The Utah Hospital Association Board of Trustees recently gathered in Sun Valley to address pressing healthcare issues, particularly the impact of recent Medicaid changes on Utah hospitals.
Why it matters: As hospitals face significant Medicaid funding cuts, collaborative advocacy becomes essential to protect healthcare access for Utahns.
“I can’t remember in my career a time where we’ve needed a closer connection to both at the state and federal level to now,” said Charlton Park, CFO of University of Utah Health, and chair of the Board of Trustees.
The big picture: Hospital leaders are working to:
- Minimize the impact of recent legislation
- Advocate collectively to prevent further cuts
- Secure additional support at both state and federal levels
Between the lines: Despite being competitors in the marketplace, Utah’s healthcare systems are uniting through UHA to address common challenges.
“We are fierce competitors in many ways. But as we convene as the board, it’s great to see the collaboration,” Park noted. “Many of the same challenges we feel across all of our health systems.”
The bottom line: Through UHA’s leadership, hospital experts from across the state are pooling resources and expertise to ensure Utahns continue to receive quality healthcare despite funding challenges.
“Utah hospitals and the citizens of Utah really do benefit from the great work that the UHA does, bringing the health systems together for the purpose of better serving the citizens and those who live in the state of Utah,” Park said.