The Senate parliamentarian June 26 said several health care provisions in the Senate budget reconciliation bill, including one on Medicaid provider taxes, violate the Byrd Rule and would be subject to a 60-vote threshold if included in the reconciliation bill as written.
However, the process remains extremely fluid. Senate Republicans are currently working on alternative language for some of these provisions to remedy concerns raised by the parliamentarian.
The Senate, late June 27, released its updated draft budget reconciliation bill and is expected to begin voting today. There is still time to act.
Call your Republican senators and representatives now.
The Senate version of the budget reconciliation bill proposes even GREATER CUTS to the Medicaid program than the House bill. See the AHA’s Legislative Advisory with key highlights from the Senate version and the AHA’s statement.
The reconciliation process is not over yet. There is still time to contact your lawmakers. Under the rules, the reconciliation bill is limited to 20 hours of debate followed by unlimited amendments prior to the final vote. There will also be a process for a final amendment that could provide the opportunity for additional changes. The Senate bill will be sent back to the House for their final vote. This could provide another opportunity for changes.
See the latest AHA Action Alert for resources to assist you in your advocacy with lawmakers.
Use these resources and tools to show your legislators the effects their votes will have. Schedule meetings with your senators and representatives — in their home offices or in Washington, D.C. — and tell them what the consequences of their votes will be.
Start building relationships with your legislators and their staffers through calls, emails and face-to-face meetings. Learn how to host a site visit at your hospital and get tips on how to tell your hospital’s story. Your voice can make a difference.
Get up to speed on the issues in which AHA is engaged, due to their significant impact on hospitals and health systems.
The AHA Political Action Committee (AHAPAC) allows eligible hospital leaders to make voluntary donations toward the support of federal candidates of both political parties who support the hospital policy agenda. AHAPAC is bipartisan, working with state hospital associations and others.
For more information, please email pac@aha.org.
Learn more about AHAPAC
AHA Advocacy Alliance were created to help you engage your legislators on specific issues that have a direct impact on your ability to continue providing quality health services in your community. Alliance activities include special briefing calls and emails to keep members up-to-date on key developments, breakout sessions at AHA Advocacy Days, direct member outreach and other issue-specific resources.
Register for an alliance
The Coalition to Strengthen America’s Health Care was formed to protect access to the best quality health care for all Americans. We are a community of more than one million people who recognize the important role hospitals play in communities all over America, and advocate on their behalf to elected officials in Washington who too-often put funding for paitent care on chopping block.
Read about the Coalition
