AHA Press Releases

Despite months of clearly demonstrating the implications that these Medicaid proposals will have on the patients and communities we serve, especially the most vulnerable populations, Congress has enacted cuts of nearly a trillion dollars to the Medicaid program.

We are deeply disappointed by today’s vote in the United States Senate to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). The real-life consequences of these nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts – the largest ever proposed by Congress – will result in irreparable harm to our health care system, reducing access to care for all Americans and severely undermining the ability of hospitals and health systems to care for our most vulnerable patients.

On behalf of the patients and communities we serve, America’s hospitals oppose the Senate substitute to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is launching a new TV and digital ad urging Congress to protect access to hospital care across the nation as it considers legislation that could have far-ranging negative consequences for patients, communities and hospitals across America.

We continue to review the Senate Finance Committee’s proposal. However, it appears that the provisions further undermine the ability for hospitals to provide care to Medicaid patients. This bill moves in the wrong direction.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) today released a new, comprehensive report that measures the substantial financial resources hospitals and health systems spend on preventing and responding to violence in their facilities and communities.

The AHA's hospitals and health systems have significant concerns regarding the harmful Medicaid and Health Insurance Marketplace provisions currently included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

The magnitude of the proposals contained in the Energy and Commerce reconciliation text represents a devastating blow to the health and well-being of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens and communities. There is no avoiding the real-life consequences they will create for hospitals serving our most vulnerable and hard-working families.

Every day, health care workers bravely serve our communities, providing lifesaving care often under stressful circumstances. It is unacceptable that these dedicated caregivers regularly face the threat of violence while working to help patients heal.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) today presented two federal hospital leaders with awards recognizing their outstanding service to the health care field. These awards recognize uniformed and non-uniformed federal health care leaders who have distinguished themselves through singularly significant or innovative achievements and leadership that have contributed substantially to the mission of the federal health system.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) today announced that Phyllis Cowling, former president and CEO of United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls, Texas, will be awarded its 2025 Board of Trustees Award. The Board of Trustees Award is presented to individuals or groups who have made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the work of the AHA on behalf of the hospital field. Cowling will receive the award during a May 5 ceremony at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) today announced that Ron Werft, former president and CEO and now president emeritus of Cottage Health in Santa Barbara, Calif., will be awarded its 2025 Board of Trustees Award. The Board of Trustees Award is presented to individuals or groups who have made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the work of the AHA on behalf of the hospital field. Werft will receive the award during a May 5 ceremony at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C. 

The American Hospital Association (AHA) today announced that the 2025 Justin Ford Kimball Innovators Award will be awarded to Jim Leonard, MD, president and CEO of Carle Health in Urbana, Ill. The award recognizes Leonard for his innovative approach to health care delivery that improves access and coordination of care. Leonard will receive the award during a ceremony on May 5 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) today released a new report showing that hospitals and health systems continue to experience significant financial headwinds that can challenge their ability to provide always-there, essential care to their patients and communities.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) today announced that its 2025 Award of Honor will be presented to Mary Beth Kingston, PhD, RN, FAAN for her dedication to advancing the nursing profession and improving patient care. The award is given to individuals or organizations in recognition of exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of our nation through leadership on major health policy or social initiatives. Kingston will receive the award during a ceremony on May 5 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) will present its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Rod Hochman, M.D., the former president and CEO of Providence Health & Services based in Renton, Washington. Hochman will receive the 2025 award during a ceremony on May 5 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) will present its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Melinda Estes, M.D., the former president and CEO of Saint Luke's Health System based in Kansas City, Missouri. Estes will receive the 2025 award during a ceremony on May 5 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The AHA appreciates Senator Cassidy’s leadership on 340B issues. As his report correctly observes, the 340B Program was created to help hospitals reach more eligible patients and provide more comprehensive services. 

Every day, all of America’s hospitals and health systems demonstrate their commitment to patients and the pursuit of advancing health. Consistent with this mission, nonprofit hospitals take their accountability for the federal tax exemption they receive very seriously.

America’s hospitals and health systems spend too many resources each year on regulatory requirements, forcing many of our clinicians to focus more time completing paperwork than treating patients. The AHA appreciates the Administration’s request for information on approaches and opportunities to streamline regulations and reduce burdens in the Medicare program.