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Income and expense are whole-filing amounts associated with this lobbyist, not personal compensation or an allocated share.
No topic inference: each bill number appears in source LDA issue text assigned to this lobbyist.
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213) Provided education and information on the impact of continued tariffs on the healthcare supply chain
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213) Provided education and information on the impact of continued tariffs on the healthcare supply chain
Specific issues are shown only where the LDA source assigned them to this lobbyist. Targets apply to the associated filing.
2026 · third_quarter · Q3
Medicaid Program; Amending the Indirect Hold Harmless Threshold of Healthcare Related Taxes (CMS-2452-P) - Recommended CMS reconsider certain aspects of the Proposed Rule to prevent unnecessary disruption to state Medicaid programs, Medicaid beneficiaries, and the health systems who serve these patients. Medicaid Program; Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals (CMS2454-IFC) - Responded to various issues in the interim final rule with comment period and recommended several modifications to the IFC for CMS to prioritize limiting disruptions to care. Medicaid Program; Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee For-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments (CMS-2449-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals in the proposed rule, urged CMS to reconsider implementation to avoid unnecessary disruption to state Medicaid programs, Medicaid beneficiaries and hospitals. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2027 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program (CMS-1848-P) - Raised concerns with several proposals that would affect payment adequacy and care delivery while voicing support for policies that sustain access to telehealth. Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program Draft Guidance: Manufacturer Effectuation of the Maximum Fair Price in 2028 - Voiced concerns that retrospective refund models, variable manufacturer processes, and new data and enrollment requirements will create provider burden. Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; and Quality Reporting Programs; including the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Program; Request for Information on Strengthening the Standardization and Comparability of Hospital Price Transparency (HPT) Data; Prior Authorization; Accrediting Organization (AO) Deeming for Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA); and Notices of Closure of Teaching Hospitals and Opportunities To Apply for Available Slots (CMS-1850-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals in the proposed rule, encouraging CMS to provide a more substantial market basket increase for CY 2027. Urged CMS to reconsider policies that would increase providers financial instability. Provider Payment - Supported changes to Medicare/Medicaid provider payment system and increased hospital reimbursements. Advocated for reimbursement rates that reflect the true cost of care, particularly for hospitals serving vulnerable and rural populations.
Source: Senate LDA
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213).
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Medicare Program; Ensuring Safety through Domestic Security with Made in America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Essential Medicine Procurement by Medicare Participating Hospitals (CMS-1516-ANPRM) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the ANPRM, encouraged non-budget neutral Medicare payments to incentivize domestic procurement Contract Year 2027 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program (Docket No.: CMS-2025-1393) - Responded to various issues in the proposed rule regarding the Medicare Advantage/Part C and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) program and Quality Rating System (Star Ratings). Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) Model Proposed Rule (CMS5545-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule, emphasized aligning reimbursement model with performance Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program Proposed Rule (CMS-9883-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule Provider payment - Supported changes to Medicare/Medicaid provider payment system and increased hospital reimbursements. Advocated for reimbursement rates that reflect the true cost of care, particularly for hospitals serving vulnerable and rural populations.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213) Provided education and information on the impact of continued tariffs on the healthcare supply chain
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213).
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213) Provided education and information on the impact of continued tariffs on the healthcare supply chain
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to increase funding for and reauthorize the CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Drug Competition Enhancement Act (S.1040) Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.1041) Endorsed passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R.3178/S.1600) Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R.4191/S.1784) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients - Offered recommendations on the importance of considering incentives to support domestic manufacturing and financial support to providers Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged DEA to finalize a telemedicine prescribing framework that is more similar to the flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 PHE United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 6 - Offer recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v6, including additional requesting clarification on several data elements Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts
An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expire. Issues related to hospital and provider payment - Supported increasing hospital reimbursement to ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations, highlighted the criticality of Medicaid to sustaining vital healthcare services. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place, encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis Medicaid Program; Preserving Medicaid Funding for Vulnerable Populations- Closing a Health Care-Related Tax Loophole Proposed Rule (CMS- 2448-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and encouraged the agency to identify alternative approaches that would be less disruptive to state Medicaid programs. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 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) proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program (CMS-1832-P) proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services under the WISeR Model (CMS-5056-N) - Offered recommendations to strengthen transparency, reduce administrative burden and ensure provider perspectives inform implementation and oversight Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Physician Payment - Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including MA organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Monitored development of the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (H.R.5454) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas.
An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expire. CMS FY 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for Acute Care Hospitals and Quality Programs and Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program Requirements for Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. CMS Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Draft Guidance - Encouraged CMS to consider minimizing provider burden, including avoiding disruptions to current purchasing and reimbursement practices ; urged CMS to avoid final guidance that enables a retrospective payment of the 340B discount H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Issues related to hospital and provider payment - Supported increasing hospital reimbursement to ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations, highlighted the criticality of Medicaid to sustaining vital healthcare services. Hosted congressional briefing to educate on hospital finances. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place, encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis Opportunities to Update the Patient Safety Indicators - Provide feedback to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on future Patient Safety Indicator (PSI) measurement and related analyses. Physician Payment - Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including MA organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas.
An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
Imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment, including Devices: Monitored and provided feedback on U.S. Department of Commerces Notice of Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Personal Protective Equipment, Medical Consumables, and Medical Equipment, Including Devices (Docket No: 250924-0160; XRIN 0694-XC134) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment, including Devices: Monitored and provided feedback on U.S. Department of Commerces Notice of Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Personal Protective Equipment, Medical Consumables, and Medical Equipment, Including Devices (Docket No: 250924-0160; XRIN 0694-XC134) Monitored development of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213) United States and European Union Cooperation Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade - Monitored Implementation and passage of agreement, with focus on tariff barriers.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to increase funding for and reauthorize the CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Drug Competition Enhancement Act (S.1040) Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.1041) Endorsed passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R.3178/S.1600) Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R.4191/S.1784) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients - Offered recommendations on the importance of considering incentives to support domestic manufacturing and financial support to providers Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged DEA to finalize a telemedicine prescribing framework that is more similar to the flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 PHE United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 6 - Offer recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v6, including additional requesting clarification on several data elements Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to increase funding for and reauthorize the CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Drug Competition Enhancement Act (S.1040) Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.1041) Endorsed passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R.3178/S.1600) Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R.4191/S.1784) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients - Offered recommendations on the importance of considering incentives to support domestic manufacturing and financial support to providers Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged DEA to finalize a telemedicine prescribing framework that is more similar to the flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 PHE United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 6 - Offer recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v6, including additional requesting clarification on several data elements Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expire. Issues related to hospital and provider payment - Supported increasing hospital reimbursement to ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations, highlighted the criticality of Medicaid to sustaining vital healthcare services. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place, encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 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) final rule - Monitored development and eventual release of the CY26 Final Rule Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program (CMS-1832-P) final rule - Monitored development and eventual release of the CY26 Final Rule Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Physician Payment - Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including MA organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (H.R.5454) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas.
Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Client: VIZIENT INC · Firm: VIZIENT, INC.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expire. Issues related to hospital and provider payment - Supported increasing hospital reimbursement to ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations, highlighted the criticality of Medicaid to sustaining vital healthcare services. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place, encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 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) final rule - Monitored development and eventual release of the CY26 Final Rule Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program (CMS-1832-P) final rule - Monitored development and eventual release of the CY26 Final Rule Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Physician Payment - Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including MA organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (H.R.5454) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas.
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expire. Issues related to hospital and provider payment - Supported increasing hospital reimbursement to ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations, highlighted the criticality of Medicaid to sustaining vital healthcare services. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place, encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis Medicaid Program; Preserving Medicaid Funding for Vulnerable Populations- Closing a Health Care-Related Tax Loophole Proposed Rule (CMS- 2448-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and encouraged the agency to identify alternative approaches that would be less disruptive to state Medicaid programs. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 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) proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program (CMS-1832-P) proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services under the WISeR Model (CMS-5056-N) - Offered recommendations to strengthen transparency, reduce administrative burden and ensure provider perspectives inform implementation and oversight Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Physician Payment - Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including MA organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Monitored development of the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (H.R.5454) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to increase funding for and reauthorize the CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Drug Competition Enhancement Act (S.1040) Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.1041) Endorsed passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R.3178/S.1600) Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R.4191/S.1784) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients - Offered recommendations on the importance of considering incentives to support domestic manufacturing and financial support to providers Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged DEA to finalize a telemedicine prescribing framework that is more similar to the flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 PHE United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 6 - Offer recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v6, including additional requesting clarification on several data elements Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to increase funding for and reauthorize the CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Drug Competition Enhancement Act (S.1040) Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.1041) Endorsed passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R.3178/S.1600) Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R.4191/S.1784) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients - Offered recommendations on the importance of considering incentives to support domestic manufacturing and financial support to providers Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged DEA to finalize a telemedicine prescribing framework that is more similar to the flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 PHE United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 6 - Offer recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v6, including additional requesting clarification on several data elements Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to increase funding for and reauthorize the CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Drug Competition Enhancement Act (S.1040) Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.1041) Endorsed passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R.3178/S.1600) Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R.4191/S.1784) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients - Offered recommendations on the importance of considering incentives to support domestic manufacturing and financial support to providers Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged DEA to finalize a telemedicine prescribing framework that is more similar to the flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 PHE United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 6 - Offer recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v6, including additional requesting clarification on several data elements Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to increase funding for and reauthorize the CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Drug Competition Enhancement Act (S.1040) Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.1041) Endorsed passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R.3178/S.1600) Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R.4191/S.1784) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients - Offered recommendations on the importance of considering incentives to support domestic manufacturing and financial support to providers Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged DEA to finalize a telemedicine prescribing framework that is more similar to the flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 PHE United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 6 - Offer recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v6, including additional requesting clarification on several data elements Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
Imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment, including Devices: Monitored and provided feedback on U.S. Department of Commerces Notice of Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Personal Protective Equipment, Medical Consumables, and Medical Equipment, Including Devices (Docket No: 250924-0160; XRIN 0694-XC134) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment, including Devices: Monitored and provided feedback on U.S. Department of Commerces Notice of Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Personal Protective Equipment, Medical Consumables, and Medical Equipment, Including Devices (Docket No: 250924-0160; XRIN 0694-XC134) Monitored development of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213) United States and European Union Cooperation Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade - Monitored Implementation and passage of agreement, with focus on tariff barriers.
Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the Peoples Republic of China, EO 14256 - Advocated for clarity around the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Canada, EO 14193 - Advocated for clarity around the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Mexico, EO 14194 - Advocated for clarity around the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Monitored development of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998)
Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the Peoples Republic of China, EO 14256 - Monitored implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Canada, EO 14193 - Monitored the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Mexico, EO 14194 - Monitored the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Monitored development of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998)
21st Century Cures Initiative: Encouraged Congress to consider whether use of the Vizient Vulnerability Index is appropriate as stakeholders consider innovative approaches to advance further technological progress. CMS FY 2025 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for Acute Care Hospitals and Quality Programs and Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program Requirements for Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. CMS Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Draft Guidance - Encouraged CMS to consider minimizing provider burden, including avoiding disruptions to current purchasing and reimbursement practices ; urged CMS to avoid final guidance that enables a retrospective payment of the 340B discount Issues related to hospital and provider payment Issues related to pharmacy benefit managers; monitoring the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability (MEPA) Act (S.2973) Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas. Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2389/S. 1302), responded to the Senate Bipartisan Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Working Group Draft Proposal Outline and Questions for Consideration. Medicare Program; Request for Information on Medicare Advantage Data - Recommended several opportunities to the agency to improve upon MA data collection, encouraged CMS to ensure that the data collection burden is not directly or indirectly passed on to hospitals and other providers. Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and Preventing AO Conflict of Interest, and Related Provisions proposed rule - Responded to the proposed rule urging CMS to minimize potential delays in accreditation or fewer educational offerings that could negatively impact providers. Encouraged CMS to finalize efforts to increase oversight of AO conflicts of interest.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Continued supporting passage of The Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3008) and The Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) - Encouraged the reauthorization of PAHPA Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Rural healthcare - Encouraged passage of the Save Rural Hospitals Act (S. 803) ; the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act (S. 1571) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430) Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing - Responded to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on EPAs Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. Encouraged EPA to use a standard, ecolabel or certification that is recognized by the Environmental Sustainability Program. Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged Congress to pass a two-year extension of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prescribing flexibilities without requiring an in-person medical evaluation Workforce - Monitored development of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840) ; Encouraged passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (S. 2768/H.R. 2584) ; the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 3679/H.R. 7153) ; the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act (S.3211/H.R.6205) ; the Resident Physician Workforce Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 (S. 1302/H.R. 2389) ; and the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act (H.R.7050)
21st Century Cures Act: Establishment of Disincentives for Health Care Providers That Have Committed Information Blocking Proposed Rule - Urged CMS to refrain from finalizing the Proposed Rule. Encouraged CMS, ONC and OIG to provide additional clarity regarding several policies under consideration. Contract Year 2025 Policy and Technical Changes To The Medicare Advantage (MA Or Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) programs Proposed Rule - Encouraged CMS to consider the Vizient Vulnerability Index as the agency considers other potential social risk factors and urged CMS to continue monitoring patients out-of-pocket costs as formulary changes occur. Issues related to hospital and provider payment. Issues related to pharmacy benefit managers; monitoring the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability (MEPA) Act (S.2973). Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas. Medicaid Disproportionate Hospital (DSH) payment cuts - Urged Congress to avoid Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment cuts scheduled to begin in FY 2024. Supported temporary delay of Medicaid DSH cuts in Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4366). Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2389/S. 1302). The Medicare Dependent Hospital (MDH) program and the Low Volume Hospital Payment Adjustment (LVA) - Supported passage of the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals (ARCH) Act (H.R 6430).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Continued supporting passage of The Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3008) and The Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) - Encouraged the reauthorization of PAHPA Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Rural healthcare - Encouraged passage of the Save Rural Hospitals Act (S. 803) ; the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act (S. 1571) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430) Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing - Responded to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on EPAs Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. Encouraged EPA to use a standard, ecolabel or certification that is recognized by the Environmental Sustainability Program. Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged Congress to pass a two-year extension of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prescribing flexibilities without requiring an in-person medical evaluation Workforce - Monitored development of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840) ; Encouraged passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (S. 2768/H.R. 2584) ; the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 3679/H.R. 7153) ; the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act (S.3211/H.R.6205) ; the Resident Physician Workforce Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 (S. 1302/H.R. 2389) ; and the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act (H.R.7050)
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Responded to the discussion draft of the Supporting Underserved and Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity Now and for the Future of 340B Act (SUSTAIN 340B Act) and supplemental request for information (RFI). Buffer inventory - Engagements with CMS on reimbursement for hospitals that stockpile buffer supplies of essential medicines. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize CHGME program through the Childrens Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 3887). Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Drug shortages -Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Engaged on recent FTC/HHS joint Request for Information related to generic drug shortages, as well as the January Senate Finance Committee White Paper Preventing and Mitigating Generic Drug Shortages: Policy Options Under Federal Health Programs. Continued supporting passage of The Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3008) and The Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810) and engaged on the Stop Drug Shortages Act (McMorris Rodgers, No Bill Number) discussion draft. Endorsed passage of legislation to address patent thickets (H.R. 6986/S.3583). Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.150). Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R. 6992). Healthcare Workforce - Endorsed passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768). Monitored development of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840). Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4421) and Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4420) - Supported timely passage of legislation to reauthorize the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act. Advocated for including provisions to increase transparency in the healthcare supply chain and improve hospital and health system emergency preparedness. Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Supported an increase in the Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor in Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4366) to offset recent administrative payment cuts. Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Buffer inventory - Engagements with CMS on reimbursement for hospitals that stockpile buffer supplies of essential medicines. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize CHGME program through the Childrens Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 3887). Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Drug shortages -Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Continued supporting passage of The Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3008) and The Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810). Provided feedback on the Senate Finance Committee discussion draft on the Drug Shortage Prevention and Mitigation Act (No Bill Number) legislation. Healthcare Workforce - Monitored development of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840) and the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768). Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Interchangeability Status - Responded to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft guidance on Considerations for Demonstrating Interchangeability with a Reference Product: Update. Urged FDA to promptly finalize the Draft Guidance. Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged Congress to pass a two-year extension of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prescribing flexibilities without requiring an in-person medical evaluation. Workforce - Encouraged passage of The Health Workforce Innovation Act (S.4957).
