CHA News

OHCA Still Seeking Presentations from Hospitals on Cost-Reducing Strategies

What’s happening:  Ahead of its next board meeting on March 25, the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) continues to seek presentations from health care providers on strategies that have successfully reduced health care spending while promoting good health outcomes. To date, the board has heard from seven health care entities about their cost-reducing strategies.

CHA’s Coyle to Retire in Early 2027

What's happening: Last week, CHA issued a news release announcing that President & CEO Carmela Coyle would be retiring in early 2027, after a 44-year career in health care policy and advocacy — including nearly 10 years at CHA.  

HHS Takes Initial Step Toward Restarting Review Process for 340B Rebate Model

What's happening: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has taken a step toward restarting the administrative process for establishing a 340B rebate model, filing a notice with the Office of Management and Budget that it will look to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking. The timing of a proposed rule is unclear at this time, but CHA will keep members apprised of any new administrative process that is put forward.  

Insurance Companies Play Blame Game, But They Have Much to Answer For

Late last month, the chief executives of some of the nation’s largest insurance companies — UnitedHealth, CVS, Cigna, Elevance, and the California Blues — trekked to Capitol Hill for a day of hearings where federal lawmakers probed one of the most pressing issues of the day: health care affordability. 

CDPH to Transition Online Application Portal Beginning Feb. 12

What’s happening: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released All Facilities Letter 26-06, which announces the transition of its online application system for general acute care hospitals and acute psychiatric hospitals. The current system will be decommissioned at the close of business today, and the online application portal will be temporarily unavailable until...

Insights, Strategies, and Networking: Register Now for CHA’s HR Conference

What’s happening: CHA’s HR Conference — set for Feb. 26-27 in Sacramento — is almost here, but it’s not too late to register. This event, designed specifically for HR leaders in health care, will offer the latest legal updates, a chance to hear what’s working at other facilities, and actionable strategies that can be tailored to each hospital. 

Hospital Fee Program Invoices Due Feb. 25

What’s happening: Payments for the Hospital Fee Program 8 directed payment for cycle MC2 DPa are due to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on Feb. 25. It is critical that all hospitals pay their invoices in full and on time.   

CMS Issues Updated Guidance on Medicaid State-Directed Payments

What’s happening: On Feb. 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a letter providing guidance on Section 71116 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which eventually limits the total managed care payment rate received by hospitals to Medicare levels after a temporary grandfathering period. This letter supersedes the guidance CMS released on Sept. 9, 2025.