees will be conducted this fall. Results will identify state-specific and nationwide measures of health care access, barriers to care, satisfaction with providers, and patient experiences with Medicaid managed care and fee-for-service providers.
view more »Expanded Services Grants for Community Health Centers
June 10, 2014 ||HHS announced up to $300 million for community health centers through the 2014 expanded services supplemental funding opportunity. Proposals by eligible health centers are due July 1.
view more »On the Hill: Burwell Confirmed, VA Care, House Hearings on Subsidies, New Drugs, and Health Care Access
June 10, 2014 ||Congress continues to address delays in care at VA medical centers. The Ways and Means Committee explores income verification for tax credit eligibility under the ACA, and the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee looks at incentives to develop new drugs and devices as well as health care access under the ACA.
view more »Patient-Centered Care, Cost-Sharing, Cost-Efficiency and More in these Recent Articles
June 3, 2014 ||Journal articles from the March and April editions of the New England Journal of Medicine explore issues including the usefulness of surgical safety checklists, the importance of promoting financial stewardship, and the impact of Medicaid cost sharing.
view more »America’s Essential Hospitals released a policy brief June 2 announcing its support for provider-sponsored premium assistance, which the association believes is a logical extension of members' work and facilitates the availability of affordable health care for all.
view more »Premium Assistance Programs
June 2, 2014 ||America's Essential Hospitals describes how provider-supplemented premium assistance for enrollees in the health insurance marketplaces strengthens the marketplaces and furthers the goals of the Affordable Care Act.
view more »Medicaid Expansion: Lessons Learned from Expansion States
May 20, 2014 ||Government relations staff will share their experiences with Medicaid expansion, including challenges and best practices
view more »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 »Boston Medical Center physicians can now prescribe subsidized annual memberships to Hubway, Boston's bike-sharing program. Through the program, enrollees pay $5 for an annual membership compared to the normal cost of $85 and are allowed unlimited rides that last 60 minutes or less.
view more »Resources for Implementing Hospital Presumptive Eligibility
March 25, 2014 ||CMS has developed several resources to help hospitals implement presumptive eligibility, including model agreements between the state and hospitals, a model training template for states, a model application for hospitals, and FAQs.
view more »On the Hill: SGR, Inpatient Psychiatric Capacity
March 25, 2014 ||Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden moves SGR bill to the floor under controversy, as there are still no agreed-upon ways to pay for the legislation. The Energy and Commerce Oversight subcommittee will look at the impact of psychiatric inpatient treatment capacity on resources and access.
view more »Medicaid Expansion: Effective Advocacy Strategies
March 5, 2014 ||Government relations experts from essential hospitals shared strategies they have used to move their state toward Medicaid expansion
view more »Essential Hospitals Urge Congress to Protect Medicaid
Dec. 13, 2013 ||
America’s Essential Hospitals Submits Comments on Basic Health Program Proposed Rule
Nov. 26, 2013 ||America’s Essential Hospitals submitted comments Nov. 25 on the Basic Health Program proposed rule.
view more »Lawmakers’ Letters of Support for 340B
Nov. 25, 2013 ||
Medicaid Equal Access Rule and Comments
Nov. 25, 2013 ||Rule proposes standardized, transparent process for assured access to Medicaid services in states
view more »Oct. 28 letter notes that hospitals have faced more than $95 billion in cuts over the past three years
view more »Members of America’s Essential Hospitals Meet With Members of Congress During Fall Legislative Event
Oct. 8, 2013 ||Held nearly 100 meetings, educated Congress about work to ensure patient access to high quality care
view more »School Health Program Places a Nurse in Every Public School
Sept. 30, 2013 ||The program also streamlined care by implementing electronic health records
view more »America’s Essential Hospitals Leaders Discuss Medicaid DSH Cuts, ECPs With Administration
Sept. 24, 2013 ||Siegel, Gremminger highlighted the importance of delaying, reconsidering scheduled Medicaid DSH cuts
view more »Highlighted essential hospitals’ work to address health disparities, improve quality of care for all patients
view more »CMS Releases Marketplace Fact Sheets for Providers, Patients
Sept. 4, 2013 ||Documents provide answers on coverage and enrollment
view more »ADA Campaign to Highlight Hospital Dental Care Innovations
Aug. 27, 2013 ||Effort to include focus on care provided to vulnerable populations
view more »HHS Awards $67 Million to Navigators, Including Association Members
Aug. 20, 2013 ||Grants go to 105 organizations that will serve as navigators in states with federally facilitated exchanges
view more »National Day of Action on New Exchange Insurance Options
Aug. 20, 2013 ||Get Covered America aims to raise awareness about plan choices under Affordable Care Act
view more »Requirements Health Plans Must Meet to Participate in Marketplaces
Aug. 15, 2013 ||Plans must meet standards for quality measures, improvement strategies, consumer information
view more »Senate expresses bipartisan support for 340B program
Aug. 6, 2013 ||
Congress Expresses Bipartisan Support for 340B Program
Aug. 2, 2013 ||
Project Launched to Build Safety Net Capacity, Collaboration
July 30, 2013 ||Project to help essential providers prepare for ACA coverage expansion
view more »NAPH Announces Transformation to ‘America’s Essential Hospitals’
June 20, 2013 ||Says new name reflects members' common purpose to serve all people, communities with essential services
view more »NAPH’s Bruce Siegel receives 2013 NMQF Booker T. Washington Award
April 22, 2013 ||Recognizes work to promote well-being in minority communities, reduce disparities in care, and ensure access to care for all
view more »NAPH statement on Obama administration fiscal 2014 budget proposal
April 10, 2013 ||Notes appreciation of one-year DSH cut delay, but says provision comes at expense of funding later
view more »Commends president for commitment to "stable leadership" for programs that provide access to essential care services
view more »NAPH Thanks Obama Administration for Strong Commitment to Medicaid
Jan. 31, 2013 ||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 »Reform Must Preserve Access to Quality Health Care for Vulnerable
Dec. 12, 2012 ||Association develops entitlement reform principles to guide possible future discussions around changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
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