/ en Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:07:30 -0500 Sat, 16 Nov 24 08:48:38 -0600 /2024-11-16-aha-post-acute-care-advocacy-alliance-news-update-november-16-2024 <p class="text-align-center"><em><strong>Your guide to the latest post-acute care news and resources</strong></em></p><p class="text-align-center"><em>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its </em><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW1aWJO8pXDzSfjs_3gN6tZAKJj_YHwo3umPCtYxaEH3zdZr_XQDFyTPicSt4SN-ZrveaGJlI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C87c2330e8d894dfa7aee08dd067db93b%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638673859263828182%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rCxyyuAor48VtiJ4UPJ2Liah4QxeWc9pBVFfoEk0pSc%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>Post-Acute Care Team</strong></a><em>, whose focus is to ensure post-acute care facilities', hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities.</em></p><h2><br><span>AHA EVENT </span> |  POST-ACUTE CARE CALLS</h2><h3>Next Post-acute Care Advocacy calls are Nov. 19 and Dec. 17</h3><p>Join us on Nov. 19 and  Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. ET for the next Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance calls featuring updates on regulatory news and the latest policy and legislative information in the post-acute care area.</p><p>Our call schedule for the 4th quarter of 2024:</p><table border="0" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" width="300"><tbody><tr><td> </td><td><strong>Nov. 19</strong></td><td><strong>Dec. 17</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our monthly member calls will be audio only via Microsoft Teams.<br><strong>Dial-in: +1 773-917-4239</strong><br><strong>Phone Conference ID:  663 409 476#</strong></p><p>As always, we welcome your ideas and suggestions for future calls. Please send your ideas for topics and/or speakers to <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW3rpDA2hPRC1Oj_a0z6-LLXIJErbNvEBPGj17FW9xLLXc_-6rS4l3uVqAh4w-eXjZEc8uC1A=" target="_blank">sbrown@aha.org</a> .</p><p>Visit <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW3rpDA-chGqUR6ZAevF0lKvWBRZQGqSCwp7psX6qIrQjccc66uSmmNkwZV5A4XKF6BAprD9c=" target="_blank"><strong>AHA's Post-acute Care website</strong></a><strong> </strong>for the full calendar of future calls.</p><hr><h2><span>ADVOCACY</span></h2><h3>AHA to host members-only on the 2024 election results Nov. 18</h3><p>The AHA congratulates the <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW1aWJPMyzenskT9J3TEshi8WInNe0D-Dj1hYYNfAlmg-p_Kvht-gY6FR9z_j_97n0XEYC8ws%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C87c2330e8d894dfa7aee08dd067db93b%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638673859263867752%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pTVrhVlhLvQkD75t0GPsA5ueUYftC4WFnvlZ3Ka6Iio%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">president-elect</a> and looks forward to making progress on the many critical issues facing the health care field.</p><p>The AHA is hosting a members-only webcast Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. ET to provide insights on the 2024 election results and how they will affect health care. See <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW1aWJO9OqoZecIYJfsMjRWwK9wlhizX0SbZx3FRYqLvfEdphwFi4nP36KJYLTPiDMs4gRCSM%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C87c2330e8d894dfa7aee08dd067db93b%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638673859263880303%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LUNqJSvaFuiyaIlKIVJE5b3Gar5obG1k697PRFOymfo%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>AHA's Special Bulletin</strong></a> for more information and to register.</p><hr><h2><span>ADVOCACY</span></h2><h3>AHA makes recommendations supporting CMS’ proposed MAO data collection and audit protocol </h3><p>The AHA Nov.12 voiced strong <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW1aWJO2ONfh8iOCpStGEGqCdR5Br9eAWWrfRgI9SBSSLvA6YV-AJj5v8jNhp_x_4X7-9zrGc%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C87c2330e8d894dfa7aee08dd067db93b%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638673859263892883%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xmvuHuMbsr7di1y95yfGBPrlFmAgFRyX7NoybtyZUzQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">support</a> for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed plan for data collection and reporting requirements for Medicare Advantage organizations. In addition, the AHA supports CMS’ proposed audit protocol, which would assess MAO compliance with MA utilization management program requirements codified in the calendar year 2024 MA final rule.</p><p>The AHA provided detailed comments on the scope and mechanisms for required reporting and identified opportunities to increase public transparency of MAO performance. In addition, the AHA provided specific recommendations to strengthen requirements and reporting related to MAOs’ use of internal coverage criteria, compliance with the two-midnight benchmark and access to post-acute care — where hospitals and health systems report the greatest challenges and concerns with MA practices diverging from Medicare rules and requirements. AHA also identified other priority areas warranting increased oversight, including MAO requests for additional documentation, peer-to-peer requests, member appeals and business practices of third-party vendors.</p><hr><h2><span>ADVOCACY</span></h2><h3>AHA Special Bulletin released for the CY 2025 Home Health Final Rule</h3><p>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) Nov. 1 issued its calendar year 2025 <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW1aWJO8pBB2lcIaKH1DvLloHLtJ4TD3ruEW-WmSw7QQKEVEuCQoVUjvp7Xg17L3pyt4gUAA8%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C87c2330e8d894dfa7aee08dd067db93b%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638673859263905541%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XAy1s7JpZlDxl6JzHvB27LqQYIjz%2BJ%2Fi8qwWlrO40Tk%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">final rule for the home health (HH) prospective payment system (PPS)</a>. This <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW1aWJO55xEi3BvgjdHEDKzSKp0RERuOjms1qSsD5w83QBNr2oOfl6tJrJn92iPua_tqXFcdo%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C87c2330e8d894dfa7aee08dd067db93b%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638673859263918358%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=r8fsCR2b88Eu9aoO0tXj0aM55A%2F7S7x4j0OltthqKDY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>AHA Special Bulletin</strong></a> reviews highlights from this rule. The changes from this rule go into effect Jan. 1, 2025</p><hr><h2><span>ADVOCACY</span></h2><h3>U.S. Senate releases report on Medicare Advantage insurers denying access to post-acute care</h3><p>The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Investigations released a report Oct. 17 entitled “Refusal of Recovery: How Medicare Advantage Insurers Have Denied Patients Access to Post-Acute Care.” The report investigates the three largest MA insurance companies and their practice of “intentionally using prior authorization to boost profits by targeting costly yet critical stays in post-acute care facilities.” Among other findings, the report includes data on denial rates for IRF, LTCH and SNF admissions. The AHA is thoroughly reviewing the report and will be discussing it more in the near future.