The newsroom includes access to CHA News, which provides timely information to members every Thursday and is at the core of CHA benefits. In addition, it is also home to resources such as toolkits and talking points designed to help member hospitals and health systems communicate with internal and external audiences on a range of current health care-related issues. Links to CHA media statements and press releases can also be found here.
Newsroom
Hospital Volunteers Represent the Very Best of All of Us
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Gandhi
CHA Aims Critical Access Hospital Social Media Campaign at Lawmakers
What’s happening: This week, CHA launched a social media campaign highlighting the challenges rural hospitals – particularly critical access hospitals – face and urging lawmakers to act so that rural health care is preserved.
What else to know: The campaign is intended to cultivate support for Senate Bill (SB) 1423 (Dahle, R-Bieber), which would provide additional financial help for California’s critical access hospitals (a concurrent budget effort is underway). CHA-sponsored SB 1423 will be heard in the Senate Health Committee on April 24.
CHA Issues Alert Ahead of OHCA Hearing
Earlier this week, CHA issued an alert urging members to testify at next week’s Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) board meeting. With the board’s final decision on a spending target expected at either the April 24 or May 22 board meeting, it is crucial that hospital voices continue to be heard. The board is […]
CMS Proposes Inadequate Inpatient Payment Update
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed fiscal year (FY) 2025 inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) rule falls short of what hospitals need to keep up with rising costs and health care needs.
What else to know: The rule includes a net market basket update of 2.6%. As a result of all proposed changes, CMS estimates that hospital inpatient payments will increase by $3.2 billion in FY 2025. Comments are due June 10.
CHA-Opposed “Neglect” Bill Not Moving Forward This Year
What’s happening: A CHA-opposed Assembly bill that would have expanded the definitions of elder abuse and neglect will not move forward this year.
What else to know: Assembly Bill (AB) 2800 (Kalra, D-San Jose) would have expanded the types of conduct that constitute elder abuse and lowered the standard of proof a plaintiff must meet to recover on such claims. CHA’s opposition to this bill centered on its undermining of the stabilizing influence of the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA).
Loan Forgiveness Maximum Increased for Physicians in Shortage Areas
What’s happening: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has increased the maximum loan amount that can be forgiven for doctors who commit to practicing in a health professional shortage area.
What else to know: HRSA is accepting applications to participate in this year’s program through May 9 at 4:30 p.m. (PT).
Summaries: FFY 2025 Hospice, Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, Skilled-Nursing Facility Medicare Payment Rules
What’s happening: Summaries of the hospice wage index, inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) prospective payment system (PPS), and skilled-nursing facility (SNF) PPS proposed rules are now available.
What else to know: Comments on the proposed rules are due by May 28.
Submit Medicare Physician Attestation Statements by May 3
What’s happening: As a condition of participation, Medicare-certified hospitals must complete attestation and acknowledgment of physicians with newly granted admitting privileges in the previous calendar year.
What else to know: Attestation statements for 2023 should be submitted by May 3.
Summary: Finalized Policy Changes for MA Plans in Contract Year 2025
What’s happening: A summary of the finalized changes to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D programs for contract year 2025 is now available.
What else to know: The regulation is effective June 3.
Hospital Leaders Share Access Concerns with Lawmakers
What’s happening: CHA convened a gathering in Sacramento of critical access hospital (CAH) leaders, legislators, and staff this week in support of Senate Bill (SB) 1423 (Dahle, R-Bieber), which aims to stabilize health care services in rural, remote communities.
What else to know: On Tuesday, leaders from eight CAHs visited the offices of 12 lawmakers to convey the serious challenges they face keeping their doors open and the threat posed by the loss of hospital services in rural and underserved communities.