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Responded to the discussion draft of the Supporting Underserved and Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity Now and for the Future of 340B Act (SUSTAIN 340B Act) and supplemental request for information (RFI). Buffer inventory - Engagements with CMS on reimbursement for hospitals that stockpile buffer supplies of essential medicines Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize CHGME program through the Childrens Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 3887). Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Drug shortages -Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Continued supporting passage of The Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3008) and The Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810) and engaged on the Stop Drug Shortages Act (McMorris Rodgers, No Bill Number) discussion draft. Healthcare Workforce - Monitored development of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840) and the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768). Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) Standards Bulletin 2024-1 (SB24-1) - Offered recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v5 to support efforts related to health equity. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date.
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213) Provided education and information on the impact of continued tariffs on the healthcare supply chain
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213).
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding for CHGME to align the program levels with other federal physician training programs. Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services, encouraged continuing funding for Community Health Centers beyond current expiration. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) . Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731). Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug Shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339). Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care, including how providers use data to assess and integrate emerging healthcare technologies. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Price Transparency - Encouraged policies that minimize administrative burden on providers associated with implementing and complying with price transparency requirements. Supply Assurance - Continued advocacy for policies that support resilient healthcare supply chains and help ensure reliable access to critical medical products and supplies. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts. User Fee Acts - Engaged on the User Fee Acts (UFAs) reauthorization process and provided feedback on related policy considerations.
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status, including particular reporting requirements.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
2026 · second_quarter · Q2
Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; and Other Policy Changes (CMS-1849-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals in the proposed rule, advocated for a market basket update that more accurately reflects hospitals' cost of providing care in the IPPS Final Rule for FY 2027. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs for Medicare Advantage Organizations, Medicaid Managed Care Plans, State Medicaid Agencies, Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Agencies and CHIP Managed Care Entities, and Issuers of Qualified Health Plans on the Federally-Facilitated Exchanges (CMS-0062-P) - Responded to various issues in the proposed rule and recommended several modifications related to prior authorization processes to improve implementation and reduce provider burden Provider payment - Supported changes to Medicare/Medicaid provider payment system and increased hospital reimbursements. Advocated for reimbursement rates that reflect the true cost of care, particularly for hospitals serving vulnerable and rural populations.
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213) Provided education and information on the impact of continued tariffs on the healthcare supply chain
Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program - Urged increased funding in FY 2027 to fund CHGME with the same priority as other federal physician training programs Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514/S.1816) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Endorsed and encouraged passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2026 (HR.8339) Hospital Data and Analytics - Provided education and information on the types of clinical, operational, financial and quality data hospitals collect and monitor to improve patient care. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Supply Assurance - Responded to a Senate Special Committee on Aging inquiry on vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain highlighting the work done by GPOs to improve supply chain resiliency and encouraging additional healthcare supply chain visibility. Urged passage of legislation to reauthorize The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Telehealth - Encouraged the adoption of additional permanent telehealth policies to extend certain telemedicine flexibilities beyond their current expiration date. United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 7 - Respond to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Policy (ONC) on issues raised in Standards Bulletin 2026-1 (SB26-1) and offered comments to constructively improve certain data elements of Draft USCDI v7. Offered recommendations for future iterations of USCDI standards. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce and preventing workforce shortages through policies that support education, training, recruitment and retention efforts.
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status, including particular reporting requirements.
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
2026 · first_quarter · Q1
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Continued healthcare access - Advocated for a more resilient healthcare infrastructure and policies that provide the staffing and technological infrastructure necessary to maintain essential services Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Draft Guidance for Industry, Scientific Considerations in Demonstrating Biosimilarity to a Reference Product: Updated Recommendations for Assessing the Need for Comparative Efficacy Studies (Docket No. FDA-2011-D-0605) - Urging FDA to streamline biosimilar approval for increased patient access to cost-effective treatment alternatives Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for surges in demand Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations (GPOs) provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development and introduction of the Drug Origin Transparency Act of 2025 (HR.8339) Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications
Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Medicare Program; Ensuring Safety through Domestic Security with Made in America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Essential Medicine Procurement by Medicare Participating Hospitals (CMS-1516-ANPRM) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the ANPRM, encouraged non-budget neutral Medicare payments to incentivize domestic procurement Contract Year 2027 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program (Docket No.: CMS-2025-1393) - Responded to various issues in the proposed rule regarding the Medicare Advantage/Part C and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) program and Quality Rating System (Star Ratings). Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) Model Proposed Rule (CMS5545-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule, emphasized aligning reimbursement model with performance Monitored development and passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program Proposed Rule (CMS-9883-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule Provider payment - Supported changes to Medicare/Medicaid provider payment system and increased hospital reimbursements. Advocated for reimbursement rates that reflect the true cost of care, particularly for hospitals serving vulnerable and rural populations.
Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
2025 · fourth_quarter · Q4
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expire. Issues related to hospital and provider payment - Supported increasing hospital reimbursement to ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations, highlighted the criticality of Medicaid to sustaining vital healthcare services. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place, encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 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) final rule - Monitored development and eventual release of the CY26 Final Rule Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program (CMS-1832-P) final rule - Monitored development and eventual release of the CY26 Final Rule Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Physician Payment - Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including MA organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (H.R.5454) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Responded to Senate Aging Committee inquiry on role of group purchasing organizations in the drug supply chain. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Monitored development and passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178).
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment, including Devices: Monitored and provided feedback on U.S. Department of Commerces Notice of Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Personal Protective Equipment, Medical Consumables, and Medical Equipment, Including Devices (Docket No: 250924-0160; XRIN 0694-XC134) Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213)
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
2025 · third_quarter · Q3
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expire. Issues related to hospital and provider payment - Supported increasing hospital reimbursement to ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations, highlighted the criticality of Medicaid to sustaining vital healthcare services. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place, encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis Medicaid Program; Preserving Medicaid Funding for Vulnerable Populations- Closing a Health Care-Related Tax Loophole Proposed Rule (CMS- 2448-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and encouraged the agency to identify alternative approaches that would be less disruptive to state Medicaid programs. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 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) proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program (CMS-1832-P) proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services under the WISeR Model (CMS-5056-N) - Offered recommendations to strengthen transparency, reduce administrative burden and ensure provider perspectives inform implementation and oversight Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Physician Payment - Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including MA organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Monitored development of the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (H.R.5454) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. 340B Program Notice: Application Process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HHS Docket No. HRSA-2025-14619) - Provide feedback to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Pharmacy Affairs (OPA) notice and request for comments (RFC) regarding the application process for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (S.1784/H.R.4191) Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.1954) Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S.2439/H.R.3890/H.R.4731) Endorsed passage of the Protect Medicaid and Rural Hospitals Act (S.2279) Endorsed passage of the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act (S.2556) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Hospital Price Transparency - Responded to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Accuracy and Completeness Request for Information (RFI), urge the agency to alleviate excessive administrative burden on providers. Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Ultra-Processed Foods; RFI (Docket No. FDA-2025-N-1793) - Responded to FDA and USDAs request for information encouraging efforts to consider a uniform, science-based definition of UPFs through coordinated federal efforts Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts. Continued monitoring and encouraged passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (S.1600/H.R.3178). Hosted congressional briefing educating Senate and House staff on the education and training needs to address healthcare worker shortages, burnout and workplace violence.
Monitored development and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment, including Devices: Monitored and provided feedback on U.S. Department of Commerces Notice of Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Personal Protective Equipment, Medical Consumables, and Medical Equipment, Including Devices (Docket No: 250924-0160; XRIN 0694-XC134) Monitored development of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998/HR.2213) United States and European Union Cooperation Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade - Monitored Implementation and passage of agreement, with focus on tariff barriers.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), SENATE
2025 · second_quarter · Q2
H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expire. CMS FY 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for Acute Care Hospitals and Quality Programs and Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program Requirements for Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. CMS Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Draft Guidance - Encouraged CMS to consider minimizing provider burden, including avoiding disruptions to current purchasing and reimbursement practices ; urged CMS to avoid final guidance that enables a retrospective payment of the 340B discount H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Issues related to hospital and provider payment - Supported increasing hospital reimbursement to ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations, highlighted the criticality of Medicaid to sustaining vital healthcare services. Hosted congressional briefing to educate on hospital finances. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place, encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis Opportunities to Update the Patient Safety Indicators - Provide feedback to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on future Patient Safety Indicator (PSI) measurement and related analyses. Physician Payment - Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including MA organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas.
2025 · first_quarter · Q1
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expired. Issues related to hospital and provider payment - Supported increasing hospital reimbursement to ensure continued access to care for vulnerable populations, highlighted the criticality of Medicaid to sustaining vital healthcare services Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place, encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis Medicare Advantage (MA) - Offered recommendations to CMS as related to AI guardrails, provider directories, medical loss ratio (MLR) standards, health equity, and prior authorization and utilization management in MA plans. PAYGO Budget Cuts - Encouraged congress to act to avert statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) cuts set to go into effect Physician Payment - Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including MA organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas.
2024 · fourth_quarter · Q4
Sec. 301 China Tariffs - Continued to advocate for clarity around the expiration of tariff exclusions for products necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported extending exclusions for key healthcare products.
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Continued supporting passage of The Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3008) and The Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Monitored development of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) - Encouraged the reauthorization of PAHPA Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Rural healthcare - Encouraged passage of the Save Rural Hospitals Act (S. 803) ; the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act (S. 1571) and the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals Act (H.R. 6430) Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing - Responded to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on EPAs Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. Encouraged EPA to use a standard, ecolabel or certification that is recognized by the Environmental Sustainability Program. Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged Congress to pass a two-year extension of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prescribing flexibilities without requiring an in-person medical evaluation Workforce - Monitored development of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840) ; Encouraged passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (S. 2768/H.R. 2584) ; the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 3679/H.R. 7153) ; the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act (S.3211/H.R.6205) ; the Resident Physician Workforce Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 (S. 1302/H.R. 2389) ; and the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act (H.R.7050)
2024 · third_quarter · Q3
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Buffer inventory - Engagements with CMS on reimbursement for hospitals that stockpile buffer supplies of essential medicines. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize CHGME program through the Childrens Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 3887). Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Drug shortages -Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Continued supporting passage of The Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3008) and The Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810). Provided feedback on the Senate Finance Committee discussion draft on the Drug Shortage Prevention and Mitigation Act (No Bill Number) legislation. Healthcare Workforce - Monitored development of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840) and the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768). Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Interchangeability Status - Responded to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft guidance on Considerations for Demonstrating Interchangeability with a Reference Product: Update. Urged FDA to promptly finalize the Draft Guidance. Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged Congress to pass a two-year extension of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prescribing flexibilities without requiring an in-person medical evaluation. Workforce - Encouraged passage of The Health Workforce Innovation Act (S.4957).
2024 · second_quarter · Q2
21st Century Cures Initiative: Encouraged Congress to consider whether use of the Vizient Vulnerability Index is appropriate as stakeholders consider innovative approaches to advance further technological progress. CMS FY 2025 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for Acute Care Hospitals and Quality Programs and Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program Requirements for Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. CMS Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Draft Guidance - Encouraged CMS to consider minimizing provider burden, including avoiding disruptions to current purchasing and reimbursement practices ; urged CMS to avoid final guidance that enables a retrospective payment of the 340B discount Issues related to hospital and provider payment Issues related to pharmacy benefit managers; monitoring the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability (MEPA) Act (S.2973) Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas. Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2389/S. 1302), responded to the Senate Bipartisan Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Working Group Draft Proposal Outline and Questions for Consideration. Medicare Program; Request for Information on Medicare Advantage Data - Recommended several opportunities to the agency to improve upon MA data collection, encouraged CMS to ensure that the data collection burden is not directly or indirectly passed on to hospitals and other providers. Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and Preventing AO Conflict of Interest, and Related Provisions proposed rule - Responded to the proposed rule urging CMS to minimize potential delays in accreditation or fewer educational offerings that could negatively impact providers. Encouraged CMS to finalize efforts to increase oversight of AO conflicts of interest.
2024 · first_quarter · Q1
21st Century Cures Act: Establishment of Disincentives for Health Care Providers That Have Committed Information Blocking Proposed Rule - Urged CMS to refrain from finalizing the Proposed Rule. Encouraged CMS, ONC and OIG to provide additional clarity regarding several policies under consideration. Contract Year 2025 Policy and Technical Changes To The Medicare Advantage (MA Or Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) programs Proposed Rule - Encouraged CMS to consider the Vizient Vulnerability Index as the agency considers other potential social risk factors and urged CMS to continue monitoring patients out-of-pocket costs as formulary changes occur. Issues related to hospital and provider payment. Issues related to pharmacy benefit managers; monitoring the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability (MEPA) Act (S.2973). Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas. Medicaid Disproportionate Hospital (DSH) payment cuts - Urged Congress to avoid Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment cuts scheduled to begin in FY 2024. Supported temporary delay of Medicaid DSH cuts in Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4366). Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2389/S. 1302). The Medicare Dependent Hospital (MDH) program and the Low Volume Hospital Payment Adjustment (LVA) - Supported passage of the Assistance for Rural Community Hospitals (ARCH) Act (H.R 6430).
