The AHA today participated in a panel discussion during a conference hosted by The Capitol Forum on the impact of insurer vertical integration. Molly Smith, AHA group vice president for public policy, highlighted the experiences of hospitals and health systems in helping patients navigate care in this environment.   

“This can be very disruptive for patients and providers in a community where you are trying to coordinate care,” said Smith.  

The panel also discussed the growth of Medicare Advantage, market concentration and recent actions taken by policymakers to better monitor care denials and prior authorization, as well what other steps policymakers can take to make health care more affordable and accessible.

Related News Articles

Headline
The AHA Oct. 23 recommended changes to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction model to address…
Headline
A report by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General found that many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans…
Headline
Medicare open enrollment for 2026 began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. During the annual enrollment period, Medicare-eligible individuals can check their…
Headline
The AHA Oct. 3 responded to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s recent analysis on the financial impacts of Medicare Advantage enrollment growth on…
Perspective
Public
“Trust but verify” is a phrase often associated with President Reagan and the need to ensure that treaties enacted with the Soviet Union were being upheld.…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Sept. 30 issued a memo, through the Health Plan Management system, finalizing the Medicare Advantage…