In a statement and blog post Friday, AHA took issue with a recent Washington Post editorial calling for payment cuts to hospitals and health systems as part of efforts to stabilize the Medicare program.

“We must not attempt to solve our nation’s budget problems on the backs of health care providers and patients,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “After years of a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic where hospitals and health systems treated more than 6 million COVID-19 patients while simultaneously dealing with near historic inflation, rising expenses for drugs, supplies, and labor, and incredible workforce pressures, now is not the time to cut Medicare funding for physician training and support to those caring for our sickest patients. According to the government’s own data, Medicare already chronically underpays providers for caring for patients, and it’s time for policymakers to acknowledge the enormous challenges facing hospitals and health systems today. Our nation cannot consider proposals that could lead to a collapse of our health care system and reduced access to care. There is too much at stake for the patients and communities that depend upon hospitals and health systems to always be there, ready to care.”

Related News Articles

Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 21 announced it will immediately begin annual audits of all Medicare Advantage plans and work to clear a…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 12 released draft guidance for the third round of negotiations for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation…
Headline
Leaders from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the 2025 AHA Annual Membership Meeting May 5 discussed issues on the agency’s agenda in a…
Headline
The AHA April 30 released a report highlighting how hospitals and health systems continue to experience significant financial headwinds that can challenge…
Headline
The Supreme Court April 29 ruled 7-2 in favor of the Department of Health and Human Services in a case that challenged how HHS applied Congress’ formula for…
News
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 7 released finalized payment rates for calendar year 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Payments…