2023 · fourth_quarter · Q4
Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers. Endorsed passage of Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective (COMPLETE) Care Act (H.R. 5819/S.1378). Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4421) and Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4420) - Supported passage of legislation to reauthorize the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act. Advocated for including provisions to increase transparency in the healthcare supply chain and improve hospital and health system emergency preparedness. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Drug shortages -Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Endorsed passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810). Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S. 2305). Supported passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act (S. 1355/H.R. 2940). Supported passage of the Biologics Competition Act (H.R. 1790). Endorsed passage of Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S.2305) 340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Endorsed passage of the Preserving Rules Ordered for The Entities Covered Through (PROTECT) 340B Act (H.R. 2534). Opposed legislation (H.R. 3290/S. 1133) that would place cumbersome reporting obligations on 340B covered entities. Buffer inventory - Engagements with CMS on reimbursement for hospitals that stockpile buffer supplies of essential medicines Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted during congressional briefing how hospitals are providing mental and behavioral health treatment and support for their communities. Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Healthcare Workforce - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2389 / S. 1302), the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768) and the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act (H.R 6205/S. 3211); Monitored development and introduction of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840) Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Urged Congress to reauthorize CHGME program through the Childrens Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 3887). Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Unique Device Identification (UDI) - Continued engagement to improve data standards and validation and support opportunities for the improved use of unique device identification and the Global UDI database (GUDID). Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date. Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Issues related to pharmacy benefit managers
2023 · third_quarter · Q3
Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers. Drug shortages - Opposed provisions in House Energy and Commerce Committee discussion draft on drug shortages that would exempt sterile injectable products from the 340B Drug Pricing Program, and increase reporting obligations for hospitals as a and group purchasing organizations. Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs. Endorsed passage of the Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810). Endorsed passage of the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (S. 2305). Pandemic and All Hazard Preparedness Act (H.R. 4421 and H.R. 4420) - Supported timely passage of legislation to reauthorize the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act. Advocated for including provisions to increase transparency in the healthcare supply chain and improve hospital and health system emergency preparedness. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Endorsed passage of the Protect 340B Act (H.R. 2534). Opposed legislation (H.R. 3290/S. 1133) that would place cumbersome reporting obligations on 340B covered entities. Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Social Determinants of Health - Highlighted during congressional briefing how hospitals are investing in social determinants of health to support the health of their community. Highlighted the need for federal agencies to utilize a more comprehensive social needs index like the Vizient Vulnerability Index to identify community health needs and other social drivers of health. Healthcare Workforce - Urged passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768). Continued to highlight the need to improve healthcare staffing through investments and reauthorization of critical workforce programs, expanding access to unused visas for healthcare workers. Monitored development and introduction of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840). Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Urged Congress to reauthorize CHGME program (H.R. 3887). Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Unique Device Identification (UDI) - Supported improved data standards and validation to improve accuracy of medical device information in the Global Unique Device Identification Database. Telehealth - Supported passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date. Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Supported passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR)Act (S. 1355/H.R. 2940). Supported passage of the Biologics Competition Act (H.R. 1790). Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates to place limits on payer-mandated white bagging for medications.
2023 · second_quarter · Q2
Hospital Medicare Reimbursement Rates - Urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use their adjustment authority to increase Medicare reimbursement rates due to inflationary pressures that have not been fully captured in payment rules. Medicare Site-neutral Payment Policy (H.R. 3561) - Opposed inclusion of provisions to reduce Medicare payment rates for hospital outpatient department drug administration, and other services. Medicaid Disproportionate Hospital (DSH) payment cuts - Urged Congress to avoid Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment cuts that are scheduled to take effect in FY 2024. Urged passage of Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act (H.R. 2665). Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education - Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2389/S. 1302). Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization - Raised concerns about the use of prior authorization and other utilization management techniques employed by Medicare Advantage organizations. Also raised concerns about required use of payer-mandated pharmacy distribution using "white bagging" and "brown bagging" in Medicare Advantage. Medicare Home Infusion - Endorsed passage of the Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act (S. 1976/H.R. 4104). Rural health care - Supported passage of the SAVE Rural Hospitals Act (S. 803) and passage of the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act (S. 1571)
2023 · first_quarter · Q1
Sec. 301 China Tariffs - Continued to advocate for clarity around the expiration of tariff exclusions for products necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported extending exclusions for key healthcare products.
Hospital Financial Challenges - highlighted ongoing financial challenges facing hospitals with stagnant reimbursement, inflation and increased staffing costs. Medicaid Disproportionate Hospital (DSH) payment cuts - Urged Congress to avoid Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment cuts that are scheduled to take effect in FY 2024. Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education - Endorsed passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2389). Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization - Raised concerns about the use of prior authorization and other utilization management techniques employed by Medicare Advantage organizations. Medicare Home Infusion - Supported efforts to improve the Medicare Home Infusion benefit and monitored the development of updated legislation. Medicare Reimbursement Reductions for 340B Drugs - Urged CMS to restore lost Medicare reimbursement for 340B drugs that was found unlawful by the Supreme Court without delay in a way that would not increase provider burden by requiring resubmission of previous claims.
2022 · fourth_quarter · Q4
Healthcare Supply Chain - Highlighted the important role played by hospital group purchasing organizations in promoting resiliency and value in healthcare purchasing. Engaged to support policies to ensure greater transparency and mitigate or limit shortages of prescription drugs. Supported policies that would expedite critical cargo, including cargo necessary for medical care, during a public health emergency or disaster. Advocated for greater transparency in the health care supply chain for drugs and medical devices. Supported updating language related to the Unapproved Drugs Initiative, and incorporating the PASTUER Act (S.2076) and the PATCH Act (H.R. 7084) in omnibus legislation (H.R. 2617). Telehealth - Supported efforts to make telehealth flexibilities offered during COVID-19 Public Health Emergency permanent. Supported CONNECT for Health Act (H.R. 2617 S. 1512/H.R. 2903) and the Extending Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act (H.R. 4040). Encouraged reimbursement parity for certain telehealth services and support for audio-only telehealth services. Health Care Workforce - Urged passage of the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act (H.R. 708; S. 168); The Health Care Workforce Resilience Act (S. 1024/H.R. 2255). Urged administration to examine practices of health care staffing agencies and supported passage of the Travel Nursing Agency Transparency Study Act (S. 4352). Supported passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act (H.R. 7961). Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and (PREVENT) Pandemics Act (S. 3799; H.R 2617) - monitored PREVENT Pandemics Act and supported inclusion of provisions to improve supply chain transparency, enhance cybersecurity of medical devices and extend shelf life of prescription drugs in omnibus legislation. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Urged HHS to enforce guidance that would allow 340B Covered Entities to utilize contract pharmacies. Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity - Shared insights and offered suggestions to CMS regarding health equity measurement, indices and data collection. Supported the Social Determinants Accelerator Act (H.R. 2503; S. 3039); The LINC to Address Social Needs Act (S. 509). Supported passage of Opioid Treatment Access Act (S. 3629/H.R. 6279). Supported passage of Drug Shortages Shelf Life Extension Act (S. 3493). Supported passage of the Biologics Competition Act (H.R. 8877).
2022 · third_quarter · Q3
Urged administration to continue tariff exclusions for medical products needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare Supply Chain - Highlighted the important role played by hospital group purchasing organizations in promoting resiliency and value in healthcare purchasing. Provided information on ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support environmentally preferred sourcing for healthcare supplies. Engaged to support policies to ensure greater transparency and mitigate or limit shortages of prescription drugs. Supported policies that would expedite critical cargo, including cargo necessary for medical care, during a public health emergency or disaster. Food and Drug Administration User Fee Amendments - Supported passage of legislation to extend user-fee authorities ((S. 4348, H.R.7667, H.R. 6833). Advocated for greater transparency in the health care supply chain for drugs and medical devices. Supported updating language related to the Unapproved Drugs Initiative, and incorporating the PASTUER Act (S.2076) and the PATCH Act (H.R. 7084) in final passage. Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376) - Supported extension of enhanced subsidies through the health insurance marketplace. Supported provisions that would increase reimbursement for biosimilar medications and monitored impact of other policies impacting prices of prescription drugs. Public Health Emergency - Advocated for HHS to further extend the declared Public Health Emergency. Telehealth - Supported efforts to make telehealth flexibilities offered during COVID-19 Public Health Emergency permanent. Supported CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903) and the Extending Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act (H.R. 4040). Encouraged reimbursement parity for certain telehealth services and support for audio-only telehealth services. Health Care Workforce - Urged passage of the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act (H.R. 708; S. 168); The Health Care Workforce Resilience Act (S. 1024/H.R. 2255); The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S.834/H.R. 2256). The Opioid Workforce Act (S. 1438/H.R. 3441). Urged administration to examine practices of health care staffing agencies. Supported passage of the Travel Nursing Agency Transparency Study Act (S. 4352). Supported passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act (H.R. 7961). Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and (PREVENT) Pandemics Act (S. 3799) - monitored PREVENT Pandemics Act and supported inclusion of provisions to improve supply chain transparency and extend shelf life of prescription drugs. Supported passage of the Integrity, Notification, Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Consumers Act (S. 963/H.R. 5502). 340B Drug Pricing Program - Urged HHS to enforce guidance that would allow 340B Covered Entities to utilize contract pharmacies. Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity - Shared insights and offered suggestions to CMS regarding health equity measurement, indices and data collection. Supported the Social Determinants Accelerator Act (H.R. 2503; S. 3039); The LINC to Address Social Needs Act (S. 509). Antimicrobial resistance (S. 2076) - Supported passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act. Supported passage of Opioid Treatment Access Act (S. 3629/H.R. 6279). Supported passage of Drug Shortage Shelf Life Extension Act (S. 3493). Supported passage of the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (S. 3792/H.R. 7053).
2022 · second_quarter · Q2
Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) - Supported inclusion of 4,000 Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education slots as part of Build Back Better Act. Supported policies to encourage health care coverage and close the Medicaid coverage gap. Medicare Sequestration - Urged Congress to avoid full resumption of Medicare sequestration payment reductions and act to prevent sequestration cuts due to statutory PAYGO requirements. Health Care Workforce - Supported legislation (S.834/H.R. 2256; S. 1438) to increase the number of Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education slots. Supported the Opioid Workforce Act (S. 1438/H.R. 3441). Advocated for increased funding for Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education funding. Supported passage of legislation - Strengthen Kids Mental Health Now Act (H.R. 7236). Telehealth - Advocated for Congress to extend or make permanent flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding the provider types and services available to be reimbursed by Medicare. Supported provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) to temporarily extend certain flexibilities after the end of the public health emergency. Urged passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903). Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity - Engaged and offered feedback on proposals from CMS to provide resources and context to better assess patient obstacles to accessing health care and their impact on health care outcomes. Supported passage of the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (S. 3792/H.R. 7053). Supported passage of the Preserving Access to Home Infusion Act (H.R. 5067).
2022 · first_quarter · Q1
Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) - Supported policies to encourage health care coverage and close the Medicaid coverage gap. Urged additional pandemic financial support for hospitals. Advocated for investments for hospitals and health care providers, including physical structure improvements, workforce and graduate medical education support. Public Health Emergency - Advocated for HHS to further extend the declared Public Health Emergency. Telehealth -Supported provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) to temporarily extend certain flexibilities after the end of the public health emergency. Supported passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903) to make telehealth flexibilities permanent. Encouraged reimbursement parity for certain telehealth services and support for audio-only telehealth services. Health Care Workforce - Urged passage of the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act (H.R. 708; S. 168); The Health Care Workforce Resilience Act (S. 1024/H.R. 2255); The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.610/H.R. 1667); The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S.834/H.R. 2256). The Opioid Workforce Act (S. 1438/H.R. 3441). Urged administration to examine practices of health care staffing agencies. Health Care Supply Chain - Advocated for the importance of hospital group purchasing organizations, and highlighted role in supporting supply chain resiliency to secure essential, authentic medical supplies for hospitals throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaged to support policies to limit shortages of prescription drugs. Advocated for greater transparency in the health care supply chain for drugs and medical devices. Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and (PREVENT) Pandemics Act (S. 3799) - monitored introduction of PREVENT Pandemics Act. Supported inclusion of provisions to improve supply chain transparency and extend shelf life of prescription drugs. Supported passage of the Integrity, Notification, Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Consumers Act (S. 963/H.R. 5502). Provider Relief Fund - Urged HHS and Congress to offer greater flexibility and extend deadlines for hospitals to utilize PRF funding and provide clear guidance on reporting expectations. Supported Provider Relief Deadline Extension Act (S. 2493) and Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act (H.R. 5963/S.3611). Drug Pricing - Reviewed options to further support modifications to the unapproved drugs initiative that would prevent or limit price increases for older, unapproved drugs. Supported changes to the 340B program and urged HHS to enforce guidance that would allow 340B Covered Entities to utilize contract pharmacies. Advocated for HHS to offer additional 340B Drug Pricing Program eligibility flexibility for hospitals that have had patient mix changed during the COVID-19 public health emergency (S. 773). Supported inclusion of provisions in Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) that would extend eligibility for covered entities that may have lost eligibility during the public health emergency. Medical Device User Fee Amendments - Urged greater authorities for the FDA to promote supply chain transparency. Generic Drug User Fee Amendments - Supported rapid adoption of generic drug user fee amendments, and urged inclusion of clarifying language related to the Unapproved Drugs Initiative and the PASTUER Act (S.2076). Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity - Shared insights and offered suggestions to CMS regarding health equity measurement, indices and data collection. Supported the Social Determinants Accelerator Act (H.R. 2503; S. 3039); The LINC to Address Social Needs Act (S. 509). Antimicrobial resistance (S. 2076) - Supported passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act. Supported passage of Opioid Treatment Access Act (S. 3629/H.R. 6279). Supported passage of Drug Shortage Shelf Life Extension Act (S. 3493).
2021 · fourth_quarter · Q4
Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) Supported inclusion of 4,000 Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education slots as part of Build Back Better Act. Urged removal of provision from bill that would implement a 12.5% reduction in Medicaid DSH payments in states that have not yet expanded Medicaid. Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act (S. 610) - supported passage of legislation to delay and reduce payment cuts due to Medicare sequestration, prevent Pay-as-You-Go payment reductions and increase Medicare physician reimbursement. Health Care Workforce - Supported legislation (S.834/H.R. 2256; S. 1438) to increase the number of Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education (GME) slots and to increase funding for Children's Hospital GME in FY2022. Telehealth - Advocated for Congress to extend or make permanent flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding the provider types and services available to be reimbursed by Medicare. Urged passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903). Supported passage of the Preserving Access to Home Infusion Act (H.R. 5067).