</p><p>The report can be downloaded at this <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW1aWJO7i2kZAWLK6F_9S60VG8vWFX8M1PenrdW4drWVjL5qNe1XCjxrsYTFZ4YiccpG6P3iI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C87c2330e8d894dfa7aee08dd067db93b%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638673859263931042%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FEmg5QohcnzJLkAkRw0KUolczUW%2Fldr5jGo%2B0kOJgxA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">link</a>.</p><hr><h2><span>CALL FOR SPEAKER</span>  |  Future of Health Care</h2><h3>2025 AHA Leadership Summit</h3><p>The AHA Leadership Summit, July 20-22, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn., brings together health care executives, clinicians and experts presenting insights and solutions to overcome challenges, accelerate innovation and scale change. <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.membership.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW1aWJOwKSJFwnMivZEeYE8MNux_fELYK9LWGoDJVKlESBt9z8sWaPutCEF_sNrDvupwGinv4%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C87c2330e8d894dfa7aee08dd067db93b%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638673859263943521%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZVqU7iElUAK6Q%2BS4zJr5wad%2BKNO8oBDHsTwMZwEq9Og%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>APPLY NOW</strong></a></p><figure><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/2025_Rural_EarlyReg-2.jpg" alt="2025_Rural_EarlyReg-2.jpg" width="600" height="305"><hr><div id="article-type-topic-nik626ca2db-033c-4fff-8b51-f5d2bd63b50c"><h2><span>AHA OPPORTUNITY</span></h2></div><div id="article-headline-nik69fbe123-a3b4-4c36-831d-58273246810b"><h3>Post-Acute Care Spotlight</h3></div><div id="article-body-nike2c925fb-d863-4880-b2fb-d4e479512e37"><p>The AHA invites members to share your stories, blogs, podcasts, etc. that feature the work your organization and/or team members are doing in the post-acute care space. We encourage you to help us identify collaborations and equitable solutions that address access to quality post-acute care and improved health outcomes that can be shared with our members. </p><p><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW3rpDA7XlCBf6xMdESrO-TtVTCn29XmAL-wTRbE32hli6RwuiYLoA5VoGrCDGCU7brYPhcic=" target="_blank"><strong>Submit your stories here.</strong></a></p><hr></div><div id="article-headline-nicdfcf8e0-306e-46e5-96e9-89cab1e1910a"><h3>Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance</h3></div><div id="article-body-ni5efada86-1c4d-4949-a6d5-3381c6f4c725"><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital are challenges for hospitals and the communities they serve. The Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li><div>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</div></li><li><div>Communication and education.</div></li><li><div>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</div></li><li><div>Grants, tools and resources.</div></li></ul><p>For additional information, <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGW3rpDA-chGqUR6ZAevF0lKvWBRZQGqSCwp7psX6qIrQjccc66uSmmNkwZV5A4XKF6BAprD9c=" target="_blank">visit our website</a>.</p></div><p> </p></figure> Sat, 16 Nov 2024 08:48:38 -0600 Member News + Resources /member-news-resources/2024-11-08-aha-site-neutral-advocacy-alliance-november-8-2024 <p><strong>Join the AHA to discuss new policy framework, what to expect moving forward</strong></p><p>Join the AHA Site-neutral Advocacy Alliance to discuss a recently released policy framework and what to expect in the rest of the 118th Congress.</p><p class="text-align-center"><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWrJbiPJMcbKX66LdSa4YWxEP6A48kUJTaEX_T52uIPP-aUEXQe2MUpzXhp6Ym-1fve3u8IIw%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cdf47b3c7944b444fae6008dd0039ec3e%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638666970977247407%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gxcc5zmNJh4Y%2FAu2NzAnQiZjgZLTDKPXCplBDKPfnU0%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank"><strong>Register</strong></a><strong> for the Nov. 14, 2 p.m. ET call.</strong></p><p>Senators Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Nov. 1 released a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWrJbiPAS0qEdE-EleaNNUxxCP1J9ezlQVbinCePD2jrzxx5TtDCRtIoek5-lFL-F4JEeWlRI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cdf47b3c7944b444fae6008dd0039ec3e%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638666970977263604%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WKS8fVI1IBye12CAp8GtVEzrWu6JthGvOTrn0VJU%2BI4%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">policy framework</a> detailing a plan to impose site-neutral payments on hospitals, which the AHA <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWrJbiPMgIZvpCHYvayKgrjJhybSk8xeYxBUel6VIlhqRS0T-rrgoEijLWS9fkhryIxZz1y6c%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cdf47b3c7944b444fae6008dd0039ec3e%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638666970977280432%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wlMXlXBcvmAXBoDYItNJ7Hr%2BEcQKp1yY3nnlnwipCmQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">said</a>, “will limit and eliminate critical hospital-based care, resulting in increased wait times and decreased access to care for patients.” The AHA will discuss the framework and its implications during the Nov. 14 Advocacy Alliance call.</p><p><strong>Site-neutral advocacy resources</strong><br>Visit the AHA’s <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWrJbiPLoV1ZjqcBcna0LLoVgq6_a0p13AcfXxge2Ehm_-AQUCvyfysMi-9TMyeVOMmj5_BS0%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cdf47b3c7944b444fae6008dd0039ec3e%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638666970977297213%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nD6Luntatk2PQVneAECosib14fkObdnn2PYgoquftFc%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Site-neutral Payment Proposals Advocacy Issue resource page</a> for additional resources to assist in your advocacy efforts.