Saurabh Tripathi Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, Hoffman Estates
Saurabh Tripathi Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, Hoffman Estates
As the 2024 congressional sessions come to a close, lawmakers are urged to prioritize essential areas to ensure access to quality health care and reinforce the health care system. Ascension, committed to providing high-quality health care, emphasizes several policy priorities.
One significant concern is the proposed Medicare payment cuts for physicians by 2.8 percent in 2025, despite rising practice costs. Ascension supports the bipartisan "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act," which proposes a 4.7 percent increase instead.
The organization also opposes "site-neutral" payment proposals that overlook hospitals' unique roles and value, especially in rural areas where they might be the only available providers.
Ascension advocates for extending or making permanent the Medicare Dependent Hospital (MDH) and Low Volume Adjustment (LVA) programs, crucial for rural hospitals with small patient loads. Additionally, there is a call to prevent an $8 billion cut to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program budget scheduled for January 1, 2025.
The waiver of PAYGO requirements is another priority due to its potential harm in health care settings, as it could lead to a 4 percent reduction in Medicare reimbursements affecting hospitals and patients alike.
Telehealth's role in expanding access and improving outcomes is highlighted. Ascension seeks urgent action to extend telehealth service flexibilities set to expire at year-end and urges bipartisan efforts for permanent virtual care access under Medicare.
Concerns are raised about exploitative tactics by some Medicare Advantage plans, such as abusive prior authorization policies leading to delayed or denied patient care. Ascension calls for measures holding insurers accountable for these practices that negatively impact vulnerable patients.
Finally, addressing workplace violence against health care workers is vital. By supporting H.R. 2584/S. 2768, known as the "SAVE Act," Congress can enhance penalties against offenders and support safety initiatives for health care workers who have been critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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