2021 · third_quarter · Q3
Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) Urged support for increasing available Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education slots as part of infrastructure package. Raised opposition to using further extension of Medicare sequestration or repurposing unused provider relief funding as offsets for bipartisan infrastructure package. Health care Workforce - Supported legislation (S.834/H.R. 2256; S. 1438) to increase the number of Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education (GME) slots and to increase funding for Children's Hospital GME in FY2022. Telehealth - Advocated for Congress to extend or make permanent flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding the provider types and services available to be reimbursed by Medicare. Urged passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903). Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) - Supported inclusion of funding to support broadband deployment needed for greater access to telehealth services. Preserving Access to Home Infusion Act (H.R. 5067)
Tariffs - Urged extension of exclusions for Sec. 301 China Tariffs for essential medical products needed to respond ot the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 · second_quarter · Q2
Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Advocated for the importance of hospital GPOs, and highlighted role in supporting supply chain resiliency to secure essential, authentic medical supplies for hospitals throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocated for greater transparency in the health care supply chain for drugs and medical devices and greater transparency into the decision-making of the Strategic National Stockpile. Supported passage of the Integrity, Notification, Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Consumers Act (S. 963). American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan Infrastructure Proposals - Monitored infrastructure proposals and advocated for support for investments in infrastructure for hospitals and health care providers, including physical structure improvements, workforce and graduate medical education support, efforts to prevent antimicrobial resistance and telehealth investments. Provider Relief Fund - Urged HHS and Congress to offer greater flexibility and extend deadlines for hospitals to utilize PRF funding and provide clear guidance on reporting expectations. Health Care Workforce - Urged passage of the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act (H.R. 708; S. 168). Drug Pricing - Monitored introductions of drug pricing legislation (H.R. 3, H.R. 19) and urged improvements to support hospital and patient access to needed medications. Unapproved Drugs Initiative - Engaged with HHS and the FDA to support modifications to the unapproved drugs initiative that would prevent or limit unintended price increases for older unapproved products. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Urged HHS to enforce guidance that would allow 340B Covered Entities to utilize contract pharmacies. Advocated for HHS to offer additional 340B Drug Pricing Program eligibility flexibility for hospitals that have had patient mix changed during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Stark Law and Anti-kickback Statute - Encouraged Congress to continue evaluating Stark and Anti-kickback statutes to better enable care coordination in value-based alternative payment models. Antimicrobial resistance (S. 2076) - Supported passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act.
2021 · first_quarter · Q1
Sec. 301 China Tariffs - Urged the U.S. Trade Representative to extend tariff exclusions for essential medical products needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Advocated for the importance of hospital GPOs, and highlighted role in securing essential, authentic medical supplies for hospitals throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocated for greater transparency in the health care supply chain for drugs and medical devices and greater transparency into the decision-making of the Strategic National Stockpile. COVID-19 Relief - H.R. 1319, The American Rescue Plan - Advocated for Congress to include provisions in COVID relief package to increase funding for the Provider Relief Fund. Urged robust support for vaccine distribution and administration. Supported inclusion of provisions that would provide liability protection for hospitals and health care workers, and provide for hazard pay for essential frontline health care workers. American Jobs Plan and Infrastructure - Monitored proposals from the American Jobs plan that would support investments in infrastructure for health care providers, including physical structure improvements and workforce and telehealth investments. Health Care Workforce - Urged passage of the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act (H.R. 708; S. 168) Insurance Plans Limiting Distribution for Specialty Pharmaceuticals - Raised concerns about growing practice of "white bagging" where health plans prohibit hospitals from acquiring certain specialty pharmacy items to treat patients, and instead require purchase through a plan-affiliated specialty pharmacy. Unapproved Drugs Initiative - Engaged with HHS and the FDA to support modifications to the unapproved drugs initiative that would prevent or limit unintended price increases for older unapproved products. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Urged HHS to enforce guidance that would allow 340B Covered Entities to utilize contract pharmacies. Stark Law and Anti-kickback Statute - Encouraged Congress to continue evaluating Stark and Anti-kickback statutes to better enable care coordination in value-based alternative payment models.
2020 · fourth_quarter · Q4
COVID-19 crisis - Engaged with Congress and the administration to advocate for greater regulatory flexibility and appropriate reimbursement for hospitals through development, passage and ongoing implementation of coronavirus relief legislation: HEROES Act (HR 6800) Heroes Act 2.0 (H.R. 925) Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act (S. 178) The Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 133) Telehealth - Urged Congress and the administration to make permanent telehealth flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding provider types and services available to consumers and maintain Medicare reimbursement parity. Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program - Advocated for Congress and the administration to offer forgiveness for accelerated and advanced payments during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Offered support for reduced interest rates, extended loan repayment period and reduced recoupment amounts (S. 3750/H.R. 6837/ H.R. 8337 / H.R. 133). Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Urged Congress to end or further delay implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts. Medicare Sequester - urged Congress to end or further delay ongoing Medicare sequestration reimbursement reductions. Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) - Urged Congress to extend the increased Medicaid FMAP matching rate beyond the public health emergency and increase the enhanced percentage. Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation - Urged CMS to permanently withdraw the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation and advocated for Congress to rescind the proposal. COVID-19 Data Reporting Requirements for Hospitals - Urged HHS ease burden of COVID-19 mandatory reporting requirements and clarify aspects of reporting. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 348) - Urged Congress to pass the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act. Most Favored Nation - Urged CMS to withdraw or delay the start of the Most-Favored Nation regulation for drug reimbursement for hospitals and other providers.
2020 · third_quarter · Q3
Hospital Tax-exemption and Community Benefit - Urged the IRS to extend compliance deadlines for tax-exempt hospitals to complete a Community Health Needs Assesment and implementation strategy during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
COVID-19 crisis - Engaged with Congress and the administration to advocate for greater regulatory flexibility and appropriate reimbursement for hospitals through development, passage and ongoing implementation of coronavirus relief legislation: HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) Heroes Act 2.0 (H.R. 925) Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act S. 178 Hospital Provider Relief Fund - Urged Congress to increase funding available for the Provider Relief Fund and maintain established guidelines. Liability protections - Advocated for Congress to include liability protections for health care workers and facilities responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Front-line Health Care Worker Hazard Pay - Advocated for Congress to provide funding to enhance payment for essential health care workers. Hospital Group Purchasing - Offered recommendations and insights to support access to essential personal protective equipment, medications and supplies for hospitals treating patients and supply chain stability for the national response to the COVID-19 crisis. Prescription Drug Safety - Supported passage of the Safe Drugs Act (S. 4492) 340B Drug Pricing Program - Supported legislation to ensure hospitals eligible for the 340B Drug Pricing Program do not lose eligibility due to changing patient mix during the COVID-19 crisis. Advocated for preserving the current structure of the program (S. 4160). Urged HHS to act to enforce guidance regarding 340B discounts through contract pharmacies. Surprise Billing - Supported inclusion of provisions to provide for an independent dispute resolution process in legislation to address surprise bills (H.R. 3630; H.R. 2328; S. 1895). Urged Congress to oppose benchmark payment rates in COVID relief legislation. Stark and Antikickback Statute - Uged the administration to finalize regulations that offer new flexibilty for Stark and Antikickback Statute regulations for value-based arrangements.
2020 · second_quarter · Q2
COVID-19 crisis - Engaged with Congress and the administration to advocate for greater regulatory flexibility and appropriate reimbursement for hospitals through development, passage and ongoing implementation of coronavirus relief legislation: Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) Paycheck Protection Act and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) HEROES Act (HR 3) Hospital Group Purchasing - Offered recommendations and insights to support access to essential personal protective equipment, medications and supplies for hospitals treating patients and supply chain stability for the national response to the COVID-19 crisis. Provider Relief Fund - Urged Congress to increase funding available for the Provider Relief Fund, and encouraged HHS to rapidly deploy the funding for hospitals. Liability protections - Advocated for Congress to include liability protections for health care workers and facilities responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Prescription Drug Pricing - Monitored ongoing negotiations to reduce prescription drug prices. Engaged to clarify provisions in the House (H.R. 3) and Senate (S. 2543) drug pricing bills. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Supported legislation to ensure hospitals eligible for the 340B Drug Pricing Program do not lose eligibility due to changing patient mix during the COVID-19 crisis. Advocated for preserving the current structure of the program (S. 4160). Surprise Billing - Supported inclusion of provisions to provide for an independent dispute resolution process in legislation to address surprise bills (H.R. 3630; H.R. 2328; S. 1895).
2020 · first_quarter · Q1
Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated in support of hospital group purchasing organizations and maintaining the GPO safe harbor. Coronavirus relief Efforts - Supported passage of several bills to provide economic stability, financial relief and regulatory flexibility for hospitals in response to the COVID-19 crisis. H.R. 6074 - Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. H.R. 6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stability (CARES) Act Offered recommendations to avoid supply chain disruptions of personal protective equipment and essential medications and supplies for hospitals for treating patients with COVID-19. Supported additional flexibilities to increase access to compounded medications. Urged DEA to expand aggregate production quotas for essential medications. Prescription Drug Pricing - Monitored ongoing negotiations to reduce prescription drug prices. Engaged to clarify provisions in the House (H.R. 3) and Senate (S. 2543) drug pricing bills. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Supported maintaining adequate reimbursement for hospitals purchasing prescription drugs through the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Advocated for preserving the current structure of the program. Surprise Billing - Supported inclusion of provisions to provide for an independent dispute resolution process in legislation to address surprise bills (H.R. 3630; H.R. 2328; S. 1895). Rural Health Care Issues - Offered support for the following legislation that would make improvements to rural health care access: Critical Access Hospital Regulatory Relief (S. 586/H.R. 1041) Rural Hospital Regulatory Relief Act (S. 895/H.R. 3416) Rural Health Clinic Modernization Act (S. 1037/H.R. 2788) Telehealth Across State Lines Act (S. 2408/H.R.4900) CONNECT For Health Act (S. 2741/H.R.4932) Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (S. 948/H.R.2895)
2019 · fourth_quarter · Q4
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax Exemption - conducted outreach and education on hospital tax-exemption and community benefit requirements.
Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated in support of hospital group purchasing organizations and maintaining the GPO safe harbor. Prescription Drug Pricing - Engaged to clarify provisions in the House (H.R. 3) and Senate (S. 2543) drug pricing bills. Supported passage of legislation that would promote competition among prescription drug manufacturers: The CREATES Act (H.R. 965; S. 340); the FAST Generics Act (H.R. 985); the Biologic Patent Transparency Act (S.659); the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S. 1416). 340B Drug Pricing Program - Supported maintaining adequate reimbursement for hospitals purchasing prescription drugs through the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Advocated for preserving the current structure of the program and retaining the current prime vendor. Surprise Billing - Supported inclusion of provisions to provide for an independent dispute resolution process in legislation to address surprise bills (H.R. 3630; H.R. 2328; S. 1895). Health Care Costs - Monitored the development and release of the S. 1895, the Lower Health Care Costs Act. Health Care Data Utilization - conducted an educational briefing to illustrate how hospitals utilize data resources to identify health care quality improvement opportunities. Rural Health Care Issues - Offered support for the following legislation that would make improvements to rural health care access: Critical Access Hospital Regulatory Relief (S. 586/H.R. 1041) Rural Hospital Regulatory Relief Act (S. 895/H.R. 3416) Rural Health Clinic Modernization Act (S. 1037/H.R. 2788) Telehealth Across State Lines Act (S. 2408/H.R.4900) CONNECT For Health Act (S. 2741/H.R.4932) Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (S. 948/H.R.2895)
2019 · third_quarter · Q3
Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Urged Congress to approve legislation to delay implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts. Site-neutral Payments - Supported passage of the PLACE Act (H.R. 2552) which would reverse site-neutral payments cuts implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 348) - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act to support an increase in the number of Medicare-supported graduate medical education residents.
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax Exemption - conducted outreach and education on hospital tax-exemption and community benefit requirements.
2019 · second_quarter · Q2
Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Urged Congress to approve legislation to delay implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts. Site-neutral Payments - Supported passage of the PLACE Act (H.R. 2552) which would reverse site-neutral payments cuts implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 348) - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act to support an increase in the number of Medicare-supported graduate medical education residents. Home Infusion Therapy Reimbursement - Opposed CMS's implementation of unnecessary payment restrictions around Medicare's home infusion benefit. Urged Congress to act to expand access to home infusion therapy.
Tariffs on Medical Supplies - Raised concerns about potential implementation of tariffs on medical devices, device components and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Urged trade negotiators to consider impact on U.S. health care costs.
2019 · first_quarter · Q1
Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated in support of hospital group purchasing organizations and maintaining the GPO safe harbor. Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings System - Urged changes to the methodology of the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings System. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Supported maintaining adequate reimbursement for hospitals purchasing prescription drugs through the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Advocated for maintaining the current structure of the program and supported retaining the current prime vendor. Prescription Drug Pricing - Urged passage of legislation that would promote competition among prescription drug manufacturers. Supported passage of the CREATES Act (H.R. 965; S. 340). Supported passage of the FAST Generics Act (H.R. 985). Supported passage of Biologic Patent Transparency Act (S.659). Monitored ongoing Congressional discussions related modifying pharmacy benefit manager rebates and other legislation related to patents, pay-for-delay settlements and improvements to FDA resources regarding biosimilar medications. Medical Device and Hospital Cybersecurity - Monitored ongoing discussion around enhancing cybersecurity protections for medical devices and hospital networks. Supported additional resources to bolster efforts as well as regulatory flexibility that recognizes the complexity of preventing and responding to cyberattacks. Disaster Preparedness - Conducted education and outreach to describe hospital efforts and resources necessary to prepare for natural disasters and mass-casualty events.
2018 · fourth_quarter · Q4
340B Drug Pricing Program - Opposed Medicare reimbursement reductions for hospitals eligible for the 340B drug pricing program. Supported passage of H.R. 4392, H.R 6071. Opposed H.R. 4710, H.R. 6240, S. 2312 and S.2453. Outpatient Prospective Payment System Site-Neutral Payment Reductions - Opposed implementation of Medicare payment changes that would reduce reimbursement for hospital outpatient facilities.
