AzHHA’s 2025 Legislative Report being available online.
How the passage of a CR may hinge on an extension of the ACA premium tax credits.
AzHHA submitting comments to CMS on OPPS proposed rule.
Now available: 2025 Legislative Report
AzHHA’s 2025 Legislative Report is now available online.
Why it matters: The report details AzHHA’s 2025 advocacy efforts including:
Holding healthcare insurers accountable, including reducing credentialing delays and protecting patients from algorithm-driven denials.
Addressing the maternal health crisis in Arizona.
Strengthening Arizona’s healthcare workforce.
Pushing for reform for interfacility transportation.
Ensuring that hospitals do not face additional cuts.
The big picture: These legislative victories are a direct result of AzHHA members’ bold advocacy and steadfast partnership.
Together, we did not just participate in the process - we led it, shaping outcomes that will elevate access, quality and sustainability in Arizona healthcare.
Passage of CR may hinge on extension of ACA premium tax credits
Congressional budget negotiations remain at an impasse with federal funding set to expire at midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, without the passage of acontinuing resolution (CR).
Why it matters: Republicans and Democrats are sparring over healthcare funding and the future of enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, which are set to expire at the end of 2025.
This week, House GOP leaders introduced a CR that would keep government agencies and key health programs funded through Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, but the measure excludes any extension of the enhanced ACA tax credits.
Democratswarn that their support of a CR hinges on including an extension of the enhanced premium subsidies.
They argue that failing to extend them will result in steep premium hikes for consumers and instability for health systems.
If the enhanced tax credits lapse, the Kaiser Family Foundation has estimated that premiums for marketplace insurance plans could spike by more than 75%, and safety-net providers warn of a surge in uninsured patients.
Some Republicans have expressed openness to extending the subsidies but argue that Congress should pursue a separate bipartisan solution after the CR is passed.
What's next: The House is expected to vote on the CR this week, with Senate action anticipated shortly after to avoid a lapse in federal funding.
AzHHA submits comments to CMS on proposed OPPS Medicare rule
On Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, AzHHA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2026 Medicare outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) rates.
Why it matters: AzHHA expressed deep concern over the financial and operational implications of the proposed changes, emphasizing the urgent need for more sustainable Medicare payment policies.
In particular,AzHHA criticized the proposed 2.4% net payment update as insufficient, especially in light of a significant productivity cut and an additional 2% reduction tied to the expedited 340B remedy timeline.
Beyond inadequate payment concerns, AzHHA strongly opposed several regulatory proposals in the rule, citing their potential to reduce patient access to hospital-level care and increase administrative burdens. Key objections include:
Accelerated recoupment of 340B funds.
A proposed drug acquisition cost survey for all OPPS hospitals.
Payment reductions for drug administration services in off-campus outpatient departments.
Elimination of the inpatient-only list over three years.
CMS releases application and guidance for Rural Health Transformation Program
This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that states can now access the application for funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Why it matters: States must file by Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, with award decisions by Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.
Half of the funds will be distributed evenly to those states with an approved application, while the other half will be awarded to states with applications that “reflect the greatest potential for and scale of impact” on rural communities.
The program will allocate $10 billion per year from fiscal year (FY) 2026 to FY 2030.
CMS advises that states should employ evidence-based, outcomes-driven interventions to further CMS’s strategic goals, which include:
Prioritizing disease prevention, chronic disease management, behavioral health and prenatal care.
Encouraging providers to share or coordinate operations, technology, primary and specialty care, and emergency services.
Attracting and retaining a high-skilled healthcare workforce by strengthening recruitment and retention.
Advancing innovative care models to improve health outcomes, coordinate care and promote flexible care arrangements.
Employing innovative technologies that promote efficient care delivery, access to remote care, data security and access to digital health tools.
The big picture: AzHHA has been holding member forums and collecting data to inform an evidence-based, outcomes-driven and partnership-focused Arizona application that furthers our members’ funding priorities.
Vaccines: Tracking evolving information and guidance
Last week, members of the AzHHA leadership team attended The Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI) vaccine summit.
The discussion at the summit centered around more questions than answers.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, Governor Katie Hobbs signed an Executive Order expanding access to COVID-19 vaccines in Arizona.