</p><p><strong>Further questions</strong><br>If you have further questions, please contact Jason Kleinman, AHA’s director of federal relations, at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWrJbiPE8_t4o1ZoGEB2FbiqzqUfSOOrUz-p6woJy1UI5d7CYH1IwPSTWJB4rKwXMrc-ePZ18%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cdf47b3c7944b444fae6008dd0039ec3e%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638666970977313164%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xj%2FZaJauM3Vi8HaJj8vgPlZY3x%2FNLG8jrawdcEjLQJY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">jkleinman@aha.org</a>.</p> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:09:26 -0600 Member News + Resources /member-news-resources/2024-11-01-aha-site-neutral-advocacy-alliance-november-1-2024 <p><strong>Senators release framework of site-neutral legislation for hospital outpatient departments</strong></p><p>Senators Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., today released a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWiALjXG-Cb15XJLIrTj4PQGk_8xvZsSun1TLY5Etfe-7Zu0vw22W8cCEV4jNCiGQNh36ksnM%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C496ff4b74226428a5b0008dcfaa51746%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638660834203883127%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sP9aiZqoB3YzJxkLIjl39akdhrPJnCr98a4t3pLrU6Q%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">policy framework</a> detailing a plan to impose site-neutral payments on hospitals. Site-neutral payment policies would require Medicare to pay the same rate for services delivered regardless of the care site. Medicare payment rates currently recognize fundamental differences between patient care in hospital outpatient departments compared to other settings.</p><p>“Simply put, this framework from Senators Hassan and Cassidy will limit and eliminate critical hospital-based care, resulting in increased wait times and decreased access to care for patients. It is irresponsible to think that clawing back up to $140 billion of Medicare spending for seniors won’t destabilize access to care,” AHA Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes said in a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWiALjXI_-xW9ph2FkBWoT8g5yIJOFY8OAWOVnT4VTMrpstBika-LOAxhMfIDZdfb80_MvNaE%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C496ff4b74226428a5b0008dcfaa51746%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638660834203899278%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AqEFO8njFqsW4deWiokvAL0PI9v%2FCExAlzzOUX3Odd8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">statement</a>.</p><p>“Rather than addressing the root causes driving physician acquisitions, this instead proposes dramatic and untenable Medicare cuts, reducing seniors’ access to critical hospital-based care. We urge Congress to address the true drivers of physician acquisitions, which include significant underpayments to providers and persistent delays and denials of care by commercial insurers.”</p><p>The AHA is actively reviewing the framework and will share more details as they become available.</p><p><strong>Site-neutral advocacy resources</strong></p><p>AHA released earlier this year a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWiALjXCcHg6_-sIKLkFYo308P2lgk81crK8ztRmiK3RTUklmBsFcs_OyfyswEoCjweXGRWMk%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C496ff4b74226428a5b0008dcfaa51746%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638660834203915068%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kOExxkSPpDu%2B8YDrOGqp95H71xZ6CbHNLuGDw5CqkJc%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">myth-versus-fact document</a> pushing back on several claims some organizations continue to make about proposals that would impose additional site-neutral payment reductions for services provided in hospital outpatient departments.</p><p>Visit the AHA’s Site-neutral Payment Proposals Advocacy Issue <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWiALjXLxcDZwpZUhwHuHXygjcdCR9FBz3VUWLNqz-e6tSpnrOHCFkLWaKxuuSvGFAwaYjOyw%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C496ff4b74226428a5b0008dcfaa51746%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638660834203932593%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=s1WNJZf7GQ%2BqZSGPv6Jm2u7Iax4uMtq%2Fp2xwVqAV%2BQQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">resource page</a> for additional resources to assist in your advocacy efforts.</p><p><strong>Further questions</strong><br>If you have further questions, please contact Jason Kleinman, AHA’s director of federal relations, at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWiALjXBPuSRduvkEYHgVfCxPLsoYsdj3r54mudodYTGiwFbR_nAgkd4gqKnhgsauk15zhA2U%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C496ff4b74226428a5b0008dcfaa51746%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638660834203948519%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=tla4vFsVcsCOSQWJxNIuo81l6%2B0wAR15m3cRY57joX8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">jkleinman@aha.org</a></p> Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:08:01 -0500 Member News + Resources /updates-iv-fluid-supplies-after-helene-forces-closure-baxter-manufacturing-plant <div class><div> /* Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar */ .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar { position: relative; display: block; overflow: hidden; max-width: 1170px; margin: 0px auto 25px auto; } .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { position: absolute; bottom: 40px; color: #003087; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .8); width: 100%; padding: 20px 40px; font-size: 3em; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px -5px rgba(0, 0, 0, .6); } @media (max-width:991px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; font-size: 2.5em; } } @media (max-width:767px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { font-size: 2em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; padding: 10px 20px; } } @media (max-width:530px) { .Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar h1 { position: relative; background-color: #63666A22; } } /* Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar // */ <header class="Banner_Title_Overlay_Bar"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-10/iv-fluid-banner-1200x300-header-image-2.jpg" alt="Banner Image" width="1170" height="293"><div><h1>Updates on IV Fluid Supplies After Helene Forces Closure of Baxter Manufacturing Plant</h1></div></header></div><div class="center_body"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8 center_body"><h2><span>AHA Updates and Information to Keep Members Informed</span></h2><p> </p> .center_body ul li { margin-bottom:10px; } <ul><li><span><strong>October 28 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/2024-10-28-baxter-announces-expiration-dating-extensions-certain-products-related-iv-solutions-disruption" target="_blank" title="October 28 Special Bulletin" hreflang="en"><strong>Baxter Announces Expiration Dating Extensions for Certain Products Related to IV Solutions Disruption</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 24 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/2024-10-24-baxter-provides-updates-efforts-increase-access-and-supply-iv-solutions" target="_blank" title="October 24 Special Bulletin" hreflang="en"><strong>Baxter Provides Updates on Efforts to Increase Access to and Supply of IV Solutions</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 18 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-18-hhs-baxter-announce-additional-mitigation-efforts-increase-access-supply-iv-fluids" target="_blank" title="October 18 Special Bulletin" hreflang="en"><strong>HHS, Baxter Announce Additional Mitigation Efforts to Increase Access, Supply of IV Fluids</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 17 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/2024-10-17-hospitals-invited-oct-18-call-hhs-baxter-officials-receive-update-iv-solution-supplies" target="_blank" title="October 17 Special Bulletin" hreflang="en"><strong>Hospitals Invited to Oct. 18 Call with HHS, Baxter Officials to Receive Update on IV Solution Supplies</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 11 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-11-fda-issues-guidance-compounding-certain-drug-products-response-iv-solutions-supply-disruption" target="_blank" title="October 11 Special Bulletin" hreflang="en"><strong>FDA Issues Guidance for Compounding Certain Drug Products in Response to IV Solutions Supply Disruption</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 10 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-10-administration-baxter-officials-provide-updates-iv-solution-supplies" target="_blank" title="October 10 Special Bulletin" hreflang="en"><strong>Administration, Baxter Officials Provide Updates on IV Solution Supplies</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 9 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-09-hospitals-invited-oct-10-call-hhs-baxter-officials-receive-update-iv-solution-supplies" target="_blank" title="Special Bulletin"><span><strong> </strong></span></a><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-09-hospitals-invited-oct-10-call-hhs-baxter-officials-receive-update-iv-solution-supplies" target="_blank" title="Special Bulletin" hreflang="en"><strong>Hospitals Invited to Oct. 10 Call with HHS, Baxter Officials to Receive Update on IV Solution Supplies</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 9 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-09-update-baxter-increase-allocations-iv-solution-supplies-hospitals-effective-today-oct-9" target="_blank" title="October 9 Special Bulletin" hreflang="en"><strong>UPDATE: Baxter to Increase Allocations for IV Solution Supplies to Hospitals Effective Today, Oct. 9</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 8 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-08-baxter-increase-allocations-iv-solution-supplies-hospitals-effective-oct-9" target="_blank" title="October 8 AHA Special Bulletin"><strong>Baxter to Increase Allocations for IV Solution Supplies to Hospitals Effective Oct. 9</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 7 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-07-aha-letter-president-urges-action-address-iv-solution-supply-shortage-result-helene" target="_blank" title="October 7 AHA Special Bulletin"><strong>AHA Letter to President Urges Administration to Take Immediate Action to Address IV Solution Supply Shortage as a Result of Helene</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 7 Letter:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/2024-10-07-aha-president-urging-administration-take-immediate-action-address-iv-solution-supply-shortage-result-helene" target="_blank" title="October 7th Letter to President Biden"><strong>AHA to President Urging the Administration to Take Action to Address IV Solution Supply Shortage as a Result of Helene</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 4 Special Bulletin:</strong></span><strong>  </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/2024-10-04-updates-supply-chain-following-closure-baxter-plant-and-resources-help-conservation-efforts" target="_blank" title="October 4 AHA Special Bulletin"><strong>Updates on Supply Chain Following Closure of Baxter Plant and Resources to Help with Conservation Efforts</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>October 2 Special Bulletin: </strong></span><strong> </strong><a href="/special-bulletin/supply-chain-updates-following-temporary-closure-baxters-plant-north-carolina-due-hurricane-helene " target="_blank" title="October 2 AHA Special Bulletin"><strong>Supply Chain Updates Following Temporary Closure of Baxter’s Plant in North Carolina Due to Hurricane Helene</strong></a></li><li><span><strong>September 29 AHA Today:</strong></span><strong> </strong><a href="/news/headline/2024-09-30-north-carolina-under-phe-following-hurricane-helene-iv-solutions-plant-closed " target="_blank" title="AHA Today Article"><strong>North Carolina under PHE following Hurricane Helene, IV solutions plant closed </strong></a></li></ul><hr><h2><span>Resources for Conservation of Supplies</span></h2><p>While each hospital and health system and their clinical teams should use their own judgment for implementing conservation strategies, the following are some resources that can be helpful as you manage the ongoing situation.</p><ul><li><a href="/advancing-health-podcast/2024-10-28-planning-resiliency-iv-fluid-supply-chain" target="_blank" title="AHA Podcast"><strong>AHA podcast: Planning for resiliency in the IV Fluid supply chain</strong></a> AHA Podcast with Cleveland Clinic on Conservation Strategies - On this podcast, Mark Taylor, M.D., surgical director for surgical operations at Cleveland Clinic, discusses the health system's ongoing IV fluid conservation strategies and the importance of constant and targeted communication during supply chain shortages.</li><li><a href="/advancing-health-podcast/2024-10-16-critical-need-resource-conservation-plans-face-disasters" target="_blank" title="AHA Podcast"><strong>AHA podcast: The critical need for conservation plans in the face of supply shortages</strong></a> In this conversation, Michael Schiller, executive director of AHA's Association for Health Care Resource & Materials Management, and Michael Ganio, senior director of pharmacy practice and quality with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, discuss the current situation with IV fluid supplies and the need to create a conservation plan for critical patient supplies that could be threatened by a disaster or other event.