Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

January 22, 2018

MHA Newsline: Jan. 22, 2018

In this issue 

MHA leaders meet with members of Congress

As the federal government headed for its first shutdown in more than four years, MHA leaders were on Capitol Hill advocating for issues important to Minnesota hospitals and health systems. Lorry Massa, president and CEO, MHA; Matt Anderson, senior vice president and chief strategy officer, MHA; and Ben Peltier, vice president, legal and federal affairs, MHA, met with many members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation including Minnesota’s newest senator, Tina Smith.   

As expected, our federal legislators and their staffs were concerned about funding the federal government. MHA encouraged Congress to reauthorize funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Community Health Centers, adopt important Medicare provisions including a reauthorization of the Low-Volume Hospital Program and make changes to limits on therapy services for Medicare patients. In addition, MHA highlighted the importance of the 340B drug discount program in providing additional resources to hospitals to support community benefit services.    

For additional information on MHA’s federal priorities or for assistance dealing with the government shutdown, contact Ben Peltier, 651-603-3513. return to top   

Impacts on HHS during federal government shutdown

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released guidance on what activities will continue or be suspended during the federal government shutdown.   

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will continue to process Medicare claims and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s activities will continue.   

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will be unable to make payments for the Children’s Hospital GME Program. However, it will continue activities related to the Community Health Centers; National Health Service Corps; and Maternal, Infant and Child Health Home Visiting program. return to top   

Opportunity Conference to educate policymakers, practitioners on latest LGBTQ health initiatives

Health care professionals and government leaders are encouraged to attend the 2018 Opportunity Conference March 26-27 in Brooklyn Center. Organized by Minnesota-based Rainbow Health Initiative, this is the largest LGBTQ health conference in the Midwest. Conference sponsors include MHA members Allina Health, Fairview Health Services, HealthEast Care System and Mayo Clinic.   

Policymakers and practitioners will learn how to advance LGBTQ health from industry leaders through two full days of workshops and breakout discussions. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit and participants will receive 13 credits upon completion of the conference. Registration closes Friday, March 16. Learn more and register onlinereturn to top