/ en Tue, 17 Jun 2025 02:47:08 -0500 Wed, 11 Jun 25 14:07:56 -0500 <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>As the next step in the budget reconciliation process, the Senate has taken up the House-passed budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1), and it is considering further cuts and changes to Medicaid and other health care programs. The House version of the bill contains <a href="/advisory/2025-05-22-aha-summary-one-big-beautiful-bill-acts-provisions-impacting-hospitals-and-health-systems" title="House version of the bill">provisions</a> that could lead to millions of people losing Medicaid coverage.</p><p>The Senate is currently reviewing H.R. 1, and draft text from the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over taxes and Medicaid, could come as soon as this week. <strong>See our </strong><a href="/action-alert/2025-06-08-act-now-ask-your-senators-protect-medicaid-payment-rates-reconciliation-package" title="June 8 Action Alert"><strong>June 8 Action Alert</strong></a><strong> for more information about proposals under consideration related to state-directed payments and provider taxes, and our </strong><a href="/action-alert/2025-06-05-act-now-ask-your-senators-protect-medicaid-and-access-care"><strong>June 5 Action Alert</strong></a><strong> for additional AHA resources on Medicaid and other programs at risk.</strong></p><h2>REGISTER FOR JUNE 17 ADVOCACY DAY IN DC OR PARTICIPATE VIRTUALLY</h2><p>AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack, Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes and other AHA leaders will provide a briefing June 17 on the current congressional landscape and share key messages for leaders to send to legislators on Capitol Hill. You can still register to attend <a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=QJMRube-Xk6EsjzBj3s2pnUzMzymJWtHjxrQd2BoFRpUNDNVUkdGWjYyRlJJTUNUVU8wWjVBNTRNWC4u&route=shorturl" title="Registration Page">in person</a>.</p><p><strong>If you cannot make it to Washington, D.C., you can watch the briefing online beginning at 10 a.m. ET. Please register for the </strong><a href="https://aha-advocacy.ispresenting.live/register" title="Registration Page for Virtual attendance"><strong>virtual session</strong></a><strong>. You must register in advance to participate in the briefing. This event is for AHA members only.</strong></p><h2>FURTHER QUESTIONS</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="Register for June 17 AHA Advocacy Day"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-06/cover-register-for-june-17-aha-advocacy-day-bulletin-6-11-2025.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin: Register for June 17 AHA Advocacy DayCover" width="NaN" height="NaN"></a></div></div></div> Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:07:56 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>The House of Representatives May 22 passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), a sweeping package that would enact many of President Trump’s legislative priorities on taxes, border security, energy and deficit reduction. The bill, which Republicans are attempting to pass through reconciliation — a budget tool that gives Congress a fast-track mechanism to avoid the Senate filibuster and pass legislation with a simple majority — includes significant policy changes to Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplaces that will jeopardize access to care for communities.</p><p>The action now moves to the Senate, which is expected to make changes to the bill. As the Senate considers the bill in the coming weeks, it is critical for hospital and health system leaders to stay informed and engaged to protect Medicaid and other health care programs from devastating policy changes.</p><p><strong>Hospital and health system leaders can </strong><a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=QJMRube-Xk6EsjzBj3s2pnUzMzymJWtHjxrQd2BoFRpUNDNVUkdGWjYyRlJJTUNUVU8wWjVBNTRNWC4u&route=shorturl"><strong>register</strong></a><strong> for a June 17 AHA Advocacy Day event in Washington, D.C.</strong> AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack, Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes, and other AHA leaders will provide a briefing on the current congressional landscape and share key messages to share with representatives and senators on Capitol Hill. <strong>This event is for AHA members only.</strong></p><p><strong>Watch for an Action Alert from the AHA soon detailing key messages and new resources to use in your advocacy efforts.</strong></p><h2>Medicaid Resources</h2><p>Visit the <a href="/advocacy-issues">AHA Medicaid Issues</a> page for a complete list of tools and resources including:</p><ul><li><a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/medicaid">Fact Sheets and Infographics</a>. The AHA has developed a series of fact sheets and infographics to inform your advocacy efforts.</li><li><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b2YQHHn4dAfbSe_Gxy-QsxY7Uwo2Qtlq">Digital Toolkit</a>. Use this toolkit to engage stakeholders, such as your hospital or health system teams and community leaders, in joining the fight to protect Medicaid.</li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/wWHMwW8CcWk?si=vGLEa9fyODr2WA6l">Medicaid Made Simple Video</a>. This video explains how vital Medicaid is to your communities.</li></ul><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>Visit the <a href="/advocacy/action-center">AHA Action Center</a> for more resources on these issues and other priorities important to hospitals and health systems. If you have further questions, please contact the AHA at 800-424-4301.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/05/register-for-june-17-aha-advocacy-day-in-washington-dc-bulletin-5-29-25.