</li><li><a href="https://meded.baxter.com/hurricane-helene-clinical-resources" target="_blank" title="Baxter Web Resources for Product Management and Conservation Strategies"><strong>Baxter Web Resources for Product Management and Conservation Strategies</strong></a></li><li><a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/10/national-home-infusion-association-guidance-for-addressing-product-shortages-during-disruptions-in-manufacturing-10-9-2024.pdf" target="_blank" title="National Home Infusion Association Guidance for Addressing Product Shortages during Disruptions in Manufacturing"><strong>National Home Infusion Association Guidance for Addressing Product Shortages during Disruptions in Manufacturing</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/shortage-resources/publications/fluid-shortages-suggestions-for-management-and-conservation?loginreturnUrl=SSOCheckOnly" target="_blank" title="ASHP Recommendations"><strong>ASHP recommendations</strong></a>, which were updated Oct. 11, for managing fluid shortages and conserving supply. ASHP is the largest association of pharmacy professionals in the United States.</li></ul></div><p> </p><div class="col-md-4"><div class="sp_CTA1"><div><h3><span>AHA in the News</span></h3><ul class="InAHAnews"><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 29 </strong></span><strong>CNN: </strong></span><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/29/health/iv-fluids-administered-less-emergency-department-hurricane-helene/index.html" target="_blank" title="CNN Article">Some ER patients are half as likely to receive IV fluids since disruptions from Hurricane Helene | CNN</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 28 </strong></span><strong>NPR All Things Considered:</strong></span><strong> </strong><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/28/nx-s1-5161532/surgeries-are-being-canceled-after-helene-shut-down-a-factory-that-makes-iv-fluids" target="_blank" title="All Things Considered Article">Surgeries are being canceled after Helene shut down a factory that makes IV fluids: NPR</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 25</strong></span><strong> FOX Weather Channel: </strong></span><a href="https://www.foxweather.com/watch/play-776655e4e0011a4" target="_blank" title="Fox Weather Channel Article">Helene triggers nationwide IV fluid shortage | Latest Weather Clips | FOX Weather</a></li><li><span><strong>October 22 Associated Press:</strong></span><strong> </strong><a href="https://apnews.com/article/baxter-iv-fluids-supply-hospitals-helene-5859c9ca5fa168b71a5d8c370a47365c" target="_blank" title="Associated Press (opens in a new window)" rel="noopener nofollow" data-extlink tabindex="-1">Hospitals' IV fluid shortage may impact surgeries for weeks - AP News</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 14 </strong></span><strong>Washington Post: </strong></span><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/10/14/iv-fluid-shortage-baxter/" target="_blank" title="Washington Post">IV fluid shortage declared after Hurricane Helene flooded Baxter plant - The Washington Post</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 13 </strong></span><strong>ABC World News Tonight: </strong></span><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/nationwide-shortage-iv-fluids-114767248" target="_blank" title="ABC World News Tonight">Video Nationwide shortage of IV fluids - ABC News (go.com)</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 11 </strong></span><strong>NBC News Digital: </strong></span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/patients-scramble-treatments-hospitals-conserve-iv-fluids-storms-rcna174958" target="_blank" title="NBC News Digital">Patients scramble for treatments as hospitals conserve IV fluids after storms (nbcnews.com)</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 10 </strong></span><strong>NBC Nightly News: </strong></span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/hurricanes-close-down-key-facilities-that-make-critical-iv-fluids-221450309908" target="_blank" title="NBC Nightly News">Hurricanes close down key facilities that make critical IV fluids (nbcnews.com)</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 9 </strong></span><strong>New York Times: </strong></span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/09/health/hurricane-helene-iv-shortages.html" target="_blank" title="New York Times">U.S. Races to Replace IV Fluid Supplies After Hurricane Helene - The New York Times (nytimes.com)</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 9 </strong></span><strong>The Hill: </strong></span><a href="https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4922978-hurricane-helene-iv-solution-shortage/" target="_blank" title="The Hill Article">Hurricane Helene, Milton threaten IV solution production (thehill.com)</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 8 </strong></span><strong>Fox News: </strong></span><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6363003819112" target="_blank" title="Fox News">Hospitals face critical IV fluid shortage after Hurricane Helene | Fox News Video</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 7 </strong></span><strong>USA Today: </strong></span><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/10/07/iv-bag-shortage-hurricane-helene/75556287007/" target="_blank" title="USA Today Article">Hospitals warn of IV bag shortage after Hurricane Helene</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 7 </strong></span><strong>STAT:</strong> </span><a href="https://www.statnews.com/2024/10/07/hurricane-helene-iv-fluid-shortage-baxter-closure-aha/">Hurricane Helene is causing an IV fluid shortage in hospitals (statnews.com)</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 7</strong></span><strong> Fierce:</strong></span> <a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/aha-calls-feds-boost-supply-iv-solutions-some-hospitals-cancel-elective-procedures">AHA calls on feds to boost supply of IV solutions as some hospitals cancel elective procedures to conserve stock | Fierce Healthcare</a></li><li><span><span class="InAHAnewsDate"><strong>October 7</strong></span><strong> Modern Healthcare</strong>:  </span><a href="https://www.modernhealthcare.com/supply-chain/iv-fluid-shortage-baxter-plant-aha">IV fluid shortage needs federal assistance, AHA says | Modern Healthcare</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="sp_CTA1"><div><a href="https://www.ahrmm.org/" target="_blank" title="AHRMM Website"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-08/AHRMM-logo-RGB.