We thank Governor Hobbs for taking action to protect the health and safety of our communities and to help reduce the strain on Arizona’s hospitals and healthcare workers as we head into respiratory virus season.
What’s next: Later this week, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet and review the childhood vaccine recommendations for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV), RSV, Hepatitis B and COVID-19.
AzHHA will be keeping an eye on the decisions that are made by ACIP.
Our state already struggles with lower-than-average childhood immunization rates.
If important vaccines are stripped from the national schedule, Arizona children could lose free or affordable access.
Additionally, under Arizona law, whether a pharmacist can administer a vaccine depends on whether ACIP recommends it. If a vaccine is removed from the ACIP schedule, pharmacists lose the authority to give it.
Last chance to reserve a room at a discounted rate
Attending the 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference? Time is running out to reserve your room at a discounted rate.
You must reserve your room by Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. Book now.
Join the AzHHA PAC: Be the voice for Arizona hospitals
Every day, decisions made at the Arizona Capitol and on Capitol Hill shape the future of healthcare in our state. From how hospitals are funded to the policies that determine patient access, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The AzHHA Political Action Committee (PAC) exists to ensure that Arizona's hospitals and patients have a strong and united voice where it matters most.
Why your support matters
Protect access: Your support helps ensure hospitals can care for patients in rural and urban communities.
Influence policy: Legislators pay attention when we unite. The AzHHA PAC ensures that Arizona hospitals are included in all key discussions.
Strengthen communities: Strong hospitals contribute to healthier families, a more robust economy and a safer Arizona.
The bottom line: Every dollar you contribute is an investment in ensuring quality healthcare for both today and in the future.
Whether you make a one-time gift or a recurring contribution, you are directly influencing the future of healthcare in Arizona.
Join us in our efforts. Invest in stronger hospitals and support the AzHHA PAC today.
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AzHHA HR Roundtable: Join us Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025!
The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association invites HR leaders to our second in-person HR Roundtable of 2025.
Why it matters: Connect with peers, share insights and tackle key workforce topics together.
Join us from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at the AzHHA offices in downtown Phoenix.
What’s happening:
Small group discussions on survey-driven topics.
The Mahoney Group presents on employee benefits—share your input in their quick survey.
Policy and legal updates regarding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
What’s next: Advance registration is requested for space accommodations and meal preparation.
Sponsored by The Mahoney Group, there is no registration fee, and lunch and parking will be complimentary.
Wednesday, Sept. 24 - 12th Annual Tribal Summit Join Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice for an in-person event in Flagstaff, Ariz., focused on understanding tribal health, building stronger partnerships and supporting culturally informed care across Arizona. This one-day, free summit will bring together Tribal and non-Tribal healthcare providers, Tribal leaders and community organizations to discuss pressing health topics. Register here.
Friday, Sept. 26 - Arizona Bioethics Network 13th Annual Conference This hybrid event will bring together scholars from various disciplines to explore the ethical questions that shape health in a global context. This year’s conference theme is “The Interconnected World: The Ethics of Global Health Policy.” Learn more and register.
Wednesday, Oct. 1 - Introduction to POLST Join physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) paradigm for their one-hour virtual workshops equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and resources to begin using POLST in Arizona. Register here.
Thursday, Oct. 2 - careLearning CMS webinar for AzHHA members AzHHA members are invited to participate in a live product information webinar at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2 to learn about careLearning’s Learning Management System (LMS). The LMS offers cost-effective eLearning solutions, regulatory compliance tracking and healthcare-related courses. Members can access exclusive discounts and fee waivers. To register, email careLearning’s Derrick Stowers directly.
Oct. 29-31 – 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference The 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference will be held at the exquisite Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson on Oct. 29-31. This will be an inspirational gathering of more than 200 hospital and healthcare executives seeking opportunities for continuing education, meaningful discussion and relationship building. Register now.
Friday, Nov. 7 - Peer support training for health professionals The Wellbeing Collaborative is offering a powerful in-person training for healthcare professionals interested in building or strengthening peer support programs in their organizations. This interactive training includes real-world strategies, hands-on practice and expert guidance to promote connection, resilience and psychological safety across teams. Learn more and register.
