Congress urged to support policies that benefit patients, increase coverage

Hospital leaders today gathered in Washington, D.C., to urge lawmakers to reject cuts to payments for hospital care and support policies that would benefit patients and increase access to care. During an AHA Advocacy Day briefing, which also was webcast, AHA leaders provided an update on the latest developments from Capitol Hill and outlined the association’s key priorities. They include helping to stabilize the Health Insurance Marketplaces by securing funding for the cost-sharing reductions; extending funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program through 2019; stopping the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital cuts from taking effect Oct. 1; extending programs and policies that are important to small and rural hospitals; and protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program and opposing harmful cuts proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. After the briefing, hospital and health system leaders met with their lawmakers and staff to urge them to support these issues.