/ en Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:50:52 -0500 Tue, 29 Apr 25 16:05:47 -0500 /news/news/2025-04-29-aha-urges-senate-house-leaders-protect-health-care-coverage <p>The AHA April 29 <a href="/lettercomment/2025-04-29-aha-letter-congressional-leadership-potential-medicaid-eptc-policy-changes" target="_blank">urged</a> majority and minority leaders in both the Senate and House to not make disruptive policy changes to Medicaid and other coverage options. As Congress continues to work on a fiscal year 2025 reconciliation package, committees could be considering Medicaid program changes such as moving the underlying finance structure to a per capita cap, reducing the federal medical assistance percentage for certain states and placing new limits on provider taxes.</p><p>“Any of these changes would negatively impact state financing for their Medicaid programs, which in turn would harm hospitals and Medicaid beneficiaries,” AHA wrote. “Should states see reductions in federal support for their Medicaid programs, it could force them to further reduce provider payments to account for these losses. It is important to note that the Medicaid program consistently underpays hospitals for the care provided to its patients, even with additional expenditures made by states to adjust for low base payment rates.”</p><p>The AHA also urged Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year. </p> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:05:47 -0500 Medicaid /lettercomment/2025-04-29-aha-letter-congressional-leadership-potential-medicaid-eptc-policy-changes <p>April 29, 2025</p><table><tbody><tr><td>The Honorable John Thune<br>Majority Leader<br>U.S. Senate<br>Washington, DC 20510</td><td>The Honorable Mike Johnson<br>Speaker<br>U.S. House of Representatives<br>Washington, DC 20515</td></tr><tr><td>The Honorable Charles E. Schumer<br>Democratic Leader<br>U.S. Senate<br>Washington, DC 20510</td><td>The Honorable Hakeem S. Jeffries<br>Democratic Leader<br>U.S. House of Representatives<br>Washington, DC 20515</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Dear Leader Thune, Speaker Johnson, Leader Schumer and Leader Jeffries:</p><p>On behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, and 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) writes to express support for the Medicaid program as the reconciliation package is developed.<strong> We urge Congress to refrain from considering disruptive policy changes to Medicaid and other health care coverage that could impact access to health care for tens of millions of Americans.</strong></p><p>The Medicaid program provides health care coverage to a variety of individuals, including children, pregnant women, the elderly and disabled, veterans and working families. Federal support for the Medicaid program ensures that patients and communities can continue to access critical health care from hospitals, physicians, behavioral health care providers, long-term care facilities and many other caregivers.</p><p>For example:</p><ul><li>Medicaid pays for approximately 41% of births nationally and 47% in rural areas<sup>.1</sup></li><li>Medicaid is especially critical for children; it covers nearly half of all children with special health care needs, and about 1 in 3 children diagnosed with cancer.<sup>2, 3</sup></li><li>Medicaid also covers more than 1 in 3, or nearly 15 million, individuals with a disability<sup>.4</sup></li><li>Most working age adults on Medicaid are employed but in lower-wage jobs that do not provide affordable health care benefits.<sup>5</sup></li><li>Medicaid is the nation’s largest payer of mental health and substance use condition services, ensuring patients have access to necessary services.<sup>6</sup></li><li>Medicaid covers five in eight nursing home residents.<sup>7</sup></li><li>More than 16 million Medicaid enrollees live in rural areas.<sup>8</sup></li></ul><p>As part of the reconciliation process, Senate and House committees of jurisdiction may be considering harmful reductions to federal Medicaid spending. These include changing the underlying finance structure to a per capita cap, reducing the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for certain states and placing new limits on provider taxes. Any of these changes would negatively impact state financing for their Medicaid programs, which in turn would harm hospitals and Medicaid beneficiaries. Should states see reductions in federal support for their Medicaid programs, it could force them to further reduce provider payments to account for these losses. It is important to note that the Medicaid program consistently underpays hospitals for the care provided to its patients, even with additional expenditures made by states to adjust for low base payment rates. Nationally, the Medicaid shortfall — the difference between the hospital's cost of serving Medicaid patients and the payments it receives for services — was $27.5 billion in 2023.</p><p>Additionally, other policies congressional committees may consider could include those that could result in the displacement of Medicaid coverage for millions of beneficiaries and could lead to additional uncompensated care for our facilities. The combination of reduced provider payments and increased uncompensated care could force hospitals to make difficult decisions about reducing staffing and service lines and whether they will be able to remain open and continue to serve Medicaid beneficiaries as well as the wider community.<br>The AHA urges Congress to consider the full impact these Medicaid proposals would have on all Americans and communities, including the hospitals, health systems and other care providers that serve them, before moving forward with these significant policy changes.