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" width="1137" height="294"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div> Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:24:48 -0500 Member News + Resources /2024-10-08-aha-site-neutral-advocacy-alliance-bulletin-october-8-2024 <p><strong>Register for Oct. 17 Site-neutral Advocacy Alliance call</strong></p><p>The AHA’s Site-neutral Advocacy Alliance will meet on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. ET. This call will feature updates on the various site-neutral provisions moving through Congress and where they stand heading into the lame duck session. Register for the Oct. 17 call <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWC5bsxsduy90cyeU-U8P3ecj55dp9ZnRKjr3YK-a3J1mfOMl8ZP-tjy5RCFZ1pP28Pv9ZPXY%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cec8c59fe274f4aa77e7108dce7a8e11e%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638639959723105100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rShlKLJE8maGCsbk%2FU7usdjo5k4nt0wgKYZumviIuns%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Further questions</strong><br>If you have further questions, please contact Jason Kleinman, AHA’s director of federal relations, at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGWC5bsxq8jyXTVK2XBJLVs985kM1HFxqo42DuZZseXdf0MWeD9GEToKNDuqayDRpHzDNwuPX0%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cec8c59fe274f4aa77e7108dce7a8e11e%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638639959723117899%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dTpFk6qfWYw%2Bni0C5WLk1yJzQKMihgH%2FopN0u11tArk%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">jkleinman@aha.org</a>.</p> Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:41:59 -0500 Member News + Resources /2024-06-25-aha-site-neutral-advocacy-alliance-bulletin-june-25-2024 <p><strong>Setting the Record Straight: NYT Publishes AHA Letter on Site-neutral Op-ed</strong></p><p>Wanted to make sure you saw that The New York Times today published a <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGT75_7qGW2HrSmXRhpcujH1AxtA29tta3oj-isRo8kmElZIfCh0iLdbd5fmGv05A2meFr3d7Y%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C13cad878082e4f041d9908dc954482bb%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638549368695159912%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xdlaXgWudu5vw2Wzq3z4J6z%2FFTF6NS%2BdNmYHdyM6OgQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">letter to the editor</a> from Rick responding to a June 17 op-ed, “<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGT75_7p3nbPYZjm3e42gW3bOV8JQWJDF7RmS7zNXl7IXQj9poG0I3qKutjM5MTFVR7fQY4TbI%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C13cad878082e4f041d9908dc954482bb%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638549368695165704%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Whu9Kh9nivmxB1DGd9%2FIw1csuU0LHa%2FJjdvZRaF7BbM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Even Doctors Like Me Are Falling Into This Medical Bill Trap</a>.”</p><p>“So-called ‘site-neutral’ policies fail to recognize that not all sites of care are created equal,” the letter states. “Current payment rates appropriately take into account that hospitals treat sicker, lower-income and more complex patients. They are also held to higher regulatory and safety standards, and provide unique benefits to their communities, such as 24/7 standby capacity for emergencies.</p><p>“Facility fees allow a hospital to continue to provide services that only hospitals provide and for which they are not fully reimbursed, including burn units, critical care services and neonatal care. In fact, <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGT75_7qMtF-_7xP4kMfXRi6exnzV_Om4oJi41IT8PUFeqLDZ1je6IUcezrl7YwawAaPDX3Ur0%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C13cad878082e4f041d9908dc954482bb%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638549368695171214%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jZOnAPZihl6J0AvozC1VxNiLPGlo0nRsDxqPqI05x04%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Medicare paid hospitals</a> just 82 cents for every dollar spent caring for patients, resulting in nearly $100 billion in underpayments in 2022 alone.”</p><p>The full letter to the editor is <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGT75_7qGW2HrSmXRhpcujH1AxtA29tta3oj-isRo8kmElZIfCh0iLdbd5fmGv05A2meFr3d7Y%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C13cad878082e4f041d9908dc954482bb%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638549368695176738%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8hEJQBnWWCWXKUtsOs82vKKwEyNoRthoxGUfR%2Bx3Yg0%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">available here</a>. We will be sharing the letter across our communications channels. If you have any questions, please contact Jason Kleinman, AHA’s director of federal relations, at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGT75_7qH6iUNNt08R-Bnge0rs48UM-3qLUWKIuX0uJ-TbI-9i5HwxTpGOWahA3ZjtJWYP5aDM%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7C13cad878082e4f041d9908dc954482bb%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638549368695182255%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FjOrRAegQvDgayVRvERDDRkVrgFqjWeHVlIj5p7Ai88%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">jkleinman@aha.org</a>.</p> Tue, 25 Jun 2024 15:40:49 -0500 Member News + Resources /member-news-resources/2024-06-17-aha-site-neutral-advocacy-alliance-bulletin-june-14-2024 <p><strong>New AHA resource highlights myths associated with site-neutral payment proposals </strong><br>The AHA today released a new <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTtx6qvXoWuAykOtQpJbEqioqWkRyQV8MctBCXMKUGPLt1t9yMFvQdy1TbE-oHQ9HqC4OZ38w%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cb7e5d6d3e1074bef62cb08dc8ca544ed%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638539888678830041%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bd%2FfkG%2BoQdNLg8XnivJ24fTARpZ9OokXvx%2BAbZb6Mcs%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">myth v. fact document</a> pushing back on several claims some organizations continue to make related to proposals that would impose additional site-neutral payment reductions for services provided in hospital outpatient departments. “Some groups continue to push false narratives and share misinformation about the issue,” the infographic states. “This resource, which includes links to additional information, highlights how site-neutral payment cuts would reduce access to care for patients who rely on essential services at America’s hospitals and health systems.”