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-05/cover-register-for-june-17-aha-advocacy-day-in-washington-dc-bulletin-5-29-25.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin: Register for June 17 AHA Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. Cover" width="NaN" height="NaN"></a></div></div></div> Thu, 29 May 2025 08:36:03 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>The House of Representatives May 22 passed by a 215-214 vote H.R. 1, the <a href="https://rules.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/rules.house.gov/files/documents/rcp_119-3_final.pdf" target="_blank">One Big Beautiful Bill Act</a>, a sweeping package that would enact many of President Trump’s legislative priorities on taxes, border security, energy and deficit reduction. The bill, which Republicans are attempting to pass through reconciliation — a <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page">budget tool</a> that gives Congress a fast-track mechanism to avoid the Senate filibuster and pass legislation with a simple majority — includes significant policy changes to Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplaces that will jeopardize access to care for communities. The action now moves to the Senate, which is expected to make changes to the bill.</p><p>This Special Bulletin includes several updates and resources related to the bill, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Changes Made to the Bill.</strong> The House late yesterday made several <a href="https://amendments-rules.house.gov/amendments/RCP_119-3_Managers_xml (002)250521201648156.pdf?_gl=1*1jziwmj*_ga*MTIyNTg0MjE4Ny4xNjg5MTcxMjMz*_ga_N4RTJ5D08B*czE3NDc5MTgyNDIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NDc5MTg1MTYkajAkbDAkaDA" target="_blank">changes</a> to the bill before its passage. See some of the changes below and watch for an updated Legislative Advisory with a summary of provisions included in the bill.</li><li><strong>AHA Statement Submitted to Congressional Offices.</strong> The AHA, prior to the House vote, shared a <a href="g/press-releases/2025-05-21-aha-statement-house-reconciliation-legislation">statement</a> from AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack with congressional offices and the media.</li><li><strong>Advocacy Resources.</strong> The AHA has many resources that hospital and health system leaders can use as part of their advocacy efforts as attention turns to the Senate.</li></ul><h2>Changes to the Bill</h2><p>The House made several changes to the bill, including provisions that would affect Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplaces. Some of the changes include:</p><p>Watch for an updated Legislative Advisory for a detailed summary of provisions that affect hospitals and health systems.</p><h2>AHA Statement Shared with Congressional Offices and Media</h2><p>Prior to the House voting on the bill, AHA shared the following <a href="/press-releases/2025-05-21-aha-statement-house-reconciliation-legislation">statement</a> from AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack with congressional offices and the media.</p><p>“On behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinician partners — including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, 2 million nurses and other caregivers — and the 43,000 health care leaders who belong to our professional membership groups, the ���������� Association (AHA) is sharing our concerns about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that is being considered on the House floor this week.</p><p>“Our hospitals and health systems have significant concerns regarding the harmful Medicaid and Health Insurance Marketplace provisions currently included in the bill. The sheer magnitude of the level of reductions to the Medicaid program alone will impact all patients, not just Medicaid beneficiaries, in every community across the nation. Hospitals — especially in rural and underserved areas — will be forced to make difficult decisions about whether they will have to reduce services, reduce staff and potentially consider closing their doors. Other impacts could include longer waiting times to receive care, more crowded emergency departments, and hospitals not being able to invest in technology and innovations for clinical care.</p><p>“In particular, the Medicaid legislative proposals severely restrict the use of legitimate state funding resources and supplemental payment programs, including provider taxes and state directed payments, under the guise of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. We reject this notion as these critical, legitimate and well-established Medicaid financing programs are essential to offset decades of chronic underpayments of the cost of care provided to Medicaid patients. These new policies are estimated to decimate federal support for the Medicaid program by more than $700 billion over 10 years and will displace health care coverage for millions of Americans, moving them from insured to uninsured status.</p><p>“In addition to jeopardizing access to patient care and services, these abrupt policy changes would upend state government budgets and threaten the viability of the health care system to provide essential services to this population. Since these changes are effective immediately upon enactment of the legislation, states will have little or no time to prepare for the significant financial impact on state budgets.</p><p>“Given the substantial reduction in Medicaid payments and cuts to the Health Insurance Marketplaces, including allowing the enhanced premium tax credits to expire, millions will lose health care coverage. Therefore, the AHA urges the House to reject efforts to dismantle these vital programs in the OBBBA and preserve health care access for our nation’s vulnerable and working families.”