Bulletin Board
Bulletin Board
Federal Health Policy Update for February 6
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for January 31 – February 6. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Introduction With the pause in external communication that the new administration imposed on HHS two weeks ago, including announcements, advisories, regular publications, and web site updates, there has been very little public communication from or activity involving HHS in the past week, including no new regulations or grant or meeting notices. While an HHS spokesperson explained that the moratorium has [...]
Hospitals End 2024 in Encouraging Financial Position
Hospitals finished 2024 in generally good financial condition, according to a new report. Hospital net revenue rose six percent in 2024 and outpatient revenue was up 10 percent, according to the report. With expenses rising but at a rate lower than inflation, hospitals ended 2024 with average operating margins of 7.6 percent – their highest rate for the year. At the same time, however, bad debt and charity care increased, most likely because of the contraction of Medicaid eligibility following the end of pandemic-related eligibility expansion and the continued trend [...]
Executive Order Seeks to Reduce Federal Regulations
A new executive order issued by the Trump administration calls for a significant reduction in federal regulations. Describing many current federal regulations as overly complex, burdensome, and obstacles to economic growth and innovation, the order directs that Unless prohibited by law, whenever an executive department or agency (agency) publicly proposes for notice and comment or otherwise promulgates a new regulation, it shall identify at least 10 existing regulations to be repealed. The executive order also states that For fiscal year 2025, which is in progress, the heads of all agencies [...]
State-by-State Medicaid Data
New resources published by the Commonwealth Fund share information on the role of Medicaid in serving the U.S. population on a state-by-state basis. The one-page fact sheets – one for each state – share data about how many people in each state are covered by Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); how many are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid; how many adults participate in Medicaid as a result of Affordable Care Act Meedicaid expansion; how much money each state’s Medicaid program receives from the federal government – [...]
Magazine Cites DeBrunner Consultant for Excellence
The magazine and online news provider City and State PA has named DeBrunner & Associates’ Laura Stevens Kent one of its “CSPA 2025 Government Relations 100” as one of “the commonwealth’s most effective advocates.” Laura is DeBrunner & Associates’ vice president of federal affairs. She joined DeBrunner last year from the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, where she was senior vice president of advocacy and external affairs for the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. Congratulations, Laura!