TEXAS HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

Provided comments on CMS Request for Information: Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CMS-6098-NC) regarding hospital efforts to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Provided comments on CMS-1827-P - SNF PPS, CMS-1845-P - IRF PPS, and CMS-1847-P - IPF PPS about proposed revisions to the prospective payment systems for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehab facilities. Urged support for H.R. 5454/S.2879, the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act, which would put payment timelines in place for Medicare Advantage claims. Opposed H.R. 9504 (Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act) that would implement onerous reporting requirements for non-for-profit and other hospitals.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: S.2879

H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Expressed opposition to the following items being considered for a budget reconciliation package: capped Medicaid funding, restrictions on provider taxes, restrictions on state directed payment programs, site-neutral payment policies. Expressed support for delaying cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals, and repealing the nursing home minimum staffing rule. Endorse Prompt and Fair Pay Act (HR 4559), legislation to establish payment parity between Medicare Advantage and fee-for-service Medicare, and to establish prompt payment requirements under Medicare Advantage. Endorse Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (HR 5454), legislation that establishes payment timelines and penalties for "clean claims" by Medicare Advantage plans. Provide comments to CMS on Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings; and Hospital Price Transparency CMS-1834-P; specifically, the market basket factor update, payment of "inpatient only" services, reduction of payment for services furnished in excepted off-campus hospital outpatient departments (HOPD), and other provisions. Stated opposition to CMS about a new Aetna payment policy for its Medicare Advantage (MA) and Special Needs Plans. General appropriations package (FY 2026): Expressed support for delaying/repealing cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Hospital at Home program, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 1

H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Expressed opposition to the following items being considered for a budget reconciliation package: capped Medicaid funding, restrictions on provider taxes, restrictions on state directed payment programs, site-neutral payment policies. Expressed support for delaying cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals, and repealing the nursing home minimum staffing rule. Endorse Prompt and Fair Pay Act (HR 4559), legislation to establish payment parity between Medicare Advantage and fee-for-service Medicare, and to establish prompt payment requirements under Medicare Advantage. Endorse Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (HR 5454), legislation that establishes payment timelines and penalties for "clean claims" by Medicare Advantage plans. Provide comments to CMS on Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings; and Hospital Price Transparency CMS-1834-P; specifically, the market basket factor update, payment of "inpatient only" services, reduction of payment for services furnished in excepted off-campus hospital outpatient departments (HOPD), and other provisions. Stated opposition to CMS about a new Aetna payment policy for its Medicare Advantage (MA) and Special Needs Plans. General appropriations package (FY 2026): Expressed support for delaying/repealing cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Hospital at Home program, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: HR 4559

H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Expressed opposition to the following items being considered for a budget reconciliation package: capped Medicaid funding, restrictions on provider taxes, restrictions on state directed payment programs, site-neutral payment policies. Expressed support for delaying cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals, and repealing the nursing home minimum staffing rule. Endorse Prompt and Fair Pay Act (HR 4559), legislation to establish payment parity between Medicare Advantage and fee-for-service Medicare, and to establish prompt payment requirements under Medicare Advantage. Endorse Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (HR 5454), legislation that establishes payment timelines and penalties for "clean claims" by Medicare Advantage plans. Provide comments to CMS on Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings; and Hospital Price Transparency CMS-1834-P; specifically, the market basket factor update, payment of "inpatient only" services, reduction of payment for services furnished in excepted off-campus hospital outpatient departments (HOPD), and other provisions. Stated opposition to CMS about a new Aetna payment policy for its Medicare Advantage (MA) and Special Needs Plans. General appropriations package (FY 2026): Expressed support for delaying/repealing cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Hospital at Home program, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: HR 5454

H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Expressed opposition to the following items being considered for a budget reconciliation package: capped Medicaid funding, restrictions on provider taxes, restrictions on state directed payment programs, site-neutral payment policies. Expressed support for delaying cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals, and repealing the nursing home minimum staffing rule. Express support for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposal to collect information from Medicare Advantage organizations (MAO) participating in the Medicare Advantage (MA) program; more specifically, the addition and clarification of data elements that will ensure CMS has appropriate insight into areas where patients and providers are struggling.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 1

Comments submitted to CMS: Re: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. (Specifically on internal coverage criteria and appeals determinations) HR. 4713 (Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Act): support for legislation that provides statutory authority for the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program within the Department of Agriculture. Proposed legislative solutions for supporting critical access hospitals achieve cost based reimbursement for Medicare Advantage patients Expressed support for delaying cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals. Expressed opposition to the following items being considered for a budget reconciliation package: capped Medicaid funding, restrictions on provider taxes, restrictions on state directed payment programs, site-neutral payment policies. Express support for the following item considered for a budget reconciliation package: repeal nursing home minimum staffing rule.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: HR. 4713

Support for The Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act of 2023 (H.R. 2584), which would make it a federal crime to assault or intimidate a hospital employee and as a result interfere with the ability of that employee to perform their duties. Oppose efforts to mandate specific cybersecurity measures for hospitals. Oppose efforts to restrict access to the 340B drug discount program by providers. Request congressional member sign on to a letter about 340B rebates implemented by Johnson & Johnson.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 2584