Group Purchasing - Conducted education and outreach efforts about the value hospital group purchasing organizations deliver the U.S. health care system. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Opposed changes to eligibility and the structure of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Supported passage of H.R. 4392 and H.R 6071. Opposed H.R. 4710, H.R. 6240, S. 2312 and S.2453. Drug Shortages - Engaged in discussions around how ongoing shortages of prescription drugs are impacting hospitals and possible solutions. Advocated for the Drug Enforcement Agency to modify total annual production quotas to address hospital shortage of injectable opioid solutions. Drug Pricing - Supported the CREATES Act (S. 974), The Fair Access to Safe and Timely Generics Act (H.R. 2051), The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics (S.124), The Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act (S.297) and The Lower Drug Costs through Competition Act (H.R. 749). Biosimilar Drug adoption - Supported administrative proposals that would expand the adoption of biosimilar medications. Urged the Food and Drug Administration to finalize guidance related biosimilar interchangeability. Opioid Abuse - Supported changes to privacy requirements under 42 CFR Part 2 to better support coordinated care for patients. Supported H.R. 6082. Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act (H.R.5385, S.2597) - Endorsed passage of legislation to reauthorize the Children's Hospital GME program. Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings - Urged modifications to the methodology used to calculate Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings Program. Stark Law Reform - Monitored discussions in the House and Senate seeking reforms to the Stark Law. Voiced support for reforms that ease barriers to value-based care arrangements.
2018 · third_quarter · Q3
340B Drug Pricing Program - Opposed changes to eligibility and the structure of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Supported passage of H.R. 4392, H.R 6071. Opposed H.R. 4710, H.R. 6240, S. 2312 and S.2453. Group Purchasing - Conducted education and outreach efforts about the value hospital group purchasing organizations deliver the U.S. health care system. Drug Shortages - Advocated for Drug Enforcement Agency to modify total production quotas for injectable opioid solutions to address hospital shortages. Drug Pricing - Supported the CREATES Act (S. 974), The Fair Access to Safe and Timely Generics Act (H.R. 2051), The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics (S.124), The Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act (S.297) and The Lower Drug Costs through Competition Act (H.R. 749). Biosimilar Drug adoption - Supported administrative proposals that would expand the adoption of biosimilar medications. Urged the Food and Drug Administration to finalize guidance related biosimilar interchangeability. Opioid Abuse - Supported passage of H.R. 6 and ongoing efforts to enhance funding and treatment options to address opioid abuse and addiction issues. Supported changes to privacy requirements under 42 CFR Part 2 to better support coordinated care for patients. Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings - Urged modifications to the methodology used to calculate Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings Program. Prescription Drug Compounding - Supported ongoing efforts to maintain access to safe and effective drug compounding as the Drug Quality and Safety Act is implemented. Stark Law Reform - Monitored discussions in the House and Senate seeking reforms to the Stark Law. Voiced support for reforms that ease barriers to value-based care arrangements.
2018 · second_quarter · Q2
Hospital Tax Exemption and Community Benefit - Monitored congressional activities for potential changes to hospital community benefit requirements to maintain tax exemption. Urged supplemental guidance related to community benefit and social determinants of health.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Highlighted importance of the 340B Drug Pricing program for safety net hospitals and monitored ongoing discussions around reforming the program. Supported passage of H.R. 4392, H.R 6071. Opposed H.R. 4710, H.R. 6240, S. 2312 and S.2453. Group Purchasing - Conducted education and outreach efforts about the value hospital group purchasing organizations deliver the U.S. health care system. Drug Shortages - Advocated for Drug Enforcement Agency to modify total production quotas for injectable opioid solutions to address hospital shortages. Drug Pricing - Supported the CREATES Act (S. 974), The Fair Access to Safe and Timely Generics Act (H.R. 2051), The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics (S.124), The Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act (S.297) and The Lower Drug Costs through Competition Act (H.R. 749). Opioid Abuse - Supported House passage of H.R. 6 and ongoing efforts to enhance funding and treatment options to address opioid abuse and addiction issues. Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings - Urged modifications to the methodology used to calculate Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings Program. Prescription Drug Compounding - Supported ongoing efforts to maintain access to safe and effective drug compounding as the Drug Quality and Safety Act is implemented. Stark Law Reform - Monitored discussions in the House and Senate seeking reforms to the Stark Law. Voiced support for reforms that ease barriers to value-based care arrangements. Medical Device Cybersecurity - Urged additional steps to promote enhanced cybersecurity for networked medical devices.
2018 · first_quarter · Q1
Group Purchasing - Conducted education and outreach efforts about the value hospital group purchasing organizations deliver the U.S. health care system. Drug Pricing - Supported the CREATES Act (S. 974), The Fair Access to Safe and Timely Generics Act (H.R. 2051), The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics (S.124), The Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act (S.297) and The Lower Drug Costs through Competition Act (H.R. 749). 340B Drug Discount program - Supported passage of H.R. 4392. Opposed H.R. 4710, S. 2312 and S.2453 and monitored ongoing congressional reports and discussions around the program. Children's Health Insurance Program - Supported passage of legislation to extend the Children's Health Insurance Program. Supported provision in H.R. 195 to extend the program for 6 years, and provisions in H.R. 1892 that continued funding for four additional years. Supported efforts to stabilize ACA insurance markets - including continuing funding for cost-sharing reduction subsidies and other efforts to stabilize insurance markets. Supported inclusion of provision to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) in H.R. 1892. Opioid Abuse - Monitored legislation to enhance funding and treatment options to address opioid abuse and addiction issues. Engaged in support of taking steps to ease shortages of hospital-administered intravenous opioid solutions.
2017 · fourth_quarter · Q4
340B Drug Discount Program - Opposed Medicare reimbursement reductions for hospitals eligible for the 340B drug discount program. Supported passage of H.R. 4392. Opposed H.R. 4710. Children's Health Insurance Program (H.R. 3922, Championing Healthy Kids Act) - Supported passing legislation to extend the Children's Health Insurance Program. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Supported legislation (H.R. 3922) delaying implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts. Urged Congress to pass legislation to continue Medicare "extenders" (Medicare Dependent Hospital program, Low Volume Adjustment and ambulance add-on payments). Supported passage of the ACE Kids Act (S.428). Home Infusion Payments (S. 1738, H.R. 3178) - Supported making changes to align the effective dates of ASP reimbursement for Part B DME infusion drugs and infusion services payments. Medicare Site-neutral Payment Policies- Monitored proposals to reduce hospital payments to outpatient or physician office reimbursement levels.
H.R. 1 - The Tax Reform and Jobs Act - monitored development and passage of H.R. 1. Opposed provisions to end the penalty for the ACA's individual mandate. Opposed proposals that would negatively impact tax-exempt financing by ending the ability of nonprofit hospitals to utilize private activity bond financing and advance refunding. Hospital Tax Exemption and Community Benefit - Monitored tax reform proposals for potential changes to hospital community benefit requirements to maintain tax exemption.
2017 · third_quarter · Q3
The Better Care Reconciliation Act - opposed passage of BCRA in the Senate, and various amendments including the Cassidy-Graham proposal, to the House-passed American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628). Opposed Medicare reimbursement reductions for hospitals eligible for the 340B drug discount program. Urged Congress to delay implementation of scheduled reductions to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. Supported extending the Children's Health Insurance Program for five years, and continuing Medicare "extenders" (Medicare Dependent Hospital program, Low Volume Adjustment and Ambulance add-on payments). Supported passage of the ACE Kids Act (S.428). Home Infusion Payments (S. 1738, H.R. 3178) - Supported making changes to align the effective dates of ASP reimbursement for Part B DME infusion drugs and the infusion services payment included in the 21st Century Cures Act.
Group Purchasing - Conducted education and outreach efforts about the value hospital group purchasing organizations deliver the U.S. health care system. Drug Pricing - Hosted a July Congressional briefing on drug pricing impact on hospitals. Supported The Lower Drug Costs through Competition Act (H.R. 749), The Fair Access to Safe and Timely Generics Act (H.R. 2051), The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics (S.124), The Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act (S.297) and the CREATES Act (S. 974). Engaged and monitored draft legislation to modify the 340B drug discount program. Monitored discussions around Congressional funding for cost-sharing reduction subsidies and other efforts to stabilize insurance markets. Supported passage of the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act (S.870). Independent Payment Advisory Board (H.R. 859, S. 251) - Supported passage of legislation to repeal IPAB. Preventive Health Savings Act (H.R. 2953) - Supported passage of legislation to allow for Congressional Budget Office to estimate cost-savings from preventive health care services. Supported House passage of the Protecting Access to Care Act (H.R. 1215) and the Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act (H.R. 1565).
2017 · second_quarter · Q2
The American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628) - opposed passage of H.R. 1628 due to concerns about cuts in Medicaid funding and health insurance coverage levels. Opposed passage of the Senate Better Care Reconciliation Act amendment. Supported continuing Medicare "extenders" (Medicare Dependent Hospital program, Low Volume Adjustment and Ambulance add-on payments). Supported passage of the ACE Kids Act (S.428). Home Infusion Payments - Supported making changes to align the effective dates of ASP reimbursement for Part B DME infusion drugs and the infusion services payment included in the 21st Century Cures Act).
Hospital Tax Exemption and Community Benefit - Monitored release of draft tax reform proposals for changes related to Hospital tax exemption requirements.
2017 · first_quarter · Q1
Group Purchasing - Conducted education and outreach efforts about the value hospital group purchasing organizations deliver the U.S. health care system. Drug Pricing - Supported The Lower Drug Costs through Competition Act (H.R. 749). Engaged in advocacy supporting draft legislation that would make modifications to the FDA's Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies process to allow for generic competition to enter the drug marketplace. Independent Payment Advisory Board - Supported legislation to repeal IPAB. Preventive Health Savings Act - Supported passage of legislation to allow for Congressional Budget Office to estimate cost-savings from preventive health care services.
The American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628) - opposed passage of H.R. 1628 due to concerns about cuts in Medicaid funding and health insurance coverage levels. Medicare Innovation Center Demonstrations - Monitored activity around Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation about whether new administration would continue mandatory demonstration participation. Home Infusion Payments - Supported making changes to align the effective dates of ASP reimbursement for Part B DME infusion drugs and the infusion services payment included in the The 21st Century Cures Act)
2016 · fourth_quarter · Q4
Not-for-profit hospital tax-exemption - Conducted outreach in support of ongoing efforts by hospitals to provide community benefit and sought clear and consistent guidance for maintaining tax-exemption.
Affordable Care Act - Monitored ongoing discussions about potential changes to the Affordable Care Act. Raised concerns about potential to repeal the law without a concurrent replacement plan that offers similar coverage levels, and provides appropriate Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for hospitals. 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6, H.R. 34) - Supported passage of the 21st Century Cures Act - shared concerns regarding changes to Medicare reimbursement for Home Infusion Treatments. Hospital outpatient department reimbursement (H.R. 34, H.R. 5273 - The Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act) - Supported passage in the House of H.R. 5273 and inclusion of key provisions in the 21st Century Cures Act The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588, H.R. 34) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate socioeconomic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Supported inclusion in 21st Century Cures Act. Medicare Innovations Center Mandatory Demonstration projects - Monitored Congressional activity related to proposed mandatory demonstration projects under the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovations (Medicare Part B Drug Demo, Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement, Episode Payment Model bundles). Mental Health Reform efforts - (H.R. 2646, S. 2151, H.R. 34) - Tracked ongoing discussions around reforming the mental health system in our country. Supported inclusion of provisions to allow for Medicaid funding for use in lengthier inpatient treatment options.
2016 · third_quarter · Q3
Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Provided ongoing outreach and education efforts regarding the value delivered by group purchasing organizations for hospitals across the country. Drug Prices - (S. 2615 - the Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act) Supported passage of S. 2615. Monitored legislative proposals to slow the growth of increasing prices in prescription drugs. Tracked ongoing discussion and offered information relating to how hospital group purchasing organizations help hold down cost growth of prescription drugs. 340B Drug Discount Program - Monitored proposals to modify the 340B Drug Discount program. 21st Century Cures (H.R. 6) - Tracked the development of Senate counterpart to the House-passed 21st Century Cures legislation and raised concerns about potential offsets that could impact hospital payments. Opioid legislation (S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act) - Supported passage of legislation to address growing challenges related to opioid abuse and addiction. Zika Virus (H.R. 5325 -Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act) - Monitored ongoing debate around legislative packages to provide funding to combat the spread of the Zika Virus. Stark Law Reform - Monitored discussions in the Senate Finance Committee around potential changes to Stark laws. Advocated for reasonable changes to the Stark laws to allow hospitals and other providers to work together to reduce costs in healthcare. Anti-microbial stewardship (S. 3176 - the Strategies to Address Antibiotic Resistance Act; S. 2467 - the Patient Safety Improvement Act) - Engaged in education efforts to highlight the work Vizient is doing to combat antibiotic resistance.
2016 · second_quarter · Q2
Hospital outpatient department reimbursement (H.R. 5273 - The Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act) - Supported passage of legislation to allow under-construction and other hospital-affiliated outpatient departments impacted by the 2015 Debt Ceiling and Budget Agreement to be grandfathered in under previous outpatient reimbursement rules, make modifications to the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program, and other changes. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Hospital site-neutral payment policies - monitored discussions of proposals that would reduce reimbursement for services delivered in a hospital setting. Medicare Total Quality Hospital Star Ratings - Advocated for a delay in the release of the new star ratings until the changes were made to the proposed methodology. Medicare Part B Drug Demonstration - Monitored the proposed demonstration and the impact it may have on hospitals. Tracked Congressional activity reviewing the proposal and legislation (H.R. 5122) to prevent CMS from moving forward with the demonstration.
2016 · first_quarter · Q1
Not-for-profit hospital tax-exemption - Conducted outreach in support of ongoing efforts by hospitals to provide community benefit and sought clear and consistent guidance for maintaining tax-exemption.
