The American Hospital Association is urging its members to ramp up federal advocacy this summer, emphasizing the critical need to influence key healthcare policies ahead of the upcoming election season.
Congress will begin a five-week recess in early August, with lawmakers returning to their home states to connect with constituents and hear their concerns. With the election year intensifying, senators and representatives will be more focused on voters' concerns, making it "one of the best windows of the year" for hospital and health system leaders to discuss crucial issues such as site-neutral payment policies, rural funding and waiver extensions, according to AHA.
As part of advocacy efforts, AHA recommended leaders invite lawmakers to tour their hospitals to see the value they bring to their communities and gain a better understanding of their priorities and challenges.
The AHA said that this understanding will help ensure the passage of beneficial legislation, such as the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act, and prevent Medicare funding cuts or other harmful policies.
"While the AHA will never stop advocating for the policies and support that protect patients’ access to care, we need strong grassroots advocacy from the voices and voters in lawmakers’ home states and districts," AHA said in a June 28 post. "Seeing is believing. Giving your elected officials a memorable glimpse of the amazing work and patient care that happens at your hospital or health system every minute of every day will go a long way toward building and maintaining the support our caregivers need to advance health in America."