</p><h2>Advocacy Resources and Engage Your Senators</h2><p>After the House passage of the bill, attention now shifts to the Senate, which is expected to consider changes to the bill. Hospital and health system leaders are encouraged to use the upcoming Memorial Day recess to contact their senators and urge them to reject harmful provisions that would jeopardize access to coverage and care for millions of Americans across the country.</p><p>As you tell the story about what the bill’s impact would mean for your patients and communities and your organization’s ability to provide 24/7 care and services, please use the following AHA resources to assist your efforts.</p><ul><li><strong>Digital Toolkit.</strong> Use this toolkit to engage stakeholders, such as your hospital or health system teams and community leaders, in joining the fight to protect Medicaid. The <a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/medicaid">toolkit</a> includes a Medicaid Made Simple video, sample social media posts, stakeholder messages and newsletter copy.</li><li><strong>Fact Sheets and Infographics.</strong> The AHA has developed a series of fact sheets and infographics to inform your advocacy efforts. Visit the <a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/medicaid">Medicaid Advocacy Issue</a> page.</li><li><strong>Coalition to Strengthen America’s Health Care Resources.</strong> The <a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank">Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare</a>, of which the AHA is a founding member, has many digital resources and tools that can assist your advocacy efforts.</li></ul><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>Visit the <a href="g/advocacy/action-center">AHA Action Center</a> for more resources on these issues and other priorities important to hospitals and health systems. If you have further questions, please contact the AHA at <a href="tel:1-800-424-4301">800-424-4301</a>.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/05/SB-House-Passes-Reconciliation-Bill-with-Significant-Policy-Changes-and-Reductions-to-Medicaid-Other-Health-Care-Programs.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-SB-House-Passes-Reconciliation-Bill-with-Significant-Policy-Changes-and-Reductions-to-Medicaid-Other-Health-Care-Programs.png" data-entity-uuid="6b4a4438-2190-4839-b61f-e7b9d51060e8" data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin: House Passes Reconciliation Bill with Significant Policy Changes and Reductions to Medicaid, Other Health Care Programs page 1." width="695" height="900"></a></div></div></div> Thu, 22 May 2025 12:31:14 -0500 Special Bulletin /2025-05-02-white-house-releases-skinny-budget-request-fiscal-year-2026 <div class="container"><div classs="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>President Trump today released <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf" target="_blank" title="discretionary spending budget blueprint">his discretionary spending budget blueprint</a> for fiscal year (FY) 2026. The “skinny budget” request, which includes top line discretionary funding priorities, is not binding but can act as a starting point for Congress and the administration as they begin the appropriations process to fund the government. The administration later this month is expected to issue its full budget request, which will include its proposed changes to mandatory spending and tax policy.</p><p>Highlights of some of the provisions affecting hospitals and health systems follow.</p><h2>DISCRETIONARY BUDGET PROPOSALS THAT COULD IMPACT HOSPITALS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS</h2><p><strong>Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):</strong> The budget proposes $93.8 billion for HHS, which is a 26.2% reduction from the FY 25 enacted level.</p><p><strong>Make America Health Again (MAHA)</strong>: The budget proposes $500 million for the MAHA initiative. The administration says this funding will allow the HHS secretary to tackle nutrition, physical activity, healthy lifestyles, over-reliance on medication and treatments, the effects of new technological habits, environmental impacts, and food and drug quality and safety across HHS.</p><p><strong>Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA):</strong> The budget proposes to reduce funding by $1.73 billion and consolidate a variety of programs that were formerly part of HRSA. Based on the high-level details provided, the administration proposes cuts to maternal and child health programs ($274 million) and workforce programs ($1 billion reduction). The budget proposes to maintain $6 billion for priority activities that were formerly part of HRSA.</p><p><strong>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</strong>: The budget proposes to reduce CDC funding by $3.6 billion and refocus the agency’s mission on core activities such as emerging and infectious disease surveillance and maintaining the nation’s public health infrastructure, while eliminating or streamlining programs the administration identifies as waste. The budget proposes maintaining more than $4 billion in funding for CDC.</p><p><strong>National Institute of Health (NIH):</strong> The budget proposes to reduce funding by $18 billion to reform and refocus NIH research activities in line with the president’s commitment to MAHA, including consolidating programs into five new focus areas: The National Institute on Body Systems Research; National Institute on Neuroscience and Brain Research; National Institute of General Medical Sciences; National Institute of Disability Related Research; and National Institute on Behavioral Health. The budget also proposes to eliminate funding for the National Institute of Minority and Health Disparities. The budget also retains the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). It proposes to maintain $27 billion in funding for NIH research.