Hospital outpatient department reimbursement - Advocated for legislation to allow under-construction and other hospital-affiliated outpatient departments impacted by the 2015 Debt Ceiling and Budget Agreement (H.R. 1314)to be grandfathered in under previous outpatient reimbursement rules. Hospital site-neutral payment policies - monitored discussions of proposals that would reduce reimbursement in hospital settings. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Ways and Means Committee hospital legislation (H.R. 3291, H.R. 3292, H.R. 3288) - Monitored activity of three bills and ongoing discussions in the House Ways and Means Committee that could impact hospitals through changes to coding, indirect medical education reimbursement and updates to disproportionate share hospital program funding.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to increase funding for and reauthorize the CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Endorsed passage of the Drug Competition Enhancement Act (S.1040) Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.1041) Endorsed passage of the Save Healthcare Workers Act (H.R.3178/S.1600) Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R.4191/S.1784) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. H.R 1 - Monitored development of the One Big Beautiful Bill Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Request for Public Comments on Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Ingredients - Offered recommendations on the importance of considering incentives to support domestic manufacturing and financial support to providers Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged DEA to finalize a telemedicine prescribing framework that is more similar to the flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 PHE United States Core Data for Interoperability Draft Version 6 - Offer recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v6, including additional requesting clarification on several data elements Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts
Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the Peoples Republic of China, EO 14256 - Monitored implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Canada, EO 14193 - Monitored the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Mexico, EO 14194 - Monitored the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Monitored development of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998)
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices, highlighted the critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize the CHGME program Drug shortages - Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Encouraged improved stakeholder communication and increased notification by manufacturers for a surges in demand Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule to Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information - Urged the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to reconsider finalizing the Proposed Rule as currently drafted; encouraged the agency to reconsider proposed data standards and implementation specifications. Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Non-medical drivers of health outcomes - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand data about disparities in health. Highlighted opportunities for the increased use of secondary health data in a clinical setting. Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) - Encouraged the reauthorization of PAHPA Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Rural healthcare - Advocated for policies and initiatives that address the challenges of rural communities by promoting access to care and strengthening healthcare infrastructure Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current expiration date. Telemedicine prescribing - Encouraged DEA to finalize a telemedicine prescribing framework that is more similar to the flexibilities that have been in place since the COVID-19 PHE Workforce - Advocated for strengthening the health workforce through policies that support education, training, recruitment, and retention efforts
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of the Peoples Republic of China, EO 14256 - Advocated for clarity around the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Canada, EO 14193 - Advocated for clarity around the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Mexico, EO 14194 - Advocated for clarity around the implementation of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other healthcare products; supporting exclusions for key healthcare products. Monitored development of the Medical Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.998)
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office
Acute Hospital Care at Home - Recommended Congress make certain flexibilities related to the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program permanent or, pass an extension before flexibilities expired. Home Infusion - Shared concerns regarding changes to Medicare reimbursement for certain Home Infusion Treatments, encouraged passage of the Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act (S.1976/H.R.4104) Issues related to hospital and provider payment Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program - Urged Congress to avert the cuts to Medicaid DSH payments set to take place at the end of the year; encouraged passage of legislation to preserve DSH payments on a longer-term basis, endorsed passage of the Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act (H.R.2665) Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP) - Responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on CMSs ICR on implementation of Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. Encouraged the agency to continue considering provider perspectives as it works to implement the MDPNP Medicare Prospective Payment System Updates - Urged Congress to consider additional financial support for hospitals beyond increases in the IPPS and OPPS payment rules to more adequately adjust for increased provider costs. PAYGO Budget Cuts - Encouraged congress to act to avert statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) cuts set to go into effect in 2025 Physician Payment - Encouraged Congress to avoid enacting the reimbursement reduction for physicians and other clinicians treating Medicare patients included in the CY 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule; Urged Congress to consider long-term legislative solutions to refine the current Medicare physician payment system Prior Authorization - Provided feedback to improve prior authorization (PA) processes for various plans and payers, including Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations and Medicaid managed care plans. Endorsed legislation to streamline the prior authorization process in the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (S.4532/H.R.8702) Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Designation - Urged corrective action to allow REHs to bill both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Advocated for increased eligibility among REHs to allow for future Medicaid DSH payments to certain hospital facilities. Site-Neutral Payment Policies - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas. Monitoring development of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378)
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
21st Century Next-Generation Cures Initiative: Responded to congressional request for information (RFI) on biomedical research and innovation. Encouraged Congress to consider whether use of the Vizient Vulnerability Index is appropriate as stakeholders consider innovative approaches to advance further technological progress. CMS Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Draft Guidance - Encouraged CMS to consider minimizing provider burden, including avoiding disruptions to current purchasing and reimbursement practices; urged CMS to avoid final guidance that enables a retrospective payment of the 340B discount. Issues related to hospital and provider payment. Issues related to pharmacy benefit managers; monitoring the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability (MEPA) Act (S.2973). Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CMS CY 2025 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems proposed rule (CMS-1809-P) - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CMS CY 2025 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; and Medicare Overpayments proposed rule - Responded to various issues and proposals provided in the Proposed Rule and offered our responses to the agencys various requests for information. Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date.
Sec. 301 China Tariffs - Continued to advocate for clarity around the expiration of tariff exclusions for products necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported extending exclusions for key healthcare products.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Responded to the discussion draft of the Supporting Underserved and Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity Now and for the Future of 340B Act (SUSTAIN 340B Act) and supplemental request for information (RFI). Buffer inventory - Engagements with CMS on reimbursement for hospitals that stockpile buffer supplies of essential medicines Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize CHGME program through the Childrens Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 3887). Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Drug shortages -Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Continued supporting passage of The Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3008) and The Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810) and engaged on the Stop Drug Shortages Act (McMorris Rodgers, No Bill Number) discussion draft. Healthcare Workforce - Monitored development of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840) and the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768). Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) Standards Bulletin 2024-1 (SB24-1) - Offered recommendations to constructively improve Draft USCDI v5 to support efforts related to health equity. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date.
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Sec. 301 China Tariffs - Continued to advocate for clarity around the expiration of tariff exclusions for products necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported extending exclusions for key healthcare products. Provided feedback to the U.S. Trade Representatives (USTR) Request for Comments on Proposed Modifications and Machinery Exclusion Process in Four-Year Review of Actions Taken in the Section 301 Investigation: Chinas Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation (Docket No. USTR-2024-0007)
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Sec. 301 China Tariffs - Continued to advocate for clarity around the expiration of tariff exclusions for products necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported extending exclusions for key healthcare products.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Responded to the discussion draft of the Supporting Underserved and Strengthening Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity Now and for the Future of 340B Act (SUSTAIN 340B Act) and supplemental request for information (RFI). Buffer inventory - Engagements with CMS on reimbursement for hospitals that stockpile buffer supplies of essential medicines. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Continued to urge Congress to reauthorize CHGME program through the Childrens Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 3887). Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Drug shortages -Supported elements to increase transparency in prescription drug supply chain and increase reimbursement for generic prescription drugs; issues related to compounding; issues related to buffer inventory. Engaged on recent FTC/HHS joint Request for Information related to generic drug shortages, as well as the January Senate Finance Committee White Paper Preventing and Mitigating Generic Drug Shortages: Policy Options Under Federal Health Programs. Continued supporting passage of The Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3008) and The Drug Origin Transparency Act (H.R. 3810) and engaged on the Stop Drug Shortages Act (McMorris Rodgers, No Bill Number) discussion draft. Endorsed passage of legislation to address patent thickets (H.R. 6986/S.3583). Endorsed passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S.150). Endorsed passage of the Mapping Americas Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act (H.R. 6992). Healthcare Workforce - Endorsed passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768). Monitored development of the Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act (S.2840). Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers, as well as key differences between traditional GPOs and PBMs. Medical Device Sterilization - Conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Mental and Behavioral Health - Highlighted the need for legislation to address significant challenges to mental and behavioral health treatment, including increased demand for services, limited access to treatment, and clinician shortages. Payer-mandated White Bagging - Urged support for policy updates related to payer-mandated white bagging for medications. Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4421) and Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4420) - Supported timely passage of legislation to reauthorize the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act. Advocated for including provisions to increase transparency in the healthcare supply chain and improve hospital and health system emergency preparedness. Social Determinants of Health - Encouraged Congress and agencies to ensure tools like the Vizient Vulnerability Index are being utilized to understand and identify social drivers of health at the neighborhood level. Supported an increase in the Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor in Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4366) to offset recent administrative payment cuts. Telehealth - Continued supporting passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies to extend flexibilities beyond the current 2024 expiration date.
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Sec. 301 China Tariffs - Continued to advocate for clarity around the expiration of tariff exclusions for products necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported extending exclusions for key healthcare products.
Medicaid Disproportionate Hospital (DSH) payment cuts - Urged Congress to avoid Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment cuts scheduled to begin in FY 2024. Urged passage of Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act (H.R. 2665). Supported temporary delay of Medicaid DSH cuts in continuing resolution (H.R. 6363). Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) - Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Urged Congress to redirect its focus from site-neutral payment policies to reducing administrative burdens and increasing, rather than reducing, payments for care delivery in rural areas. The Medicare Dependent Hospital (MDH) program and the Low Volume Hospital Payment Adjustment (LVA) - Supported passage of The Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110) Medicare Area Wage Index - Supported passage of the Save Rural Hospitals Act (S. 803/H.R. 3635) Rural health care - Responded to House Ways and Means Committees Request for Information on ways to improve healthcare in rural and underserved areas. Urged Congress to consider utilizing the Vizient Vulnerability Index to help identify key challenges different rural communities face. Supported passage of the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act (S. 1571) and the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4924/S. 665). Urged further changes to Rural Emergency Hospital designation. Proposed Medicaid Managed Care Rule - Joined several other hospital advocacy organizations in signing a letter to CMS urging the agency not to finalize proposals related to provider-supported funding in the Medicaid Managed Care Proposed Rule. Supported CMSs proposal to establish the Average Commercial Rate (ACR) as the upper payment limit for inpatient and outpatient hospital services in the context of state directed payments. Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2389/S. 1302). Medicare Home Infusion - Supported passage of the Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act (S. 1976/H.R. 4104). Issues related to pharmacy benefit managers; monitoring the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability (MEPA) Act (S.2973) Issues related to hospital and provider payment
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Sec. 301 China Tariffs - Continued to advocate for clarity around the expiration of tariff exclusions for products necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported extending exclusions for key healthcare products.
Medicaid Disproportionate Hospital (DSH) payment cuts - Urged Congress to avoid Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment cuts scheduled to begin in FY 2024. Urged passage of Supporting Safety Net Hospitals Act (H.R. 2665). Supported temporary delay of Medicaid DSH cuts in continuing resolution (H.R. 5860). Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) - Supported inclusion of provision to delay Medicaid DSH payment cuts and provisions similar to those in the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act to update requirements for the use of prior authorization by Medicare Advantage organizations. Opposed adoption of site-neutral payment policies for drug administration and increased fines related to price transparency requirements for hospitals. Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2389/S. 1302). Medicare Home Infusion - Supported passage of the Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act (S. 1976/H.R. 4104). Rural health care - Developed and provided feedback to the House Ways and Means Committee RFI related to improving care access in rural and underserved areas. Supported passage of the SAVE Rural Hospitals Act (S. 803/H.R. 3635); the Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act (S. 1571); the Rural Hospital Support Act (S. 1110); the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4924/S. 665). Urged further changes to Rural Emergency Hospital designation.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Sec. 301 China Tariffs - Continued to advocate for clarity around the expiration of tariff exclusions for products necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported extending exclusions for key healthcare products.
Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work in the healthcare supply chain and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers. Drug shortages - Engaged to highlight how GPOs act to prevent and mitigate drug shortages. Urged greater transparency in the healthcare supply chain related to geographic locations for manufacturing, active pharmaceutical ingredients and other critical sources. Debt Ceiling Negotiations (H.R. 3746) - Opposed inclusion of work and community engagement requirements or further cuts in hospital reimbursement in debt ceiling negotiations. Pandemic and All Hazard Preparedness Act - Supported including provisions in the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act that would provide greater authority to require reporting of geographic locations for sourcing of critical materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, manufacturing, sterilization and finishing of critical medical products. Advocated for policies that would improve hospital and health system emergency preparedness. Supported improvements in transparency for the Strategic National Stockpile, greater government engagement with private sector stakeholders, automated reporting and reduced administrative burden for providers in emergencies and urged steps to support greater supply chain resilience. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Endorsed passage of the Protect 340B Act (H.R. 2534). Opposed legislation (H.R. 3290/S. 1133) that would place cumbersome reporting obligations on 340B covered entities. Continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Healthcare Workforce - Urged passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584). Continued to highlight the need to improve healthcare staffing through investments and reauthorization of critical workforce programs, expanding access to unused visas for healthcare workers, and review of staffing agency activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Urged Congress to reauthorize CHGME program (H.R. 3887). Telehealth - Endorsed passage of the CONNECT for Health Act(S. 2016/H.R. 4189). Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies that would extend flexibilities offered during the declared public health emergency and beyond the current 2024 expiration date. Medical Device Sterilization - conducted education and outreach on the potential negative impact on the healthcare supply chain of pending regulations limiting the use of Ethylene Oxide as a medical device sterilant. Endorsed passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions To End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR)Act (S. 1355/H.R. 2940). Endorsed passage of the Biologics Competition Act (H.R. 1790) Payer Mandated "white bagging" - Raised concerns about health plan restrictions requiring medications to be acquired through payer-affiliated pharmacies.
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated to highlight the value that hospital group purchasing organizations provide to hospitals and suppliers. Provided education on how GPOs work and the role they play in delivering value to healthcare providers. Pandemic and All Hazard Preparedness Act - Supported including provisions in the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act that would provide greater authority to require reporting of geographic locations for sourcing of critical materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, manufacturing, sterilization and finishing of critical medical products. Advocated for policies that would improve hospital and health system emergency preparedness. Supported improvements in transparency for the Strategic National Stockpile, greater government engagement with private sector stakeholders, automated reporting and reduced administrative burden for providers in emergencies and urged steps to support greater supply chain resilience. 340B Drug Pricing Program - continued to urge action to ensure covered entities have access to 340B discounted prices through contract pharmacies. Highlighted critical importance of the 340B program for hospitals. Healthcare Workforce - continued to highlight the need to improve healthcare staffing through investments and reauthorization of critical workforce programs, expanding access to unused visas for healthcare workers, review of staffing agency activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and improving workforce safety through enhanced penalties for workplace violence. Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) - Offered support for providing $738 million in funding the CHGME program. Telehealth - Continued to advocate for the adoption of permanent telehealth policies that would extend flexibilities offered during the declared public health emergency and beyond the current 2024 expiration date.
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax-exemption - Provided education and information on hospital tax exemption and what is required to justify and maintain tax-exempt status.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Medicare PAYGO Sequestration - (H.R 2617) - Supported inclusion of provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act to prevent 4% Medicare payment reductions due to sequestration required by statutory PAYGO requirements. Medicare Physician Reimbursement (H.R. 2617; H.R. 8800) - Supported legislation that would ease pending reimbursement cuts through the physician fee schedule conversion factor. Health Care Workforce (S.834/H.R. 2256; S. 1438/H.R. 3441; H.R. 2617) - Supported legislation to increase the number of Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education slots. Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM) Bonus Payment (H.R. 4587; H.R. 2617) - Supported passage of legislation to extend the APM bonus payments. Telehealth (H.R. 2617; H.R. 4040; S. 1512/H.R. 2903)- Advocated for Congress to extend or make permanent flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding the provider types and services available to be reimbursed by Medicare. Acute Hospital Care at Home Model (H.R. 2617; S. 3792/H.R. 7053) Supported passage of legislation to extend the Acute Hospital Care at Home Model beyond the end of the declared Public Health Emergency. Rural Health Care Extenders (H.R. 2617) - Supported extension of Medicare Dependent Hospital program and Medicare Low-Volume Adjustment. Mental and Behavioral Health (S. 4747; H.R. 7236; H.R. 2617) - Supported passage of legislation to better support access to mental and behavioral health needs for children and adults. Supported passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (S.3018/ H.R.3173). Supported passage of the Preserving Access to Home Infusion Act (H.R. 5067/S. 2652).
