fah hospital policy blog

Today, four national organizations representing hospitals and health systems sued the federal government, challenging last month’s contract disclosure rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Hospitals are concerned that today’s decision will put the health of millions at risk by creating a chilling effect on enrollment for vital health safety net programs.

This week, FAH, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and other major health care groups sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging prompt Congressional action to “establish a premium reduction/reinsurance program to help cover the costs of people with significant health care needs and improve the affordability of health care coverage.”

Hospitals and health systems want to protect their patients from surprise bills. Consumers, health insurers, employers, and hospitals all agree on that and need to find a common ground solution.

Inadequate health plan provider networks that limit patient access to emergency care is one of the root causes of surprise bills. Patients should be confident that they can seek immediate lifesaving care at any hospital.

The hospital community wants to ensure that patients are protected from surprise gaps in coverage that result in surprise bills, and we look forward to working with policymakers to achieve this goal.