</p><p><strong>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):</strong> The budget would reduce SAMHSA funding by $1.1 billion and proposes several reductions to grants that the administration believes are duplicative or too small to have a national impact. The budget would maintain $5.7 billion for activities that were formerly part of SAMHSA.</p><p><strong>Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):</strong> The budget proposes a reduction of $674 million to eliminate funding the administration believes has been used to carry out non-statutory and wasteful activities and support projects, while maintaining funding for core Medicare and Medicaid operations. It would eliminate health-equity focused activities.</p><p><strong>Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR):</strong> The budget proposes to eliminate funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program ($240 million). The budget proposes allowing states and territories to scope and fund hospital preparedness.</p><p><strong>Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ):</strong> The budget proposes reducing funding by $129 million to eliminate what the administration believes is duplicative and wasteful grants and contracts. AHRQ also would end new grants and offload contracts and interagency agreements outside of core statistical activities. The proposal also reflects that AHRQ functions have been reorganized and integrated into the new HHS Office of Strategy.</p><h2>FURTHER QUESTIONS</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact AHA at 800-424-4301.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/05/white-house-releases-skinny-budget-request-for-fiscal-year-2026-bulletin-5-2-2025.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Special Bulletin: Senate Passes Revised Budget Resolution PDF"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-05/cover-white-house-releases-skinny-budget-request-for-fiscal-year-2026-bulletin-5-2-2025.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Cover Special Bulletin: White House Releases ‘Skinny Budget’ Request for Fiscal Year 2026." width="690" height="892"></a></p></div></div></div> Fri, 02 May 2025 13:29:34 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div classs="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Early this morning, the Senate by a vote of 51 to 48 passed its <a href="https://www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/senate_amendment_h_con_res_14.pdf" target="_blank" title="Senate.gov: H.Con.Res.14">revised budget resolution</a> for fiscal year 2025 with Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, voting with Democrats in opposition.</p><p>During the six-hour “vote-a-rama session,” Sen. Ron Wyden, R-Ore., offered an amendment to strike the instructions for the House Energy & Commerce Committee to cut spending by $880 billion, citing his concerns around potential cuts to the Medicaid program. The amendment was not agreed to by a vote of 49-50. Three Republicans, Sens. Collins, Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, voted in favor of the amendment along with Senate Democrats.</p><p>The House is expected to consider the revised resolution next week. This marks the next step toward reaching a common budget resolution that will allow Congress to move forward with the <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page">reconciliation process</a>.</p><p>The resolution is drafted to provide flexibility to Senate and House Committees when they begin drafting their individual bills. As is customary, the budget resolution does not provide details on potential cuts to Medicaid or Medicare, as well as the extension of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs).</p><h2>Key Highlights of the Budget Resolution</h2><h3>Debt Ceiling</h3><p>The resolution includes instructions to allow Congress to increase the debt limit. The House Ways & Means Committee instruction is $4 trillion, and the Senate Finance Committee’s is $5 trillion.</p><h3>Tax Policy</h3><p>The resolution assumes a budget mechanism called “current policy baseline” to set up a pathway toward making the tax cuts within the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent.</p><h3>Preserves House Instructions</h3><ul><li>The House Ways & Means Committee is instructed to increase deficits by not more than $4.5 trillion (TCJA extension).</li><li>The House Energy and Commerce Committee is instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $880 billion. The Energy and Commerce Committee has primary jurisdiction over Medicaid and other health care programs.</li><li>The resolution reflects the desire of the House-passed budget resolution to reach $2 trillion in spending cuts.</li></ul><h3>Adds Senate Health Committee Instructions</h3><ul><li>The Senate Finance Committee is instructed to increase deficits by not more than $1.5 trillion (TCJA extension and other tax policy).</li><li>The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $1 billion. This is a change from the Senate’s original previous budget resolution. The HELP Committee has jurisdiction over measures relating to education, labor, health and public welfare.</li></ul><h3>Deadline for Committees</h3><p>The budget resolution gives Senate and House committees a May 9 deadline to report legislation, but this is not a binding deadline.</p><h2>Next Steps</h2><p>The resolution now moves to the House for consideration next week. Congressional leaders hope to complete work on the budget resolution before leaving for their two-week April recess (April 14-25).</p><p>Once both chambers have passed the budget resolution, committees that have received instructions in the budget resolution will begin drafting the reconciliation bill.