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
CHA Releases Advocacy Materials for 2024
What’s happening: New and updated advocacy materials are available for your use.
What else to know: Each packet contains an infographic, key messages, and an issue brief.
Budget Proposal Sustains Health Programs Even as Deficit Demands Vigilance
Yesterday, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his 2024 budget proposal, one that includes a myriad of fixes to patch a deficit that the Department of Finance projects to be nearly $38 billion (previous deficit estimates from the Legislative Analyst’s Office had pegged the shortfall at $68 billion).
Governor’s 2024-25 Budget Proposal Largely Maintains Health Care Commitments
What’s happening: On Jan. 10, the governor released his $209 billion state general fund budget for 2024-25. The spending plan includes a nearly $38 billion (18%) deficit before accounting for solutions.
What else to know: The governor proposes to close the deficit without major cuts to health care programs. The budget still needs to make its way through the Legislature, and the May revision will deliver new and more up-to-date revenue tallies.
CHA Will Host 2024 Rural Health Care Symposium
What’s happening: CHA will host the 2024 Rural Health Care Symposium on March 4-5 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego.
What else to know: Registration is open. CHA President & CEO Carmela Coyle and Stroudwater Managing Director Jeff Sommer are confirmed as speakers. The agenda is being finalized.
Updates for the Week of Jan. 8
CDPH Issues Updated Guidance on Program Flex for Home Health Staff
What’s happening: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued All Facilities Letter (AFL) 24-01 on experience requirements for licensed nursing staff of a home health agency (HHA).
What else to know: This AFL provides direction on requesting program flexibility for the professional nursing experience requirements for an HHA.
CHA Summary: Final Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Fees
What’s happening: CHA has issued a final rule summary of the finalized federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) administrative fee and entity fee ranges.
What else to know: The fees are effective Jan. 22.
Office of Climate Change and Health Equity Launches Support Program
What’s happening: This month, the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) launched an educational webinar series. It’s a “catalytic program” for health care providers to best utilize benefits included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
What else to know: National education webinars for general IRA utilization will begin on Jan. 25. Registration for both the national sessions and breakout sessions (referenced below) is open on the program website.
CHA Comments on Proposed Changes to Medicare Advantage Plans
What’s happening: CHA submitted comments on the proposed technical changes to Medicare Advantage plans for contract year 2025.
What else to know: Comments were due to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Jan. 5.
CMS Provides Health Equity Reports to Post-Acute Care Providers
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing health equity confidential feedback reports to post-acute care providers including home health (HH), inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), long-term care hospital (LTCH), and skilled-nursing facility (SNF) settings.
What else to know: The reports stratify outcomes for the Discharge to Community and Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary measures by dual-enrollment status and race/ethnicity.