</p><p><strong>AHA participating in KFF webinar on site-neutral payment policies</strong><br>Ashley Thompson, AHA’s senior vice president of public policy analysis and development, is participating in a webinar Monday, June 17, 12 p.m. ET hosted by KFF titled “What’s Behind the Buzz about Site-Neutral Payments.” The webinar will include a small panel of policy experts discussing the impact of potential site-neutral payment reform. The audience will be able to submit written questions to the speakers, which is a good opportunity to highlight the effects of site-neutral cuts on your hospital and the patients you treat. You can register for and learn more about this event <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTtx6qvNTS1vS3JoVpRDiFlvyESZOBeJlHC1uJlWTsodN5J-wJsXq3QOdrcFEi7QQCzzaIukg%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cb7e5d6d3e1074bef62cb08dc8ca544ed%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638539888678835772%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sxDk69d3Phyy4Pw04B3BbrFXLU5hd5hGIITU5exRz1I%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Further questions</strong></p><p>If you have further questions, please contact Jason Kleinman, AHA’s director of federal relations, at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.advocacy.aha.org%2FNzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTtx6qvQgPxuEF11fRFyRhxzuC7VmghApeL39oAKF-xZfiuPg57qSa_d5-pjyl_kofbZqBLo0%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cdsamuels%40aha.org%7Cb7e5d6d3e1074bef62cb08dc8ca544ed%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638539888678841465%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zJJx0LMiWMvpyWuK6viDF6Z%2Bxj61j6DImsVaLjrO58E%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">jkleinman@aha.org</a>.</p> Mon, 17 Jun 2024 07:33:01 -0500 Member News + Resources /2024-06-13-post-acute-care-advocacy-alliance-update-june-13-2024 <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p><em><strong>Your guide to the latest post-acute care news and resources</strong></em></p><p><em>The following is a compilation of recent news from the AHA and its </em><a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs54FMFyp-Biuzbor7bxehJzLXd62wMyLkcXgnj-TH1My_5LtZMrPQ7RwhGg7SmbHJ-M=" target="_blank"><strong>Post-acute Care</strong><em> </em><strong>Team</strong></a><em>, whose focus is to ensure post-acute care facilities', hospitals’ and health systems’ unique needs are national priorities..</em></p><hr><p><br><span><strong>AHA EVENT</strong></span><strong> | POST-ACUTE CARE CALLS</strong></p><div id="article-body-nik3cfda8c7-3e24-4c5f-86f2-641a800aaec7"><h3>Next Post-acute Care Advocacy call is July 16</h3><p>We will not have a call in June, but join us on July 16 at 2 p.m. ET  for the next Post-acute Care Advocacy call featuring updates on regulatory news and the latest policy and legislative information in the post-acute care area.</p><p>Our call schedule for the second half of 2024:</p><table width="135" height="143"><tbody><tr><td>July 16</td><td>Oct. 22</td></tr><tr><td>Aug. 20<br> </td><td>Nov. 19</td></tr><tr><td>Sep. 17<br> </td><td>Dec. 17<br> </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our monthly member calls will be audio only via Microsoft Teams.</p><div><div><strong>Dial-in: +1 773-917-4239</strong></div><div><strong>Phone Conference ID: 431 953 877#</strong></div><div> </div><div>As always, we welcome your ideas and suggestions for future calls. Please send your ideas for topics and/or speakers to <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUst4hnA8HADs8QmdE7Xbo5QuH6HX80f4AlAdzK_M6uc21n5KqPgY5w6mkOLxzhM0kL3M=" target="_blank">sbrown@aha.org</a> or <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs0Xbyvojo5ss9hCDOKjRchJAbKNEjbOH9CBD-qHT8hDFaTknM9gIqFbYSUkshUA-f14=">rcoffey@aha.org</a>.</div></div><div><br>Visit <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs54FMFyp-Biuzbor7bxehJzLXd62wMyLkcXgnj-TH1My_5LtZMrPQ7RwhGg7SmbHJ-M=" target="_blank"><strong>AHA's Post-acute Care website</strong></a> for the full calendar of future calls.</div><hr><p><span><strong>ADVOCACY </strong></span></p><div id="article-headline-nik112b650d-e137-4cc9-a57a-baf6387afd0f"><h3>AHA says CMS’ proposed FY 2025 LTCH payment updates not enough</h3></div><div id="article-body-nikec1c808a-2873-485a-acd6-734689e89984"><p>The AHA submitted a <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUszVwFaHR3kv72K3VLS0aESWiHdfbAG5D634b7xoKhUoeaHGWHyHK7CPzqB_noE0qdMk=">letter</a> to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Friday, commenting on the fiscal year 2025 proposed rule for the long-term care hospital prospective payment system. The AHA expressed concerns about CMS’ payment updates, which includes an inadequate proposed market basket update as well as a harmful proposed update to high-cost outlier payments. AHA argued that these updates risk jeopardizing care access to some Medicare beneficiaries and lag inflation.</p><p>“These escalating costs for essential clinicians, personnel, drugs, supplies, and other items and services have put a strain on the entire health care continuum,” AHA wrote. “In all, Kaufman Hall found that total expenses have risen by 18% for hospitals compared to 2021. This is felt keenly by LTCHs, who care for the highest acuity patients with unique needs.”</p><p>The AHA submitted separate comments on the rule’s <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs5Gd2oMB7F8J9BbJJNsY1TMHJ8I2j1k1TVvLvIKzk888X7MpEpMSkMayo4OK37pb_Vg=">inpatient PPS</a> and <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUsmG_lr9_fbfbi0wb_NyBJcBDODl_FDtwr_mWLptgotq79aTJ8fc3ZQjyTRhES7Hm9fs=">Transforming Episode Accountability Model</a> proposals..</p></div><hr><p><span><strong>ADVOCACY </strong></span></p><h3>AHA helps secure new cybersecurity resources from Microsoft and Google to assist rural hospitals</h3><p>Microsoft and Google will provide a range of free or discounted cybersecurity services to rural hospitals across the country to help them in their efforts to prevent cyberattacks. The announcement was made on Monday, June 10 in collaboration with the <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs-1kApYF6srP7wOTJ8pTeGKVndo68tSzBdkqSyh5vViJ25eWkJfEWfPEoQ6V-3zKnHc=">White House</a> and the AHA.</p><p>The AHA played a key role in the announcement advising the White House, Microsoft and Google on the cybersecurity challenges facing hospitals and health systems. During the last several months, the AHA worked closely with the groups to identify what services and solutions would be valuable and impactful for hospitals as they continue to strengthen their cybersecurity efforts.</p><p>For more details and specifics about the cyber offerings from Microsoft and Google, see <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUskj4ilSvj-3ep0H9TYMMwysPGD2RaaaJy-fqOg04xg9OzW4Ci2QvUelxhs6SsuZPnW8="><strong>AHA Special Bulletin</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><hr><p><span><strong>ADVOCACY </strong></span></p><div id="article-headline-nikca8e6cb8-afe0-46a2-9a1c-cc5de60ee4fe"><h3>AHA comments on SNF, IRF proposed rules</h3></div><div id="article-body-nik661a982b-83a4-45a1-88f2-796887ffea80"><p>The AHA recently submitted a <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs4fHCClG4M3FnCf0uJozrkhbNAPqrflF3TlgSBWCisRQkI6_YO54olqxVUvN6R7Og9M=">letter</a> to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services responding to a request for information regarding Medicare Advantage data, urging CMS to increase oversight of the program.