Fact Sheets
The American Hospital Association (AHA) fact sheets on important issues facing hospitals and health systems. Fact Sheets define the terms of issues facing hospitals and health systems and provide in-depth explanations of the AHA's position on these issues.
Budget reconciliation is an optional process under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 that allows for expedited consideration of certain fiscal legislation that makes changes to mandatory spending, revenues and/or the debt limit.
It is broadly acknowledged that Medicare reimburses hospitals less than the cost of providing care and their reimbursement rates are non-negotiable.
Medicare’s payment differences between hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and physician offices reflect the reality that HOPDs care for more complex patients, operate under stringent safety requirements, and maintain vital community services.
Protect Access to Care: The AHA urges Congress to reject reductions to the Medicaid program that would threaten health care access for patients.
AHA urges Congress to reject reductions to the Medicaid program that would not only strip access to health care from some of the most vulnerable populations but also destabilize hospitals and health systems, leading to a loss of services that would impact patients and communities nationwide.
The federal and state governments share the responsibility of financing the Medicaid program.
AHA urges Congress to reject reductions to hospitals’ Medicaid payments.
One in seven Americans live in rural areas and rely on rural hospitals and health systems for the health and well-being of their communities.
Medicare pays most acute care hospitals under the inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS). Some of these hospitals receive additional support from Medicare to help address potential financial challenges associated with being rural, geographically isolated and low volume. These programs are Low-…
The Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program provides essential financial assistance to hospitals that care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including children and those who are disabled and elderly. These hospitals also provide critical community services, such as trauma…