</p><p>In addition to being aware of the potential for harmful changes to the Medicaid program, we ask Congress to address before the end of this year the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs). If these provisions fully expired, the impact would be a reduction to hospitals of $28 billion over 10 years. Congress must consider the totality of the impact of the Medicaid changes and the EPTC expiration on the financial stability on hospitals and their ability to operate and provide essential services.</p><p>We appreciate your leadership and look forward to working together to ensure that Americans continue to have access to quality health care.</p><p>Sincerely,<br>/s/<br>Richard J. Pollack<br>President & Chief Executive Officer</p><p>__________</p><p><sup>1</sup> AHA analysis of WONDER data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, available at <a href="http://wonder.cdc.gov/" target="_blank" title="Wonder Data Website">http://wonder.cdc.gov</a>.<br><sup>2</sup><a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/children-with-special-health-care-needs-coverage-affordability-and-hcbs-access/" target="_blank" title="KFF.org Medicaid Issue Brief - Children with special health care needs coverage affordability and HCBS Access"> https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/children-with-special-health-care-needs-coverage-affordability-and-hcbs-access/</a><br><sup>3</sup><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006497123089929" target="_blank" title="Science Direct Website">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006497123089929</a> <br><sup>4 </sup><a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/5-key-facts-about-medicaid-coverage-for-people-with-disabilities/" target="_blank" title="KFF Medicaid Issue Brief - 5 Key facts about Medicaid Coverage for people with Disabilities">https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/5-key-facts-about-medicaid-coverage-for-people-with-disabilities/</a><br><sup>5</sup> <a href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/understanding-the-intersection-of-medicaid-and-work-an-update/" target="_blank" title="KFF Medicaid Issues Brief- Understanding the intersection of Medicaid and work an updated">https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/understanding-the-intersection-of-medicaid-and-work-an-update/</a><br><sup>6 </sup><a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/behavioral-health-services/index.html" target="_blank" title="Medicaid Benefits, Behavioral health services index">https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/behavioral-health-services/index.html</a><br><sup>7 </sup><a href="https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/distribution-of-certified-nursing-facilities-by-primary-payer-source/" target="_blank" title="KFF Other state indicator distribution of certified nursing facilities by primary payer source">https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/distribution-of-certified-nursing-facilities-by-primary-payer-source/</a><br><sup>8 </sup><a href="https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/medicaid-enrollees-by-urban-rural-status/?dataView=1&currentTimeframe=0&selectedDistributions=rural&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D" target="_blank" title="KFF Other state indicator Medicaid enrollees by urban rural status">https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/medicaid-enrollees-by-urban-rural-status/?dataView=1&currentTimeframe=0&selectedDistributions=rural&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D</a></p><p> </p> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:24:42 -0500 Medicaid /news/headline/2025-04-16-dozen-house-republicans-send-letter-opposing-medicaid-cuts <p>Twelve House Republicans April 14 sent a letter to House leadership voicing their opposition to potential Medicaid cuts. The lawmakers said they support “targeted reforms” to improve the program, but “will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations.”</p><p>They noted that Medicaid cuts would also threaten the viability of hospitals and other care providers.</p><p>“Many hospitals — particularly in rural and underserved areas — rely heavily on Medicaid funding, with some receiving over half their revenue from the program alone,” the representatives wrote. “Providers in these areas are especially at risk of closure, with many unable to recover. When hospitals close, it affects all constituents, regardless of healthcare coverage.”</p><p>The letter was signed by Reps. David Valadao, R-Calif., Don Bacon, R-Neb., Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-Pa., Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., Jen Kiggans, R-Va., Young Kim, R-Calif., Robert Wittman, R-Va., Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., and Jeff Hurd, R-Colo.</p> Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:02:11 -0500 Medicaid /news/headline/2025-04-15-new-aha-resources-demonstrate-impacts-potential-medicaid-cuts-expiration-enhanced-premium-tax-credits <p>The AHA yesterday released two new resources highlighting the significance of Medicaid and the potential impacts if Congress makes cuts to the program. An <a href="/fact-sheets/2025-04-14-protect-access-care-reject-cuts-medicaid-program-and-premium-hikes-working-families" title="infographic">infographic</a> demonstrates the national impact on hospitals and individuals if Medicaid cuts are implemented and enhanced premium tax credits expire, and a new <a href="/fact-sheets/2025-04-14-whats-stake-medicaid-covers-people-you-know" title="fact sheet">fact sheet</a> shows the makeup of Medicaid coverage nationwide and what’s at stake for patients and communities. </p> Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:51:58 -0500 Medicaid <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>The House of Representatives and Senate have passed a combined budget resolution, allowing the chambers to move forward with the <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page">reconciliation process</a> as Republicans try to enact a key piece of the president’s agenda. House and Senate committees will begin drafting legislation consistent with their instructions from the budget resolution.