The American Hospital Association (AHA) recently presented statements in two separate hearings before congressional committees, addressing the challenges faced by private physician practices and the budgetary impacts of consolidation within the health care industry.
During the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health hearing, the AHA highlighted the difficulties faced by physicians due to rising costs, insufficient reimbursements, and administrative complexities imposed by both public and private insurers. The AHA advocated for policies that would lessen administrative burdens imposed by commercial insurers, improve access to care, reduce burnout among health care providers, and decrease costs for hospitals and health systems. Specifically, the AHA recommended simplifying prior authorization requirements within Medicare Advantage plans. Additionally, the AHA urged Congress to pass legislation aimed at providing incentives for quality improvements, removing revenue distinctions among insurers, and enhancing financial benchmarks to ensure success does not lead to penalties or increased costs.
At a House Budget Committee hearing focusing on consolidation within the healthcare industry, the AHA emphasized the benefits of mergers for hospitals and health care systems. Mergers can result in improved access to care, enhanced quality of services provided by physicians and nurses alike