Urged administration to continue tariff exclusions for medical products needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provided information and education related to tax exemption and hospital community benefit requirements.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Provided information and education related to tax exemption and hospital community benefit requirements.
Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376) - Supported inclusion of 4,000 Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education slots as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Supported policies to encourage health care coverage and close the Medicaid coverage gap. Monitored impact of Medicare reimbursement provisions for prescription drugs in final legislation. Medicare Provider Reimbursement - Raised concerns about adequacy of payment updates through annual payment rules and urged Congress to provide additional support. Advocated for Congress to extend Medicare sequestration relief through the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and act to prevent sequestration cuts beginning in 2023 due to statutory PAYGO requirements. Medicare Physician Reimbursement - Supported passage of Supporting Medicare Providers Act (H.R. 8800) to ease pending reimbursement cuts through the physician fee schedule conversion factor. Health Care Workforce - Supported legislation (S.834/H.R. 2256; S. 1438) to increase the number of Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education slots. Supported the Opioid Workforce Act (S. 1438 /H.R. 3441). Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APMs) Bonus Payment - Supported passage of the Value in Healthcare Act (H.R. 4587) to extend the APM bonus payments. Strengthen Kids Mental Health Now Act (H.R. 7236). Telehealth - Advocated for Congress to extend or make permanent flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding the provider types and services available to be reimbursed by Medicare. Urged passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903). Supported passage of Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act (H.R. 4040). Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity - Engaged and offered feedback on proposals from CMS to provide resources and context to better assess patient obstacles to accessing health care and their impact on health care outcomes. Supported passage of the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (S. 3792/H.R. 7053). Supported passage of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (S.3018/ H.R.3173). Supported passage of the Preserving Access to Home Infusion Act (H.R. 5067/S. 2652).
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office
Provided information and education related to tax exemption and hospital community benefit requirements.
Health Care Supply Chain - Advocated for the importance of hospital group purchasing organizations, and highlighted role in supporting supply chain resiliency to secure essential, authentic medical supplies for hospitals throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported adoption of effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmentally preferred sourcing for health care supplies. Engaged to support policies to limit shortages of prescription drugs. Advocated for greater transparency in the health care supply chain for drugs and medical devices. Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) - Supported policies to encourage health care coverage and close the Medicaid coverage gap. Public Health Emergency - Advocated for HHS to further extend the declared Public Health Emergency. Telehealth - Supported efforts to make telehealth flexibilities offered during COVID-19 Public Health Emergency permanent. Supported CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903) and encouraged reimbursement parity for certain telehealth services and support for audio-only telehealth services. Health Care Workforce - Urged passage of the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act (H.R. 708; S. 168); The Health Care Workforce Resilience Act (S. 1024/H.R. 2255); The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.610/H.R. 1667); The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S.834/H.R. 2256). The Opioid Workforce Act (S. 1438/H.R. 3441). Urged administration to examine practices of health care staffing agencies. Supported passage of the Travel Nursing Agency Transparency Study Act (S. 4352). Supported passage of the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act (H.R. 7961). Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and (PREVENT) Pandemics Act (S. 3799) - monitored Senate Committee adoption of PREVENT Pandemics Act. Supported inclusion of provisions to improve supply chain transparency and extend shelf life of prescription drugs. Supported passage of the Integrity, Notification, Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Consumers Act (S. 963/H.R. 5502). 340B Drug Pricing Program - Urged HHS to enforce guidance that would allow 340B Covered Entities to utilize contract pharmacies. Food and Drug Administration User Fees (S. 4348, H.R.7667) - Urged inclusion of provisions in FDA user fee legislation to provide greater authorities for the FDA to promote supply chain transparency, clarifying language related to the Unapproved Drugs Initiative, the PASTUER Act (S.2076) and the PATCH Act (H.R. 7084). Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity - Shared insights and offered suggestions to CMS regarding health equity measurement, indices and data collection. Supported the Social Determinants Accelerator Act (H.R. 2503; S. 3039); The LINC to Address Social Needs Act (S. 509). Antimicrobial resistance (S. 2076) - Supported passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act. Supported passage of Opioid Treatment Access Act (S. 3629/H.R. 6279). Supported passage of Drug Shortage Shelf Life Extension Act (S. 3493).
Urged administration to continue tariff exclusions for medical products needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Natl Economic Council (NEC), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), White House Office
Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) - Supported inclusion of 4,000 Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education slots as part of Build Back Better Act. Supported policies to encourage health care coverage and close the Medicaid coverage gap. Medicare Sequestration - Urged Congress to continue delay of Medicare sequestration payment reductions and act to prevent sequestration cuts due to statutory PAYGO requirements. Health Care Workforce - Supported legislation (S.834/H.R. 2256; S. 1438) to increase the number of Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education (GME) slots. Supported the Opioid Workforce Act (S. 1438/H.R. 3441). Telehealth - Advocated for Congress to extend or make permanent flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding the provider types and services available to be reimbursed by Medicare. Supported provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) to temporarily extend certain flexibilities after the end of the public health emergency. Urged passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903). Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity - Engaged and offered feedback on proposals from CMS to provide resources and context to better assess patient obstacles to accessing health care and their impact on health care outcomes. Supported passage of the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (S. 3792/H.R. 7053). Supported passage of the Preserving Access to Home Infusion Act (H.R. 5067). Advanced and Accelerated Payments Program - Urged Congress to act to provide further flexibility for repayment of advanced payments under the Medicare Advanced and Accelerated Payments Program.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
Tariffs - Urged broad extension of exclusions for Sec. 301 China Tariffs for essential medical products needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) - Supported policies to encourage health care coverage and close the Medicaid coverage gap. Urged additional pandemic financial support for hospitals. Advocated for investments for hospitals and health care providers, including physical structure improvements, workforce and graduate medical education support. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) - Supported inclusion of funding to support broadband deployment needed for greater access to telehealth services. Opposed using further extension of Medicare sequestration or repurposing unused provider relief funding as offsets for bipartisan infrastructure package. Telehealth - Supported passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903) to make telehealth flexibilities permanent. Encouraged reimbursement parity for certain telehealth services and support for audio-only telehealth services. Health Care Workforce - Urged passage of the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act (H.R. 708; S. 168); The Health Care Workforce Resilience Act (S. 1024/H.R. 2255); The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.610/H.R. 1667); The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S.834/H.R. 2256). Urged administration to examine practices of health care staffing agencies. Surprise Bills - Urged changes to the Surprise Billing Interim Final Rule Part 2 to modify its reliance on a "Qualifying Payment Amount" in an Independent Dispute Resolution process. Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Advocated for the importance of hospital group purchasing organizations, and highlighted role in supporting supply chain resiliency to secure essential, authentic medical supplies for hospitals throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaged to support policies to limit shortages of prescription drugs. Engaged with U.S. DOT Port Envoy related to shipping delays for key medical products. Advocated for greater transparency in the health care supply chain for drugs and medical devices. Supported passage of the Integrity, Notification, Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Consumers Act (S. 963/H.R. 5502). Provider Relief Fund - Urged HHS and Congress to offer greater flexibility and extend deadlines for hospitals to utilize PRF funding and provide clear guidance on reporting expectations. Supported Provider Relief Deadline Extension Act (S. 2493) and Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act (H.R. 5963). Drug Pricing - Monitored drug pricing legislation (H.R. 3, H.R. 19, H.R. 5376) with support for policies that improve market competition and makes improvements to support hospital and patient access to needed medications. Reviewed options to further support modifications to the unapproved drugs initiative that would prevent or limit price increases for older, unapproved drugs. Monitored for potential changes to the 340B program and supported HHS to enforce guidance that would allow 340B Covered Entities to utilize contract pharmacies. Advocated for HHS to offer additional 340B Drug Pricing Program eligibility flexibility for hospitals that have had patient mix changed during the COVID-19 public health emergency (S. 773). Social Determinants of Health - Engaged to offer support for policies to improve social determinants of health. Offered feedback on legislation and activity from the CMS Innovation Center to improve access and reduce health care disparities. Supported the Social Determinants Accelerator Act (H.R. 2503; S. 3039); The LINC to Address Social Needs Act (S. 509). CURES 2.0 (H.R. 6000) - Monitored the introduction of CURES 2.0 Health Care Equity - Offered feedback on legislation to improve access to care and reduce health care disparities. Rural MOMS Act (H.R. 769); Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 959). Antimicrobial resistance (S. 2076) - Supported passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) - Supported policies to encourage health care coverage and close Medicaid coverage gap. Urged additional pandemic financial support for hospitals. Advocated for support for investments for hospitals and health care providers, including physical structure improvements, workforce and graduate medical education support. Raised opposition to using further extension of Medicare sequestration or repurposing unused provider relief funding as offsets for bipartisan infrastructure package. Telehealth - Supported passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903) to make telehealth flexibilities permanent. Encouraged reimbursement parity for certain telehealth services and support for audio-only telehealth services. Health Care Workforce - Urged passage of the Temporary Reciprocity to Ensure Access to Treatment (TREAT) Act (H.R. 708; S. 168); The Health Care Workforce Resilience Act (S. 1024/H.R. 2255); The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S.610/H.R. 1667); The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S.834/H.R. 2256) Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Advocated for the importance of hospital GPOs, and highlighted role in supporting supply chain resiliency to secure essential, authentic medical supplies for hospitals throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocated for greater transparency in the health care supply chain for drugs and medical devices and greater transparency into the decision-making of the Strategic National Stockpile. Supported passage of the Integrity, Notification, Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces (INFORM) Consumers Act (S. 963/H.R. 5502). Provider Relief Fund - Urged HHS and Congress to offer greater flexibility and extend deadlines for hospitals to utilize PRF funding and provide clear guidance on reporting expectations. Supported Provider Relief Deadline Extension Act (S. 2493) Drug Pricing - Monitored drug pricing legislation (H.R. 3, H.R. 19, H.R. 5376) with support for policies that improve market competition and provides improvements to support hospital and patient access to needed medications. Unapproved Drugs Initiative - Engaged with HHS and the FDA to support modifications to the unapproved drugs initiative that would prevent or limit unintended price increases for older unapproved products. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Urged HHS to enforce guidance that would allow 340B Covered Entities to utilize contract pharmacies. Advocated for HHS to offer additional 340B Drug Pricing Program eligibility flexibility for hospitals that have had patient mix changed during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Social Determinants of Health - Engaged to offer support for policies to improve social determinants of health. Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Act (H.R. 2503); The LINC to Address Social Needs Act (S. 509) Health Care Equity - Offered feedback on legislation to improve access to care and reduce health care disparities. Rurual MOMS Act (H.R. 769); Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 959). Stark Law and Anti-kickback Statute - Encouraged Congress to continue evaluating Stark and Anti-kickback statutes to better enable care coordination in value-based alternative payment models. Antimicrobial resistance (S. 2076) - Supported passage of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Upsurging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan Infrastructure Proposals - Monitored release and negotiations around infrastructure proposals. Urged support for increasing available Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education slots as part of infrastructure package. Raised opposition to using further extension of Medicare sequestration or repurposing unused provider relief funding as offsets for bipartisan infrastructure package. Health care Workforce - Supported legislation (S.834/H.R. 2256; S. 1438) to increase the number of Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education (GME) slots and increase funding for Children's Hospital GME in FY2021. Biosimilar Medications - Advocated for expanded use of biosimilar medicines. Supported passage of the Bolstering Innovative Options to Save Immediately on Medicines (BioSim) Act (H.R. 2815). Medicare Alternative Payment Models - Urged CMS and the Medicare Innovation Center to release more information on the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Direct Contracting models. Telehealth - Advocated for Congress to extend or make permanent flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding the provider types and services available to be reimbursed by Medicare. Urged passage of the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1512/H.R. 2903). Medicaid Supplemental Funding Reporting - Urged HHS and CMS to engage with stakeholders to implement Medicaid supplemental funding reporting.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
COVID-19 Relief - H.R. 1319, The American Rescue Plan - Advocated for flexibility in repayment for the Medicare Advanced and Accelerated Payment Program. Supported increasing the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). Medicare Sequestration - Urged Congress to adopt legislation that would extend delay of implementation of Medicare and PayGo sequestration (H.R. 315; H.R. 1868) Health care Workforce - Supported legislation (S.834) to increase the number of Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education (GME) slots and increase funding for Children's Hospital GME in FY2021. Rural Health Clinics - Supported legislation to correct Medicare reimbursement formula for rural health clinics (H.R. 1868; S. 934) Medicare Alternative Payment Models - Urged CMS and the Medicare Innovation Center to release more information on the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Direct Contracting models. Telehealth - Advocated for Congress to extend or make permanent flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding the provider types and services available to be reimbursed by Medicare.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
COVID-19 crisis - Engaged with Congress and the administration to advocate for greater regulatory flexibility and appropriate reimbursement for hospitals through development, passage and ongoing implementation of coronavirus relief legislation: HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) Heroes Act 2.0 (H.R. 925) Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act (S. 178) The Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 133) Hospital Provider Relief Fund - Urged Congress to provide additional funding for the Provider Relief Fund. Advocated in Congress and with HHS to revert to initial June guidance defining "lost revenue". Liability protections - Advocated for Congress to include liability protections for health care workers and facilities responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Front-line Health Care Worker Hazard Pay - Advocated for Congress to provide funding to enhance payment for essential health care workers. Hospital Group Purchasing - Offered recommendations and insights to support access to essential personal protective equipment, medications and supplies for hospitals treating patients and supply chain stability for the national response to the COVID-19 crisis. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Urged HHS to act to enforce guidance regarding 340B discounts through contract pharmacies. Vaccine distribution, administration and communications - Advocated to provide states with financial support and other resources to enhance communications and for transparency, including support regarding vaccine distribution, administration and post-market processes, considering both providers needs and states needs. Surprise Billing - Supported inclusion of provisions to provide for an independent dispute resolution process in legislation to address surprise bills (H.R. 3630; H.R. 2328; S. 1895; H.R. 133). Urged Congress to oppose benchmark payment rates in COVID relief legislation. Advocated for passage of the Pasteur Act (S. 4760; H.R. 8920)
Urged the USTR to extend exclusions for Sec. 301 tariffs until the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
COVID-19 crisis - Engaged with Congress and the administration to advocate for greater regulatory flexibility and appropriate reimbursement for hospitals through development, passage and ongoing implementation of coronavirus relief legislation: HEROES Act (HR 6800) Heroes Act 2.0 (H.R. 925) Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act S. 178 Telehealth - Urged Congress and the administration to make permanent telehealth flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding provider types and services available to consumers and maintaining Medicare reimbursement parity. Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program - Advocated for Congress and the administration to offer forgiveness for accelerated and advanced payments during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Offered support for reduced interest rates, extended loan repayment period and reduced recoupment amounts (S. 3750/H.R. 6837/ H.R. 8337). Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Urged Congress to end implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts. Medicare Sequester - urged Congress to end ongoing Medicare sequestration reimbursement reductions. Site-neutral Payments - Urged Congress to end site-neutral payment reductions. Supported passage of the PLACE Act (H.R. 2552) which would reverse site-neutral payments cuts implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Price Transparency - Urged Congress and the administration to delay implementation of regulation requiring hospitals to post payor-specific pricing information for goods and services. Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) - Urged Congress to extend the increased Medicaid FMAP matching rate beyond the public health emergency and increase the enhanced percentage. Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation - Urged CMS to withdraw the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation and advocated for Congress to rescind the proposal. COVID-19 Data Reporting Requirements for Hospitals - requested HHS ease burden of COVID-19 mandatory reporting requirements and clarify aspects of reporting. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 348) - Urged Congress to pass the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of
COVID-19 crisis - Engaged with Congress and the administration to advocate for greater regulatory flexibility and appropriate reimbursement for hospitals through development, passage and ongoing implementation of coronavirus relief legislation: Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) Paycheck Protection Act and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) HEROES Act (HR 3) Telehealth - Urged Congress and the administration to make permanent telehealth flexibilities related to distant site and geographic limitations, expanding provider types and services available to consumers and maintaining Medicare reimbursement parity. Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program - Advocated for Congress and the administration to offer forgiveness for accelerated and advanced payments during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Offered support for reduced interest rates, extended loan repayment period and reduced recoupment amounts (S. 3750/H.R. 6837) Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Urged Congress to end implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts. Medicare Sequester - urged Congress to end ongoing Medicare sequestration reimbursement reductions. Site-neutral Payments - Urged Congress to end site-neutral payment reductions. Supported passage of the PLACE Act (H.R. 2552) which would reverse site-neutral payments cuts implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare Indirect Medical Education - Urged Congress to hold harmless teaching hospital IME funding to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Urged Congress to expand enhanced Medicare reimbursement for COVID-19 patients for long-term care hospitals. Price Transparency - Urged Congress and the administration to delay implementation of regulation requiring hospitals to post payor-specific pricing information for goods and services. Enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) - Urged Congress to extend the increased Medicaid FMAP matching rate beyond the public health emergency and increase the enhanced percentage. Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation - Urged CMS to withdraw the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation and advocated for Congress to rescind the proposal.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of the Vice President of the United States, SENATE
Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education - Urged Congress to increase funding for CHGME. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Urged Congress to extend delay of implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts. Site-neutral Payments - Supported passage of the PLACE Act (H.R. 2552) which would reverse site-neutral payments cuts implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 348) - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act to support an increase in the number of Medicare-supported graduate medical education residents. Rural ACO Improvement Act (S. 2642/H.R. 5212) - Supported passage of the Rural ACO Improvement Act.