</p><p>Specifically, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over Medicaid and other health care programs, has been instructed to reduce deficits by not less than $880 billion so significant Medicaid cuts are being considered.</p><h2><span>Take Action</span></h2><p><strong>With your senators and representatives home in their states and districts for the next two weeks, please reach out to your lawmakers and urge them to reject funding cuts to Medicaid and other health care programs as part of reconciliation bill. Please tell your lawmakers how cuts to Medicaid and other programs would reduce access to care and services for patients in your communities. The AHA has a number of resources, including new ones on Medicaid, that can assist your advocacy efforts.</strong></p><h2>AHA Resources</h2><h3>Medicaid and Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTC)</h3><p><strong>Explain how vital Medicaid is to your communities.</strong> The AHA has developed several resources hospitals and health systems can use.</p><ul><li><span><strong>NEW!</strong></span><strong> Protect Access to Care.</strong> Use this <a href="/fact-sheets/2025-04-14-protect-access-care-reject-cuts-medicaid-program-and-premium-hikes-working-families">infographic</a> to demonstrate the national hospital impact of potential Medicaid cuts and EPTCs expiring.</li><li><span><strong>NEW!</strong></span><strong> What’s at Stake.</strong> Use this <a href="/fact-sheets/2025-04-14-whats-stake-medicaid-covers-people-you-know">fact sheet</a> to show the makeup of Medicaid coverage across the country and what’s at stake if Congress cuts the program.</li></ul><p>In addition, the AHA has a series of additional resources to assist you in your advocacy to protect Medicaid, including the following:</p><ul><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-medicaid">General Fact Sheet on Medicaid</a></li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-medicaid-provider-taxes">Fact Sheet on Medicaid Provider Taxes</a></li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-medicaid-provider-taxes">Fact Sheet on Medicaid Hospital Payment Basics</a></li><li><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-capita-caps-medicaid-program">Medicaid Per Capita Caps</a></li></ul><p><strong>Explain why Congress should </strong><a href="/fact-sheets/2025-02-07-fact-sheet-enhanced-premium-tax-credits"><strong>extend the EPTCs</strong></a> before they expire at the end of the year as they have increased access to health care coverage and high-quality care for patients and communities served by hospitals, health systems and other providers.</p><h3>Site-neutral Payment Policies</h3><p><strong>Tell your lawmakers why they should </strong><a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/2023-09-11-advocacy-issue-site-neutral-payment-proposals"><strong>reject site-neutral policies</strong></a><strong>,</strong> as they would reduce patient access to vital health care services, particularly in rural and other medically underserved communities.</p><h3>340B Drug Pricing Program</h3><p><strong>Ask your lawmakers to </strong><a href="/340b-drug-savings-program"><strong>preserve the 340B program</strong></a> to ensure the program continues to help eligible hospitals stretch limited resources and provide more comprehensive services to more patients.</p><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.</p><p>If you have further questions, please contact AHA at <a href="tel:1-800-424-4301">800-424-4301</a>.</p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/Action-Alert-TAKE-ACTION-Urge-Lawmakers-to-Reject-Medicaid-Cuts-Protect-Access-to-Care.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Action Alert TAKE ACTION: Urge Lawmakers to Reject Medicaid Cuts, Protect Access to Care PDF."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Page-1-Action-Alert-TAKE-ACTION-Urge-Lawmakers-to-Reject-Medicaid-Cuts-Protect-Access-to-Care.png" data-entity-uuid="6711b1a3-0cbf-4224-bfd8-94cda212c07f" data-entity-type="file" alt="Action Alert TAKE ACTION: Urge Lawmakers to Reject Medicaid Cuts, Protect Access to Care page 1." width="695" height="900"></a></p></div></div></div> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 12:15:37 -0500 Medicaid /fact-sheets/2025-04-14-whats-stake-medicaid-covers-people-you-know <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/Whats-at-Stake-Medicaid-covers-the-people-you-know.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the What's at Stake: Medicaid covers the people you know PDF."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Whats-at-Stake-Medicaid-covers-the-people-you-know.png" data-entity-uuid="01c577ea-dcda-41cc-8c50-1f1e1bfd8db4" data-entity-type="file" alt="What's at Stake: Medicaid covers the people you know. The majority of U.S. residents with Medicaid coverage are children. 39% of children are covered by Medicaid. Medicaid protects access to care for rural communities. Among Medicaid beneficiaries, 47% of children and 18% of adults live in rural communities. Medicaid supports access to essential obstetrics care, behavioral health services, and primary care. 41% of births in the U.S. are covered by Medicaid. Medicaid provides access to care for low-income seniors. 