Newsletter

Federal Scene

Here comes the IRS. A new 990, the first since 1979 and Schedule “H”, with added requests for specifics on governance, pay, perks and subsidized care. The table for a cost break down of community benefits includes light expenses and an “other benefits” category. Bad debt and Medicare losses were added to the disclosure form but not titled as “community benefits”. The fight goes on.
Congressional work on a short term economic bill gives us an opportunity to ensure the extension of the Medicaid regulation moratorium is included. The current moratorium expires May 25 relating to intergovernmental transfers, certified public expenditures and graduate medical education. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the net impact of an expiration would be a reduction in Medicaid of $700 million in the next year. The AHA has issued an “Action Alert” stating the importance of contacting our legislators now to insure the Medicaid provision is included. Call 1-877-242-2240 or email ahadvocacy@aha.org.
The AHA reports hospitals lost $18.6 billion on Medicare and $11.3 billion on Medicaid in 2006.
The top three CEO challenges are * financial; ** care for the uninsured and *** hospital relations with physicians.
We’ll have new President in 2009. It will be an interesting! Universal coverage!
AHA annual meeting “Vision to Action: Local Leadership, National Change”, April 6 - 9. Visit www.aha.org for registration information.

Inside This Issue Volume 14 Issue 1, Winter, 2008