</p><h2>AHA Take</h2><p>As the Senate and House forge ahead on the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution and reconciliation process, the AHA continues to urge Congress to take seriously the impact of reductions in health care programs, particularly Medicaid. We ask Congress to construct a path forward that protects Medicaid and patients from harmful cuts that would impact access to care for millions of Americans. The AHA will continue to keep the field updated on the latest developments and action needed.</p><h2>Resources on Protecting Medicaid, Other Health Programs</h2><p>The AHA continues to develop and share resources with hospitals and health systems on the importance of protecting Medicaid and other health programs. Please visit our <a href="/advocacy/action-center">Action Center</a> for a host of resources on key advocacy issues. In addition, the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare, of which the AHA is a founding member, continues to run advertising, share digital resources and engage in grassroots activity on the importance of protecting Medicaid. See the <a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank" title="Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare homepage">Coalition website</a> for the latest advertising and resources.</p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact Rachel Jenkins, AHA senior associate director of federal relations, at <a href="mailto:rjenkins@aha.org?subject=RE: Special Bulletin: Senate Passes Revised Budget Resolution">rjenkins@aha.org</a>.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/Special-Bulletin-Senate-Passes-Revised-Budget-Resolution-20250405.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Special Bulletin: Senate Passes Revised Budget Resolution PDF"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-Special-Bulletin-Senate-Passes-Revised-Budget-Resolution-20250405.png" data-entity-uuid="457fa1ef-79fd-44b7-9ca9-266f7310196e" data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin: Senate Passes Revised Budget Resolution page 1." width="690" height="900"></a></p></div></div></div> Sat, 05 Apr 2025 10:50:00 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., April 2 released the <a href="https://www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/senate_amendment_h_con_res_14.pdf?mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGZl8RTAeR77E_lSejQRLXuYl1AOsKjOdJI0nU2PMfXA8wXmmXVYF7CcZk5tv11NHb3ujccKHrsSVucOEOWX58ycMOSAOS21R7ZAFkGPAKzprtG7Q" target="_blank">Senate's amendment</a> to the House budget resolution for fiscal year 2025. This marks the next step toward reaching a common budget resolution that will allow Congress to move forward with the <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page" target="_blank">reconciliation process</a>.  </p><p>The amendment is drafted to provide flexibility to Senate and House Committees when they begin drafting their individual bills. As is customary, the budget resolution does not provide details on potential cuts to Medicaid or Medicare, as well as the extension of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs).</p><h2>Key Highlights of the Budget Resolution</h2><p><strong>Debt Ceiling:</strong> The resolution includes instructions to allow Congress to increase the debt limit. The House Ways & Means Committee instruction is $4 trillion, and the Senate Finance Committee’s is $5 trillion.</p><p><strong>Tax Policy: </strong>The resolution assumes a budget mechanism called “current policy baseline” to set up a pathway toward making the tax cuts within the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent.</p><p><strong>Preserves House Instructions:</strong></p><ul><li>The House Ways & Means Committee is instructed to increase deficits by not more than $4.5 trillion (TCJA extension).</li><li>The House Energy and Commerce Committee is instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $880 billion. The Energy and Commerce Committee has primary jurisdiction over Medicaid and other health care programs.</li><li>The resolution reflects the desire of the House-passed budget resolution to reach $2 trillion in spending cuts.</li></ul><p><strong>Adds Senate Health Committee Instructions:</strong></p><ul><li>The Senate Finance Committee is instructed to increase deficits by not more than $1.5 trillion (TCJA extension and other tax policy).</li><li>The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $1 billion. This is a change from the  Senate’s original previous budget resolution. The HELP Committee has jurisdiction over measures relating to education, labor, health and public welfare.</li></ul><p><strong>Deadline for Committees:</strong> The budget resolution gives Senate and House committees a May 9 deadline to report legislation, but this is not a binding deadline.</p><h2>Next Steps</h2><p>The Senate is expected to begin consideration of the budget resolution as soon as tonight. We anticipate the Senate to potentially work into the weekend processing amendments prior to a final vote. Health-related amendments are expected, particularly around Medicaid and EPTCs. We will be monitoring these developments.</p><p>If the revised resolution passes the Senate, it will move to the House for consideration next week. Congressional leaders hope to complete work on the budget resolution before leaving for their two-week April recess (April 14-25).</p><p>Once both chambers have passed the budget resolution, committees that have received instructions in the budget resolution will begin drafting the reconciliation bill.