A couple of weeks ago, the American Hospital Association stepped forward into its next chapter with the appointment of Steve Walsh as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Walsh takes AHA’s reins following the announcement late last year that my friend and current President and CEO Rick Pollack would be retiring after nearly 50 years with the organization.
Given the tumultuous political environment in Washington, D.C. — at a time when health care, affordability in particular, remains in the spotlight — a smooth transition to a proven leader is critical to carry forward strong policy and advocacy work on behalf of hospitals at the federal level.
For those who may not know Steve, he had served as President and CEO of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association since 2017 following six terms of service in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, including as Chair of the House Committee on Health Care Financing. He is a collaborator — thoughtful, strategic, and committed to hospitals and health care.
On a personal note, I have known Steve for nearly a decade, and he brings a wealth of political acumen and policy expertise to his new role. More importantly, he is a solid leader and a great person. With this appointment, AHA is well positioned to tackle some of the most complex hospital and health care issues of our time.
At the top of the list will be federal policymakers’ intense focus on health care affordability, as there is significant risk that hospital services could be in the crosshairs. To name a few bubbling issues:
- Just last week, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced a bill that takes aim at nonprofit hospitals and would create extraordinary burdens that divert scarce resources for patient care
- Attacks on the proven 340B drug discount program threaten to curb or even eliminate this vital benefit for low-income patients
- Questioning of longstanding financial pillars like facility fees or site-specific payment mechanisms could undermine hospitals’ viability in many communities
- Incessant assaults on Medicaid managed care models and other effective, efficient financial frameworks by motivated adversaries are creating a false narrative about hospitals within Congress
- And more
For decades, AHA’s strength has been in its membership. That has never been truer than it is today, and Steve is the right person to harness that power so that our nation’s representatives make policy decisions that enable hospitals to continue to be there for their communities.
California has more congressional representatives than any other state — 54 — and we will continue to play an outsized role in federal policy. CHA, for our part, will continue to remain close with our AHA partners, as well as our regional association colleagues, so that your needs are met from Washington, D.C., to Sacramento, to your own backyard.
CARMELA
