HAP’s Year-End Federal Legislative Priorities

Letter to state congressional delegation outlines key policies for health care community

November 16, 2022

HAP has issued a call to action to federal lawmakers to prioritize several critical health care policies that support Pennsylvania’s hospital community.

In a letter today to Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, HAP President and CEO Andy Carter outlined the challenges facing Pennsylvania hospitals and the legislative initiatives that will protect access to care. The letter comes as federal lawmakers continue work on their end-of-year spending package.

“Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems are facing unprecedented challenges and pressures, including severe staffing shortages, supply chain breakdowns, and record inflation for drugs, supplies, and equipment,” Carter wrote. “Congress’ support for providers during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) has not blunted the full impact of the immense expense and revenue pressures hospitals continue to face.”

The letter outlined the steps Congress can take to support hospitals as part of its end-of-year legislative agenda, including:

• Preventing the 4 percent Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) cuts to hospitals
• Extending the Medicare-dependent hospital program and the enhanced low-volume adjustment
• Establishing a temporary Medicare per diem payment
• Creating a special statutory designation for certain hospitals that serve marginalized urban communities
• Extending telehealth policies implemented during the COVID-19 PHE
• Extending the hospital-at-home program
• Streamlining the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage plans

During September, federal lawmakers passed a short-term funding bill that will expire in mid-December. During the coming weeks, they will continue to negotiate the policies to be included in the next funding package.

HAP will continue to advocate for the policies and legislation that support Pennsylvania’s hospitals to ensure they can remain anchors within their community. HAP will continue to monitor federal developments and provide updates to members.

HAP’s letter to Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation is available online.

For more information, contact John Myers, HAP’s vice president, federal advocacy.