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Request congressional member sign on to bi-partisan letter expressing support for Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospital program and addressing scheduled cuts. Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Support the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623), which extends COVID telehealth flexibilities for two years and Hospital at Home for five years.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: HR 2665

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Request congressional member sign on to bi-partisan letter expressing support for Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospital program and addressing scheduled cuts. Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Support the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623), which extends COVID telehealth flexibilities for two years and Hospital at Home for five years.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: HR 5378

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Request congressional member sign on to bi-partisan letter expressing support for Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospital program and addressing scheduled cuts. Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Support the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623), which extends COVID telehealth flexibilities for two years and Hospital at Home for five years.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 6430

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Request congressional member sign on to bi-partisan letter expressing support for Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospital program and addressing scheduled cuts. Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Support the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623), which extends COVID telehealth flexibilities for two years and Hospital at Home for five years.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 7623

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Request congressional member sign on to bi-partisan letter expressing support for Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospital program and addressing scheduled cuts. Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Support the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623), which extends COVID telehealth flexibilities for two years and Hospital at Home for five years.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 8260

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Request congressional member sign on to bi-partisan letter expressing support for Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospital program and addressing scheduled cuts. Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Support the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623), which extends COVID telehealth flexibilities for two years and Hospital at Home for five years.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 8702

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Request congressional member sign on to bi-partisan letter expressing support for Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospital program and addressing scheduled cuts. Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Support the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623), which extends COVID telehealth flexibilities for two years and Hospital at Home for five years.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: S. 1110

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Request congressional member sign on to bi-partisan letter expressing support for Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospital program and addressing scheduled cuts. Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Support the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623), which extends COVID telehealth flexibilities for two years and Hospital at Home for five years.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: S. 4350

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Request congressional member sign on to bi-partisan letter expressing support for Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospital program and addressing scheduled cuts. Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Support the Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623), which extends COVID telehealth flexibilities for two years and Hospital at Home for five years.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: S. 4532

Support for The Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act of 2023 (H.R. 2584), which would make it a federal crime to assault or intimidate a hospital employee and as a result interfere with the ability of that employee to perform their duties. Oppose efforts to mandate specific cybersecurity measures for hospitals. Oppose efforts to restrict access to the 340B drug discount program by providers.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 2584

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Provide feedback on reforms to the Rural Emergency Hospital designation program: The Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act (H.R. 8246) and the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (S. 4322). Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Submit comments to CMS on CMS-10856: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, specifically about attestations for providers participating in state directed payment programs. Submit comments to CMS on Re: CMS-1809-P; Proposed Rule - Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs, Including the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program; specifically, provisions related to the market basket payment update, the four walls exception to clinic services in Medicaid, changes to prior authorization for outpatient services, and health and safety standards of obstetrical services in hospitals/critical access hospitals.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: HR 2665

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Provide feedback on reforms to the Rural Emergency Hospital designation program: The Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act (H.R. 8246) and the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (S. 4322). Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Submit comments to CMS on CMS-10856: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, specifically about attestations for providers participating in state directed payment programs. Submit comments to CMS on Re: CMS-1809-P; Proposed Rule - Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs, Including the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program; specifically, provisions related to the market basket payment update, the four walls exception to clinic services in Medicaid, changes to prior authorization for outpatient services, and health and safety standards of obstetrical services in hospitals/critical access hospitals.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: HR 5378

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Provide feedback on reforms to the Rural Emergency Hospital designation program: The Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act (H.R. 8246) and the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (S. 4322). Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Submit comments to CMS on CMS-10856: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, specifically about attestations for providers participating in state directed payment programs. Submit comments to CMS on Re: CMS-1809-P; Proposed Rule - Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs, Including the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program; specifically, provisions related to the market basket payment update, the four walls exception to clinic services in Medicaid, changes to prior authorization for outpatient services, and health and safety standards of obstetrical services in hospitals/critical access hospitals.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 6430

Support HR 2665, the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act, which would repeal cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program. Provide feedback on reforms to the Rural Emergency Hospital designation program: The Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act (H.R. 8246) and the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (S. 4322). Support the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430), which extend or make permanent the Low Volume Adjustment and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs. Support the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and improve access to care. Support for the Hospital Inpatient Modernation Act (S. 4350/H.R. 8260), which extends telehealth flexibilities and the Hospital at Home program. Oppose efforts to advance Medicare site neutral payment policies, as seen in the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (HR 5378). Submit comments to CMS on CMS-10856: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, specifically about attestations for providers participating in state directed payment programs. Submit comments to CMS on Re: CMS-1809-P; Proposed Rule - Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs, Including the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program; specifically, provisions related to the market basket payment update, the four walls exception to clinic services in Medicaid, changes to prior authorization for outpatient services, and health and safety standards of obstetrical services in hospitals/critical access hospitals.

Client expense: — · Firm income: $50,000

Matched citations: H.R. 8246