Filing targets: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Office of the Vice President of the United States, SENATE
Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Urged Congress to approve legislation to delay implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts. Site-neutral Payments - Supported passage of the PLACE Act (H.R. 2552) which would reverse site-neutral payments cuts implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 348) - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act to support an increase in the number of Medicare-supported graduate medical education residents. Opioid Workforce Act (S. 2892) - Supported passage of the Opioid Workforce Act. Rural ACO Improvement Act (S. 2642/H.R. 5212) - Supported passage of the Rural ACO Improvement Act.
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Prescription Drug Pricing - Engaged to clarify provisions in the House (H.R. 3) and Senate (S. 2543) drug pricing bills. Supported passage of legislation that would promote competition among prescription drug manufacturers: The CREATES Act (H.R. 965; S. 340); the FAST Generics Act (H.R. 985); the Biologic Patent Transparency Act (S.659); the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S. 1416) Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated in support of hospital group purchasing organizations and maintaining the GPO safe harbor. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Supported maintaining adequate reimbursement for hospitals purchasing prescription drugs through the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Advocated for preserving the current structure of the program and retaining the current prime vendor. Surprise Billing - Supported inclusion of provisions to provide for an independent dispute resolution process in legislation to address surprise bills (H.R. 3630; S. 1895). Health Care Costs - Monitored the development and release of the S. 1895, the Lower Health Care Costs Act. Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings - Continued to urge improvements to methodology for overall hospital star rating system.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
Hospital Group Purchasing - Advocated in support of hospital group purchasing organizations and maintaining the GPO safe harbor. 340B Drug Pricing Program - Supported maintaining adequate reimbursement for hospitals purchasing prescription drugs through the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Advocated for preserving the current structure of the program and retaining the current prime vendor. Prescription Drug Pricing - Held Congressional briefing to highlight how hospitals are responding to high drug prices. Urged passage of legislation that would promote competition among prescription drug manufacturers: The CREATES Act (H.R. 965; S. 340); the FAST Generics Act (H.R. 985); the Biologic Patent Transparency Act (S.659); the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S. 1416); Surprise Billing - Monitored proposals to protect patients from receiving surprise medical bills. Urged inclusion of provisions that would provide for independent dispute resolution in legislation (H.R. 3630 -the No Surprises Act; S. 1895 - The Lower Health Care Costs Act).
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax Exemption - conducted outreach and education on hospital tax-exemption and community benefit requirements.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
Not-for-Profit Hospital Tax Exemption - monitored discussions in Congress regarding possible changes to hospital tax-exemption and community benefit requirements to require minimum charity care levels to maintain tax-exempt status.
Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Urged Congress to continue delay of implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts. ACE Kids Act (H.R. 1226, S.317) - Urged passage of ACE Kids Act to promote greater care coordination and expand Medicaid treatment options for medically complex pediatric patients. Site-neutral Payments - Opposed efforts to reduce payment rates for hospital outpatient departments. Advocated for Congress to reverse site-neutral payments cuts implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the 2019 Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 348) - Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act to support an increase in the number of Medicare-supported graduate medical education residents.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
Hospital Tax Exemption and Community Benefit - Monitored congressional activities for potential changes to hospital community benefit requirements to maintain tax exemption.
Tariffs - Raised concerns about the impact of proposed tariffs on the cost of prescription drugs and medical supplies.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
Tariffs - Raised concerns about the impact of proposed tariffs on the cost of prescription drugs and medical supplies.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Opposed Medicare reimbursement reductions for hospitals eligible for the 340B drug pricing program. Supported passage of H.R. 4392, H.R 6071. Opposed H.R. 4710, H.R. 6240, S. 2312 and S.2453. Supported partial relaxation of the IMD Exclusion for substance abuse disorder included in H.R. 6, the SUPPORT Communities Act. Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act (H.R.5385, S.2597) - Endorsed passage of legislation to reauthorize the Children's Hospital GME program. Supported implementation of a competitive acquisition program for prescription drugs under Medicare Part B.
Hospital Tax Exemption and Community Benefit - Monitored congressional activities for potential changes to hospital community benefit requirements to maintain tax exemption.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
Tariffs - Raised concerns about the impact of proposed tariffs on the cost of prescription drugs and medical supplies.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Raised opposition to Medicare reimbursement reductions for hospitals eligible for the 340B drug pricing program. Supported passage of H.R. 4392, H.R 6071. Opposed H.R. 4710, H.R. 6240, S. 2312 and S.2453. Supported Limited Repeal of the IMD Exclusion for substance abuse disorder that was included in H.R. 6, the SUPPORT Communities Act. Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act (H.R.5385, S.2597) - Endorsed passage of legislation to reauthorize the Children's Hospital GME program.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
340B Drug Discount Program - Opposed Medicare reimbursement reductions for hospitals eligible for the 340B drug discount program. Supported passage of H.R. 4392. Opposed H.R. 4710, S. 2312 and S.2453 and monitored congressional discussions around the program. Medicare Extenders - Supported extension of Medicare programs that support low-volume and Medicare-dependent hospitals included in H.R.1892. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments - Supported delay of implementation of Medicaid DSH payment cuts included in H.R. 1892. Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act (H.R.5385, S.2597) - Endorsed passage of legislation to reauthorize the Children's Hospital GME program. Supported change to home infusion payments for Part B DME infusion drugs and infusion services payments included in H.R. 1892.
Monitored provisions in H.R. 195 to repeal or delay tax provisions included in the Affordable Care Act including the medical device tax, tax assessment on health insurance plans and high-value "Cadillac" insurance plans. Hospital Tax Exemption and Community Benefit - Monitored congressional activities for potential changes to hospital community benefit requirements to maintain tax exemption.
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Group Purchasing - Conducted education and outreach efforts about the value hospital group purchasing organizations deliver the U.S. health care system. Drug Pricing - Supported The Lower Drug Costs through Competition Act (H.R. 749), The Fair Access to Safe and Timely Generics Act (H.R. 2051), The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics (S.124), The Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act (S.297) and the CREATES Act (S. 974). Engaged and monitored draft legislation to modify the 340B drug discount program. Supported passage of H.R. 4392. Opposed H.R. 4710. Supported efforts to stabilize ACA insurance markets - including continuing funding for cost-sharing reduction subsidies and other efforts to stabilize insurance markets. Supported passage of the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act (S.870). Independent Payment Advisory Board (H.R. 859, S. 251) - Supported passage of legislation to repeal IPAB. Preventive Health Savings Act (H.R. 2953) - Supported passage of legislation to allow for Congressional Budget Office to estimate cost-savings from preventive health care services. Supported House passage of the Protecting Access to Care Act (H.R. 1215) and the Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act (H.R. 1565).
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
Hospital Tax Exemption and Community Benefit - Monitored tax reform proposals for potential hospital impact.
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE
Group Purchasing - Conducted education and outreach efforts about the value hospital group purchasing organizations deliver the U.S. health care system. Drug Pricing - Supported The Lower Drug Costs through Competition Act (H.R. 749), The Fair Access to Safe and Timely Generics Act (H.R. 2051), The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics (S.124), The Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act (S.297) and the CREATES Act (S. 974). Tracked development in Senate Finance Committee of the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act. Independent Payment Advisory Board (H.R. 859, S. 251) - Supported legislation to repeal IPAB. Preventive Health Savings Act (H.R. 2953) - Supported passage of legislation to allow for Congressional Budget Office to estimate cost-savings from preventive health care services. Supported passage of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 2267). Monitored discussions around Congressional funding for cost-sharing reduction subsidies. Supported House passage of the Protecting Access to Care Act (H.R. 1215) and the Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act (H.R. 1565).
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Hospital Tax Exemption and Community Benefit - Monitored release of draft tax reform proposals for changes related to Hospital tax exemption requirements.
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Provided ongoing outreach and education efforts regarding the value delivered by group purchasing organizations for hospitals across the country. Drug Prices - (S. 2615 - the Increasing Competition in Pharmaceuticals Act) Supported passage of S. 2615. Monitored legislative proposals to slow the growth of increasing prices in prescription drugs. Tracked ongoing discussion and offered information relating to how hospital group purchasing organizations help hold down cost growth of prescription drugs. 340B Drug Discount Program - Monitored proposals to modify the 340B Drug Discount program. 21st Century Cures (H.R. 6, H.R. 34) - Supported enhancing funding and improving efficiency within the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health in the 21st Century Cures Act. Supported inclusion of funding for programs authorized under the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act to address growing challenges related to opioid abuse and addiction. Supported provisions related to combating drug resistant bacteria included in the 21st Century Cures Act. Stark Law Reform - Monitored discussions in the Senate Finance Committee around potential changes to Stark laws. Advocated for changes to the Stark laws to allow hospitals and other providers to work together to reduce costs in health care. Anti-microbial stewardship (S. 3176 - the Strategies to Address Antibiotic Resistance Act; S. 2467 - the Patient Safety Improvement Act) - Engaged in education and outreach efforts to highlight the importance of antimicrobial stewardship.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Hospital outpatient department reimbursement (H.R. 5273 - The Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act) - Supported passage in the House of HR 5273. Urged Senate activity on similar legislation to allow under-construction and other hospital-affiliated outpatient departments impacted by the 2015 Debt Ceiling and Budget Agreement to be grandfathered in under previous outpatient reimbursement rules, make modifications to the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program, and other changes. Advocated for CMS to be flexible in implementation of the new law. The Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program (H.R. 1343, S. 588) - Supported passage of legislation that would incorporate sociodemographic conditions into penalty calculations under the hospital readmissions reduction program. Medicare Total Quality Hospital Star Ratings (H.R. 5297 - The Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act) - Advocated for a delay in the release of the new star ratings until the changes were made to the proposed methodology. Medicare Innovations Center Mandatory Demonstration projects - Monitored Congressional activity related to proposed mandatory demonstration projects under the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovations (Medicare Part B Drug Demo, Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement, Cardiac Payment Bundles). Tracked Congressional activity to limit or prevent CMS from moving forward with such demonstrations. Mental Health Reform efforts - (H.R. 2646, S. 2151) - Tracked ongoing discussions around reforming the mental health system in our country. Supported inclusion of provisions to allow for Medicaid funding for use in lengthier inpatient treatment options.
Not-for-profit hospital tax-exemption - Conducted outreach in support of ongoing efforts by hospitals to provide community benefit and sought clear and consistent guidance for maintaining tax-exemption.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Not-for-profit hospital tax-exemption - Conducted outreach in support of ongoing efforts by hospitals to provide community benefit and sought clear and consistent guidance for maintaining tax-exemption.
Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Provided ongoing outreach and education efforts regarding the value delivered by group purchasing organizations for hospitals across the country. Drug Prices - Tracked ongoing discussion and offered information relating to how hospital group purchasing organizations help hold down cost growth of prescription drugs. Monitored legislative proposals related to increasing prices in prescription drugs. 340B Drug Discount Program - Monitored proposals to modify the 340B Drug Discount program. 21st Century Cures (H.R. 6) - Tracked the development of Senate counterpart to the House-passed 21st Century Cures legislation and raised concerns about potential offsets that could impact hospital payments. Opioid legislation (S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, House package including multiple bills) - Supported passage of legislation to address growing challenges related to opioid abuse and addiction. Zika Virus - Monitored ongoing debate around legislative packages to provide funding to combat the spread of the Zika Virus.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
Hospital Group Purchasing Organizations - Provided ongoing outreach and education efforts regarding the value delivered by group purchasing organizations for hospitals across the country. Meaningful Use of electronic health records - Raised concerns about the release of final Stage 3 meaningful user rules and tracked ongoing discussions around the future of the program 340B Drug Discount Program - Monitored proposals to modify the 340B Drug Discount program. 21st Century Cures (H.R. 6) - Monitored development of Senate counterpart to the House-passed 21st Century Cures legislation.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE