Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA), recently addressed attendees at the Utah Hospital Association’s Annual Fall Learning Conference, highlighting critical healthcare issues currently before Congress.
Why it matters: Decisions being made in Washington will determine whether healthcare remains affordable and accessible for Utah families.
The big picture: Pollack emphasized several key priorities that require congressional action, all connected to ongoing government funding discussions:
- Enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at year’s end need extension to help low and middle-income people purchase private health plans on healthcare exchanges
- Rural hospital support through Medicare low-volume adjustment and Medicare-dependent programs requires preservation to maintain access in Utah’s rural communities
- COVID-era waivers that have proven beneficial, including telehealth and hospital-at-home programs, need continuation
Between the lines: These issues represent immediate priorities for the hospital community as Congress debates government funding measures.
The bottom line: The AHA, in partnership with state hospital associations like UHA, continues advocating for policies that ensure hospitals can deliver high-quality care to all communities.
Pollack praised UHA President Francis Gibson and staff for their leadership on behalf of Utah’s healthcare community.