</p><h2>AHA Take</h2><p>As the Senate and House forge ahead on the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution and reconciliation process, the AHA continues to urge Congress to take seriously the impact of reductions in health care programs, particularly Medicaid. We ask Congress to construct a path forward that protects Medicaid and patients from harmful cuts that would impact access to care for millions of Americans. The AHA will continue to keep the field updated on the latest developments and action needed.</p><h2>Resources on Protecting Medicaid, Other Health Programs</h2><p>The AHA continues to develop and share resources with hospitals and health systems on the importance of protecting Medicaid and other health programs. Please visit our <a href="/advocacy/action-center" target="_blank">Action Center</a> for a host of resources on key advocacy issues. In addition, the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare, of which the AHA is a founding member, continues to run advertising, share digital resources and engage in grassroots activity on the importance of protecting Medicaid. See the Coalition <a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank">website</a> for the latest advertising and resources.</p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact Rachel Jenkins, AHA senior associate director of federal relations, at <a href="mailto:rjenkins@aha.org">rjenkins@aha.org</a>. </p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/senate-unveils-amendment-to-house-budget-resolution-with-vote-expected-this-week-bulletin-4-3-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/cover-senate-unveils-amendment-to-house-budget-resolution-with-vote-expected-this-week-bulletin-4-3-2025.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin Cover Image" width="640" height="833"></a></div></div></div> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:02:35 -0500 Special Bulletin /special-bulletin/2025-03-26-update-aha-and-health-isac-threat-advisory-fbi-advises-no-specific-credible-threat-targeting <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Today, the FBI advised that, after an extensive investigation and intelligence review, they have not identified any specific credible threat targeted against hospitals in any U.S. city. The FBI advised that if they receive credible threat information, they will immediately advise any identified potential targets and, if appropriate, alert the broader health care sector through the AHA, the Health-ISAC and other appropriate channels.</p><h2>BACKGROUND</h2><p>On March 18, 2025, the ���������� Association (AHA) and Health-ISAC (Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center) received multiple reports from the field regarding a public social media post alleging active planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack targeting hospitals in the coming weeks.</p><p>Out of an abundance of caution, the <a href="/special-bulletin/2025-03-19-aha-and-health-isac-bulletin-threat-hospitals" target="_blank" title="AHA and Health-ISAC Bulletin">AHA</a> and <a href="https://health-isac.org/potential-terror-threat-targeted-at-health-sector-aha-health-isac-joint-threat-bulletin/" target="_blank" title="Health-ISAC Bulletin">Health-ISAC</a> notified the field of the potential threat, indicating that no further information was available to either corroborate the threat or dismiss it as not credible. Generally, foreign terrorist groups do not publicize their upcoming attacks. The bulletin also advised that, regardless of the credibility of the specific threat, the widely viewed post might encourage others to engage in malicious activity directed toward the health sector.</p><h2>RECOMMENDATIONS</h2><p>Standard vigilance should be maintained, including a visible security presence to deter any act of targeted violence on hospital premises. As always, suspicious or threatening activity should be reported to local law enforcement.  </p><h2>FURTHER QUESTIONS</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, at <a href="mailto:jriggi@aha.org">jriggi@aha.org</a>, or Scott Gee, AHA deputy director for cybersecurity and risk, at <a href="mailto:sgee@aha.org">sgee@aha.org</a>.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><div class="external-link spacer"><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/update-aha-and-health-isac-threat-advisory-fbi-advises-no-specific-credible-threat-targeting-hospitals-bulletin-3-26-2025.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Bulletin PDF</a></div><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/update-aha-and-health-isac-threat-advisory-fbi-advises-no-specific-credible-threat-targeting-hospitals-bulletin-3-26-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-03/cover-update-aha-and-health-isac-threat-advisory-fbi-advises-no-specific-credible-threat-targeting-hospitals-bulletin-3-26-2025.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Cover Image of the Bulletin" width="NaN" height="NaN"></a></p></div></div></div> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:23:02 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><h2>Summary</h2><p>On March 18, 2025, the ���������� Association (AHA) and <a href="https://health-isac.org/">Health-ISAC</a> (Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center) observed a <a href="https://x.com/AXactual/status/1902040481778770329">social media post</a> related to the active planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack on hospitals in the coming weeks.</p><p><strong>The AHA and Health-ISAC have created and are sharing this bulletin out of an abundance of caution to spread awareness of the potential threat. The AHA and Health-ISAC are in close contact with the FBI regarding the threat and will provide additional information as it becomes available.