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ACTION NEEDED
Contact your U.S. representative to stress the importance of supporting policies that protect access to health care for Californians.
In September, CHA wrote to the California congressional delegation highlighting hospitals’ federal advocacy priorities: disproportionate share hospital payments, sequestration, rural hospital care, telehealth flexibilities, site-neutral payment policies, and insurer accountability. CHA has also developed a template letter, linked below, for members’ use.
Find out who your U.S. representative is in this online directory; find their contact information by clicking on their image on the CHA Federal Legislative Tracker.
TIMING
Federal funding negotiations are underway — call or email your representatives by Oct. 31.
RESOURCES
BACKGROUND
On Oct. 1, the federal government shut down as congressional leaders were unable to reach an agreement to keep the government funded. Government funding and certain health care programs and waivers – including the Hospital at Home program and telehealth waivers – expired at midnight Sept. 30. The $8 billion Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts for federal fiscal year 2026 also went into effect on Oct. 1.
Congress must also act before the end of the year to extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits.
As members of Congress work to pass a funding bill, they must understand the vital role these programs and waivers play for California patients and the hospitals that serve them.