We appreciate the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s (MedPAC) November meeting discussions on Medicare Advantage (MA) prior authorization and network management. As MedPAC begins its discussions on payment adequacy for the Medicare program, we outline concerns about the impact that the shifting labor force and costs have had on hospitals and health systems, including whether the current market basket methodology is adequate to capture these changes.
Letters
Throughout the year, the AHA comments on a vast number of proposed and interim final rules put forth by the federal regulatory agencies. In addition, AHA communicates with federal legislators to convey the hospital field's position on potential legislative changes that would impact patients and patient care. Below are the most recent letters from the AHA to these bodies.
Latest
We strongly support CMS’ efforts to ensure that providers have the resources they need to care for Medicaid beneficiaries, including by increasing transparency and oversight in provider payment. However, we are deeply concerned that certain proposed policies may undercut the agency’s efforts by jeopardizing states’ access to critical financial resources.
AHA expresses support for the No Fees for EFTs Act.
November 27, 2023
The American Hospital Association is deeply concerned that these practices will result in the maintenance of the status quo where MAOs apply their own coverage criteria that is more restrictive than Traditional Medicare proliferating the very behavior that CMS sought to address in the final rule, resulting in inappropriate denials of medically necessary care and disparities in coverage between beneficiaries in MA and those in the Traditional Medicare program.
Nearly 50 organizations, including the AHA, urge congressional leaders to reauthorize before yearend the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, which expired Sept. 30.
AHA comments on ensuring Medicare beneficiary access to telehealth services and ensuring stability for providers.
The American Hospital Association and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists express concerns that proposed site-neutral legislation in the House and Senate could reduce access to patient care and jeopardize patient safety.
AHA letter to Senators Durbin and Cramer expressing support for the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act (S. 3211).
AHA letter to Representatives Schneider and Bacon expressing support of the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act (H.R. 6205).