</strong></p><p>At this time, no information is available to corroborate or discount this threat's credibility. Generally, foreign terrorist groups do not publicize their upcoming attacks. However, this widely viewed post may encourage others to engage in malicious activity directed toward the health sector, so threats of this nature should be taken seriously. Security teams should review emergency management plans and spread awareness of the potential threat internally.</p><p>It is recommended that organizations review and evaluate the coordination and capabilities of physical security, cybersecurity, and emergency management plans. Also, increasing relationships with local and federal law enforcement may streamline response efforts during an attack.</p><p>In addition, staff and security teams should remain vigilant for any suspicious activity, as well as people or vehicles on organizational premises or in the vicinity of health sector facilities. If any are identified, it is advised to notify local law enforcement immediately.</p><h2>Analysis</h2><p>On March 18, 2025, user @AXactual made a <a href="https://x.com/AXactual/status/1902040481778770329">post</a> on X with details related to the active planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack on United States health sector organizations. The details of the post can be reviewed at the above link to gain further insight into the specific nature of the threat.</p><h2>Recommendations</h2><p>The AHA and Health-ISAC recommend that teams review security and emergency management plans and heighten staff awareness of the threat.</p><p>Although the threat's credibility cannot be verified at this time, physical security protocols and practices should be reviewed. Having a publicly visible security presence can help mitigate the risk of being a potential target. The post referencing the attacks states that the primary targets are mid-tier cities with low-security facilities. With the information claiming multiple simultaneous targets, they would likely select health sector facilities with visibly weak security and conduct prior planning to coordinate the attacks. It is common practice for individuals contemplating targeted acts of violence to conduct pre-attack surveillance and reconnaissance, Having a visible security presence can mitigate being chosen as a target during the planning phase of an attack.</p><p>Watch for further information from the AHA and Health-ISAC on this potential threat.</p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, at <a href="mailto:jriggi@aha.org">jriggi@aha.org</a>, or Scott Gee, AHA deputy director for cybersecurity and risk, at <a href="mailto:sgee@aha.org">sgee@aha.org</a></p></div><div class="col-md-4"><div class="external-link spacer"><a class="btn btn-wide btn-primary" href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/aha-and-health-isac-bulletin-on-threat-to-hospitals-bulletin-3-19-2025.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Bulletin PDF</a></div><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/aha-and-health-isac-bulletin-on-threat-to-hospitals-bulletin-3-19-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-aha-and-health-isac-bulletin-on-threat-to-hospitals-bulletin-3-19-2025.jpg" data-entity-uuid="b3d0d6a0-2268-4d5f-ab30-ce04f63bc3be" data-entity-type="file" alt="Cover Image of the Bulletin" width="657" height="850"></a></p></div></div></div> Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:10:09 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Today, the Senate voted 54-46 to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through Sept. 30 and avoid a government shutdown. The House of Representatives March 11 passed the Full-year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 (<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1968" target="_blank" title="H.R. 1968">H.R. 1968</a>) by a vote of 217-213.</p><p>Some of the health care provisions in the bill include:</p><p><strong>Medicaid disproportionate share hospital relief</strong>. The bill eliminates the Medicaid DSH cuts through Sept. 20, 2025, but also adds another year of cuts for fiscal year 2028.</p><p><strong>Medicare rural extenders</strong>. The bill extends the enhanced low-volume adjustment through Sept. 30, 2025, and the Medicare-dependent hospital program through Oct. 1, 2025.</p><p><strong>Medicare telehealth and hospital-at-home extensions</strong>. The bill extends key telehealth waivers and the hospital-at-home program through Sept. 30, 2025.</p><p><strong>Extension of the work geographic index floor under the Medicare program</strong>. The bill extends a 1.0 floor on the work geographic practice cost index through Oct. 1, 2025.</p><p><strong>Medicare rural ambulance</strong>. The bill extends add-on payments for ambulance services through Oct. 1, 2025. These add-on payments support rural, “super-rural” and urban ambulance services.</p><p><strong>Workforce extenders</strong>. The bill includes an extension for Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education Program through Sept. 30, 2025.</p><h2>OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST</h2><p><strong>Physician payment</strong>. The bill does not provide relief for Medicare physician reimbursement rates, which under current law and regulatory policy includes a 2.8% reduction for 2025.</p><p><strong>Medicaid and Site-neutral</strong>. The CR does not include any cuts to Medicaid or siteneutral payment cuts to hospitals.</p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>If you have further questions, please contact the AHA at 800-424-4301.