13.7 million seniors in the U.S. are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Fact: Medicaid chronically underpays for services. Without supplemental payments, Medicaid fee-for-services payments nationally paid 58 cents for every dollar that hospitals spend caring for Medicaid patients, and Medicaid managed care organizations paid 65 cents. Protect Access to Care: The AHA urges Congress to reject reductions to the Medicaid program that would threaten health care access for patients." width="695" height="900"></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/2025/04/Whats-at-Stake-Medicaid-covers-the-people-you-know.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the What's at Stake: Medicaid covers the people you know PDF.">Download the Infographic PDF</a></div></div></div></div> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:42:17 -0500 Medicaid /fact-sheets/2025-04-14-protect-access-care-reject-cuts-medicaid-program-and-premium-hikes-working-families <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p><a href="/system/files/media/file/2025/04/Protect-Access-to-Care-Reject-cuts-to-the-Medicaid-program-and-premium-hikes-on-working-families.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Protect Access to Care: Reject cuts to the Medicaid program and premium hikes on working families PDF."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Protect-Access-to-Care-Reject-cuts-to-the-Medicaid-program-and-premium-hikes-on-working-families.png" data-entity-uuid="c001b8d1-d304-46e2-900b-524456f65c4c" data-entity-type="file" alt="Protect Access to Care: Reject cuts to the Medicaid program and premium hikes on working families. If Congress cuts Medicaid, hospitals would see significant imparts that vary by policy: Per Capita Caps for All Medicaid Population: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$47.6 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$468.1 billion. Per Capita Caps for Expansion Population: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$18.9 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$199.9 billion. Eliminate Enhanced FMAP for Expansion Population: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$32 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$360.6 billion. Reduce FMAP Statutory Floor to 45%: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$7.3 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$78.4 billion. Limit Provider Taxes to 5%: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$3 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$32.8 billion. If the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) expire: 2.2 million individuals are at risk of becoming uninsured in 2026; 4 million individuals are facing higher costs due to loss of Marketplace coverage in 2026; $705 average per person increase in annual premiums in 2026; -$28.2 billion reduction in spending on hospitals over 10 years." width="695" height="900"></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/2025/04/Protect-Access-to-Care-Reject-cuts-to-the-Medicaid-program-and-premium-hikes-on-working-families.pdf" target="_blank" title="Click here to download the Protect Access to Care: Reject cuts to the Medicaid program and premium hikes on working families PDF.">Download the Infographic PDF</a></div></div></div></div> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:10:24 -0500 Medicaid /news/headline/2025-04-11-cms-notifies-states-it-will-not-approve-or-match-funds-designated-state-health-investment-programs <p>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 10 <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-refocuses-its-core-mission-and-preserving-state-federal-medicaid-partnership">announced</a> that it does not intend to approve new or extend existing requests for federal funds to match state expenditures on designated state health and designated state investment programs. CMS said its aim is to end Medicaid spending that is duplicative of other federal funding sources or is not directly tied to health care services. </p> Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:44:43 -0500 Medicaid /news/perspective/2025-04-11-we-must-urge-congress-protect-access-medicaid-patient-care-and-247-hospital-services <p>Congressional lawmakers are heading home for a two-week district work period after both the Senate and House passed a revised budget resolution for fiscal year 2025, allowing the chambers to move forward with the <a href="/issue-landing-page/2025-02-07-budget-reconciliation-process-resource-page" target="_blank" title="Reconciliation Process">reconciliation process</a> and begin drafting the specific policies that will be included in the reconciliation bill. This is where the hard work begins.</p><p>The revised resolution still includes instructions for the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut spending by $880 billion, which means cuts to Medicaid and other health programs are very much still on the table.</p><p>However, this week’s budget action is another step in a long process and no specifics on anything have been decided. It’s important to note that the House Energy and Commerce Committee includes broad jurisdiction over many sectors of the economy beyond health care, and the Senate seems inclined to take a more modest approach. In the meantime, we have been building momentum with lawmakers and the public to demonstrate that devastating cuts to the Medicaid program — and the 72 million individuals who rely on it for coverage — should not be used to pay for the reconciliation bill.