The American Hospital Association shares the hospital field’s comments on legislation being marked up by the Energy and Committee on September 15, 2026.
Reimbursement
It is broadly acknowledged that Medicare reimburses hospitals less than the cost of providing care and their reimbursement rates are non-negotiable.
This week, the AHA released an updated Costs of Caring report, which provides a data-driven assessment of the structural drivers of hospital care cost growth.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) March 6 released guidance for
states on the implementation of Section 71107 of Public Law 119-21.
HRSA has extended comment deadline and suggested a significantly expanded scope of rebate program.
The issue of affordability, including health care affordability, is front and center this year and will be part of this year's congressional and administration discussions, as well as the mid-term elections.
AHA Statement before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Health Subcommittee on “Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the Prescription Drug Supply Chain”
On Jan 30, the Senate passed an amended version of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 (H.R. 7148) by a vote of 71-29.
Explore the AHA's 2026 Advocacy Agenda focusing on healthcare policy and advocacy priorities. Download the PDF for detailed information.
- Advocacy & Public Policy
- AHA
- Access & Health Coverage
- Access to Care in Vulnerable Communities
- Access to Behavioral Health
- Reducing Healthcare Disparities
- Quality & Patient Safety
- Workforce
- Making Healthcare More Affordable
- Advancing Best Practices for Hospitals & Health Systems
- Innovation
- Enhanced Premium Tax Credit (EPTC)
- Medicare
- Reimbursement
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dec. 29 announced $50 billion in funds awarded to all 50 states through the Rural Health Transformation Program.