Advocacy
HAP’s advocacy strategy to ensure affordable, comprehensive coverage for as many Pennsylvanians as possible includes:
- Partnering with partners including the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and other health care stakeholders to increase enrollment through education and outreach strategies
- Working with the state Congressional delegation and federal policymakers to maintain comprehensive health coverage and oppose policies that weaken coverage provisions
- Supporting the Shapiro administration’s efforts to enforce consumer protections in the ACA, and to nurture a stable insurance market
- Supporting the creation of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's state-based health insurance exchange
Rural Health Model
Health care reform goals include improving overall health and lowering costs with an emphasis on public health and wellness, disease management, and fewer hospital admissions. HAP supports the state’s Rural Health Model, or rural global budget pilot, which officially launched on January 1, 2019, with five participating hospitals and five participating payors.
The pilot changes the way rural hospitals are paid in order to:
- Provide predictable hospital finances, prevent hospital closures, and avoid the loss of hospital services and jobs
- Reward hospitals financially for improving the health of communities and reducing the need for intensive—and expensive—acute care
With predictable annual budgets, hospitals can invest in the health care services communities need most, focusing on effective ways to improve health and reduce the need for expensive emergency and inpatient care.
Rural Health Redesign Center
HAP supported legislation aimed at improving the financial stability of rural hospitals and establishing the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center, which would serve as the governing body of the new Rural Health Model, beginning January 1, 2019.
HAP Contacts
For more information, contact Jolene Calla, Esq., vice president, finance & legal affairs, or Kate Slatt, vice president, policy & care delivery. Media inquiries should be directed to Kim Yakowski, manager, media relations.