</p><p>We can use the next two weeks while representatives and senators are in their districts and states to drive this point home and explain how significant cuts to Medicaid would stress the availability of health care services for everyone and jeopardize access to the 24/7 care and services that hospitals provide.</p><p><strong>New Polling Shows Widespread Support for Medicaid.</strong> New <a href="https://modernmedicaid.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MMA-Poll-Memo-4-2-25.pdf" target="_blank" title="New polls show widespread support for Medicaid">polling</a> released this week from President Trump’s 2024 pollster showed that 74% of all voters and 61% of Trump voters have a favorable view of Medicaid. In addition, 70% of total voters, including a majority of Trump voters, opposed cutting Medicaid to pay for tax cuts. “Our recent survey shows there is no appetite across the political spectrum for cutting Medicaid to pay for tax cuts,” the poll memo said. “Medicaid is well-liked by most voters, in large part due to the broad impact it has across the electorate and the high level of importance voters place on as many Americans as possible having health insurance.”</p><p><strong>Advocacy Resources and Advertising.</strong> The AHA continues to share new resources that hospitals and health systems can use to assist their advocacy efforts. Visit our <a href="/advocacy/advocacy-issues/medicaid" target="_blank" title="Medicaid Advocacy webpage">Medicaid advocacy webpage</a> for fact sheets, blogs pushing back on misguided reports and other resources you can use in conversations with your lawmakers. And watch for an Action Alert soon with additional resources.</p><p>At the same time, the <a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/" target="_blank" title="Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare">Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare</a>, of which the AHA is a founding member, continues to run its <a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/coalition-launches-national-ad-campaign-to-protect-medicaid-patients-from-cuts-to-care/" target="_blank" title="Faces of Medicaid national ad compaign">Faces of Medicaid</a> national ad campaign that highlights Medicaid’s critical impact on the tens of millions of people who rely on the program for access to care. During the last two weeks, the Coalition launched two new ads, “<a href="https://strengthenhealthcare.org/coalition-launches-national-ad-highlighting-president-trumps-promises-to-protect-medicaid/" target="_blank" title="Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare Promises Ad">Promises</a>,” which underscores President Trump’s public commitments about protecting Medicaid and Medicare and calls on Congress not to cut Medicaid, and “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAglo-JZzdY&t=1s" target="_blank" title="Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare 30 Million ad">30 Million</a>,” focusing on Medicaid coverage for children. The ads are running on national cable and digitally. In addition, the Coalition continues to engage its 2.6 million advocates in a grassroots campaign to send letters, make phone calls and send social media posts to their legislators urging them to protect access to care and services.</p><p><strong>Make Your Voices Heard.</strong> While the AHA and Coalition provide the air cover in Washington, nothing is more powerful than your voice — and the voices of your team members, trustees, patients and community members — with your senators and representatives. You live, work and, most importantly, vote in their districts and states. You have their attention and can explain to them the impact policy proposals would have for their constituents and your ability to provide care. Please take advantage of your legislators being home and highlight for them the need to protect Medicaid and access to the 24/7 services that hospitals and health systems provide.</p><p>In addition, if you haven’t done so yet, there’s still time to make plans to join nearly 1,000 hospital and health system leaders for the <a href="/education-events/2025-aha-annual-membership-meeting" target="_blank" title="AHA Annual Membership Meeting">AHA’s Annual Membership Meeting</a> May 4-6 in Washington, D.C. You’ll hear directly from legislators, policymakers and thought leaders, as well as have the opportunity to go to Capitol Hill to deliver our field’s message about protecting access to care and services, providing relief from burdensome regulations and policies, and strengthening and supporting the health care workforce.</p><p>We’ve seen time and time again when our field speaks with a strong and united voice, lawmakers hear us. And we get results. That unity will be more important than ever over the next few weeks and months as we stand up for patients to protect access to the care that hospitals and health systems provide in every community across America.</p> Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:25:31 -0500 Medicaid /news/headline/2025-04-10-coalition-ad-highlights-impacts-potential-medicaid-cuts-children <p>The Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare today launched a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAglo-JZzdY&t=1s" title="Coalition ad">new television and digital advertisement</a> as part of its Medicaid campaign. The ad highlights the impacts Medicaid cuts would have on the more than 30 million children who rely on the program for care. Viewers are called on to urge Congress not to cut Medicaid funding.   <br>   <br>The AHA is a founding member of the Coalition.</p> Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:39:27 -0500 Medicaid