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/03/house-senate-pass-continuing-resolution-funding-government-averting-shutdown-bulletin-3-14-2025.pdf"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cover-house-senate-pass-continuing-resolution-funding-government-averting-shutdown-bulletin-3-14-2025.png" data-entity-uuid="949ebe90-eefe-40c3-804b-f38d9b846d3b" data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin Cover Image" width="640" height="834"></a></div></div></div> Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:38:03 -0500 Special Bulletin <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>Congress continues to consider policies and proposals that would impact hospital funding for patient care. In the coming weeks, Congress must act to fund the government with the current continuing resolution set to expire on March 14 and ensure long-term stability for critical health care programs also expiring soon, including:</p><ul><li><a href="/system/files/media/file/2020/02/fact-sheet-medicaid-dsh-0120.pdf">Medicaid disproportionate share hospital</a> program cuts that take effect April 1.</li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2022-08-30-fact-sheet-rural-hospital-support-act-s4009-assistance-rural-community">Enhanced low-volume adjustment and Medicare-dependent hospital</a> programs expiring April 1.</li><li><a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/2024-10-31-advocacy-issue-telehealth-waivers">Telehealth</a> and <a href="/fact-sheets/2024-08-06-fact-sheet-extending-hospital-home-program">hospital-at-home waivers</a> that were extended through March 31.</li></ul><p>At the same time, the Senate and House continue to move forward with their <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page">budget reconciliation frameworks</a>, bringing Congress closer to a full reconciliation package that would have significant implications for hospitals.</p><p><strong>Hospital and health system leaders can </strong><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/4j1bpiayvP" target="_blank"><strong>register</strong></a><strong> for a March 4 AHA Advocacy Day event in Washington, D.C.</strong> AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack and other AHA leaders will provide a briefing on the current congressional landscape and share key messages that they can deliver to their representatives and senators on Capitol Hill. <strong>This event is for AHA members only.</strong></p><p><strong>If you cannot make it to Washington, the AHA will virtually broadcast a live briefing for AHA members beginning at 10 a.m. ET. Please </strong><a href="http://aha.windrosemedia.com/" target="_blank"><strong>register for the virtual session</strong></a><strong>. You must register in advance to participate in the briefing.</strong></p><p>Please see our recent <a href="/action-center">AHA Action Alert</a> for our key advocacy messages and resources that can assist you in conversations with your lawmakers.</p><h2>Coalition Advertising Campaign, Resources to Protect Medicaid</h2><p>House and Senate Republicans are attempting to use the budget reconciliation process to pass key agenda items on taxes, energy and border security, and they may look to health program funding as a way to pay for this legislation. Such proposals could significantly reduce federal spending for the Medicaid program. Even a small portion of possible reductions could have wide-ranging negative consequences for the health and well-being of both Medicaid enrollees and the broader health care system.</p><p><strong>The </strong><a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare</strong></a><strong>, of which the AHA is a founding member, has launched a multimedia advertising campaign, highlighting the value of Medicaid coverage for everyday Americans.</strong> The ad campaign includes a new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRVxw6uJ2sc" target="_blank">television commercial</a> warning of potentially devastating cuts to Medicaid and urging Congress to protect Medicaid and ensure access to care for patients. The commercial will be running on TV nationally, in Washington, D.C., and other targeted markets. The ad campaign also includes digital targeting of key elected officials as well as publications inside the Beltway and influential new media outlets.</p><p>In addition to the advertising campaign, the Coalition has developed and shared digital resources that hospitals and health systems can use as part of their advocacy efforts to protect Medicaid. <strong>See the </strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRNuvabV4VqmE5lPufY2EFML5pL7wGwNxhVzs9SvitQ/edit?tab=t.0" target="_blank"><strong>Coalition resources</strong></a><strong> and </strong><a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank"><strong>website</strong></a><strong> for more details.</strong></p><h2>Further Questions</h2><p>For questions on the March 4 Advocacy Day, please contact Monica Day at <a href="mailto:mday@aha.org?subject=RE: March 4 Advocacy Day">mday@aha.org</a>. For questions on the Coalition advertising campaign or resources, please contact Kristina Weger, executive director of the Coalition, at <a href="mailto:kweger@aha.org?subject=RE: Coalition advertising campaign and resources">kweger@aha.org</a>.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/02/Special-Bulletin-Register-for-March-4-AHA-Advocacy-Day-in-Washington-DC-New-Resources-to-Protect-Medicaid.pdf" target="_blank" title="Special Bulletin: Register for March 4 AHA Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.; New Resources to Protect Medicaid PDF"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-Special-Bulletin-Register-for-March-4-AHA-Advocacy-Day-in-Washington-DC-New-Resources-to-Protect-Medicaid.png" data-entity-uuid="7d9fa957-7044-4fe0-b941-3b27e8cbd405" data-entity-type="file" alt="Special Bulletin: Register for March 4 AHA Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.; New Resources to Protect Medicaid PDF page 1." width="695" height="900"></a></p></div></div></div> Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Special Bulletin