</p><p>"Timely and accurate information on MA plan performance and compliance with existing CMS regulations is critical to ensuring that those enrolled in MA plans are not unfairly subjected to more restrictive rules and requirements than Traditional Medicare, which are contrary to the intent of the MA program and run afoul of federal rules," AHA wrote. "The AHA continues to urge CMS to increase enforcement of existing MA regulations to protect Medicare beneficiaries from inappropriate delays and denials of Medicare-covered services. We believe data collection and reporting on plan performance metrics that are meaningful indicators of patient access are a critical component of an effective enforcement strategy and strongly support CMS efforts to require MA plans to submit additional information necessary to conduct appropriate oversight."</p><p>The AHA also raised concerns about certain prior authorization practices, access to post-acute care services, vertical integration of large, national insurers, and the timeliness of insurer payment for services, among other issues, suggesting additional data collection, reporting and policy changes that could help to improve oversight and transparency in these areas. Finally, the association discussed implications for the continued rapid growth in MA enrollment and how it may affect Traditional Medicare, as well as special considerations for rural and critical access hospitals that may be uniquely affected by growing MA penetration.</p></div><hr><p><span><strong>ADVOCACY </strong></span></p><h3>AHA comments on SNF, IRF proposed rules</h3><p>AHA commented last month on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposed rules for the <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUsw-Stm1xIkznfLa62F87NLAitl3-WzgxlFnIoprn9X8gCLyQZfsexzF-5W_03Ug6tA4=">skilled nursing</a> and <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUsyIMqSvq3NyZj3LG8ZYnYIjGO3wdZ_Adc8y_G0bK3m9lc5__fVcVFzbBOkxYF932QN0=">inpatient rehabilitation facility</a> prospective payment systems for fiscal year 2025, expressing concerns about CMS' approach to market basket updates for both, claiming they fail to account for inflation and growth. <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs0fs8yuJmyEwt6tmOTOl6egl5FAgkvKk6YE5lrqGmJ5k0JIWDts-phoRI9sbDz25ccM=">SNFs</a> are proposed to receive a 4.1% net update for FY 2025, while <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs2aGpVpjYEF9AaIklwlm_jt4dFG-yKrYO8B0tiGMGOMaw6xyWLRvOgsISwBxDvcyB8g=">IRFs</a> would receive a proposed 2.8% increase.</p><p>AHA also expressed concerns about quality reporting program requirements under both proposed rules.</p><hr><h2><span>SPOTLIGHT</span>  |  Community Health Improvement Week</h2><p><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/2024CommHealth.jpg" width="560" height="293"></p><p><span>OBSERVANCE</span></p><h2>Community Health Improvement Week brings hospitals and communities together</h2><p>Join AHA's Community Health Improvement network in celebrating Community Health Improvement Week June 10-14. This annual celebration is a time to honor those working in partnership to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities and advance health equity. <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs7jj8m9ZAqZL7PHqaEwgKK5TKwOF-5hm3dE03cbBt_bfNNrtmwLR2QXqqYk53-zQZvI=" target="_blank" title="Learn more about Community Health Improvement Week">LEARN MORE</a></p><hr><p><img src="https://sponsors.aha.org/rs/710-ZLL-651/images/2024-leadership-summit-call-proposals.png" width="305" height="305" class="align-left"><br><span><strong>AHA EVENT</strong></span><strong> | FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE</strong></p></div><h3>2024 AHA Leadership Summit</h3><p>Health care executives, clinicians and field experts will convene in San Diego from July 21-23 to gain actionable strategies and in-depth knowledge to overcome challenges, accelerate innovation and transformation and scale change. <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs6GzHf1obiwB0Vg1ZuNL89Wd5uRms9Egvr_E5bSZCa1xgRaY1Vd9j-tWJnKA92t_HBc="><strong>LEARN MORE »</strong></a></p><hr><div id="article-type-topic-nika2cda2f7-96c7-4f8a-9811-85311533bbf4"><p><span><strong>CALL FOR PROPOSALS </strong></span><span><strong> |  RURAL HEALTH</strong></span></p><div id="article-body-nik294ecd82-def6-4b7f-bcb9-de5793ed4e71"><h3>2025 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference</h3><p><em><strong>Application deadline: June 28</strong></em></p><p>AHA is seeking speaking proposals from rural hospital executives, clinical leaders and trustees for its annual conference, taking place Feb. 23-26, 2025, in San Antonio. <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs8FPeiUv54_LtDmLyQ0zGsRF7rwTxEJCDWTPO6sEYlr8K6X5-9p4pzTDwgUHH8hItG4=" target="_blank"><strong>LEARN MORE »</strong></a></p></div><hr></div><p><span><strong>OPPORTUNITY</strong></span></p><div id="article-headline-nik56568f7b-19c0-4929-9b09-3b9139fb1435"><h3>Post-acute Care Spotlight</h3></div><div id="article-body-nikd704579e-fa2e-4a53-9ed7-25dab5e55363"><p>The AHA invites members to share your stories, blogs, podcasts, etc. that feature the work your organization and/or team members are doing in the post-acute care space. We encourage you to help us identify collaborations and equitable solutions that address access to quality post-acute care and improved health outcomes that can be shared with our members. </p><p>Submit your stories <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs5qUuO5ebnuetk9B8NTqeHTz-u875V5s5Vtks3dsaMnynoL59-XuQ4qygbVbvlEeNNg="><strong>here</strong></a>.</p><hr><h3>Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance</h3><p>AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital are challenges for hospitals and the communities they serve. The Post-acute Care Advocacy Alliance tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:</p><ul><li>Representation and advocacy in Washington, D.C.</li><li>Communication and education.</li><li>Executive leadership and technical assistance.</li><li>Grants, tools and resources.</li></ul><p>For additional information, visit our <a href="https://email.membership.aha.org/NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGTsgqUs54FMFyp-Biuzbor7bxehJzLXd62wMyLkcXgnj-TH1My_5LtZMrPQ7RwhGg7SmbHJ-M=" target="_blank">website</a>.</p></div></div></div></div> Thu, 13 Jun 2024 22:47:01 -0500 Member News + Resources