Premier Calls on Congress to Pass Key Healthcare Legislation During Lame Duck Session
On top of the looming federal funding deadline, Congress must also address significant healthcare issues during the lame duck session, including several policies temporarily extended under the current continuing resolution (CR) that will expire on Dec. 20 without further action. In addition, other essential healthcare policies are set to lapse at the end of 2024 unless Congress intervenes. Today, Premier sent a letter calling on Congressional leaders to take urgent action to protect Americans’ access to high-quality and cost-effective care by addressing pressing legislative healthcare priorities. In considering these requests, Premier also urged lawmakers to avoid cuts to hospitals and providers that would have a destabilizing effect on their ability to serve their communities. Specifically, Premier called on Congress to:
Support hospitals facing intense financial pressures by preventing impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, extend payment programs that support rural and low-volume hospitals, and provide additional funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);
Extend telehealth and hospital-at-home policies;
Provide continued funding for community health centers and other vital public health programs;
Reinstate incentives to support movement to alternative payment models that deliver high-value care for beneficiaries; and
Address Medicare payment reductions to physicians.
