Educated members of Congress and staff on the importance of full funding for mental health and substance abuse policies under discussion in H.R. 2646 Health Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. Without adequate funding, states cannot properly implement the programs in the legislation.
Provided education to members of Congress and staff about the impact of budget proposals included in the Presidents FY2017 Budget, and the House and Senate Labor/HHS/Appropriations drafts. Also discussed the implications of proposed cuts to entitlement programs.
Educated staff on the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and the need for adequate funding in the appropriations bill.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year. Provided data to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the number of uninsured individuals in each district and statewide. Provided information on the uncompensated care burden in the state and how that impacts the 1115 waiver renewal as well as the safety net in the state.
H.R.4428 - Fair Medicare Hospital Payments Act of 2016 - would establish a national minimum of 0.874 for the Medicare Area Wage Index for Hospital Inpatient Services (Medicare Part A) and the Medicare Area Wage Adjustment Factor for Hospital Outpatient Department Services (Medicare Part B). Discussed with congressional staff the importance of leveling the Area Wage Index playing field for hospitals across the nation. Dozens of hospitals in Texas are negatively impacted by low AWI. While he AWI is designed so the average AWI is 1.0, Texas does not contain a single CBSA with an AWI at 1.0 or greater.
S.2425 - Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act - would allow CMS to create a blanket hardship exemption from 2015 electronic health record meaningful use requirements and related payment adjustments to all providers who ask for it. The penalties would have been assessed in 2017.
H.R.5273 - Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act of 2016 - Would provide some relief to hospitals in site-neutral payments, readmissions adjustments and other polices. Discussed with congressional staff about the bills limited impact to Texas hospitals in relation to hospital outpatient departments. Encouraged additional work in the Senate to help a broader range of hospitals that had their payment structure changed without notice.
Duration: November 1, 2007
to
October 7, 2016
General Issues: Budget/Appropriations , Medicare/Medicaid , Health Issues , Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs , Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace
Spending: about $0 (But it's complicated. Here's why.)
It can be tricky to figure out how much an organization spent on a particular lobbying engagement. The law only requires lobbyists to report the amount they were paid for federal lobbying each quarter rounded to the nearest $10,000—and if it's less than $3,000 in a given quarter (or less than $13,000 for organizations with in-house lobbyists), they don't have to disclose it at all. Plus, some organizations include spending that doesn’t belong in the report—for instance, money spent lobbying state governments or other legal work.
Agencies lobbied since 2007: U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, Y
Y, Y
Y
Other - CMS.
Lobbyists
Lobbyists named here were listed on a filing related to this lobbying engagement. They may not be working on it now. Occasionally, a single lobbyist whose name is spelled two different ways on filings may be represented twice here.
Disclosures Filed
Once a lobbying engagement begins, the lobbyist or firm is required to file updates four times a year. Those updates sometimes change which lobbyists are involved or add new issues being discussed. When lobbyists stop working for a client, the firm is also supposed to file a report disclosing the end of the relationship.
4th Quarter, 2016
Texas Hospital Association in-house lobbying effort was terminated on April 19, 2017
Original Filing: 300870554.xml
4th Quarter, 2016
In Q4, Texas Hospital Association did no lobbying for itself. The report was filed on Jan. 17, 2017.
Original Filing: 300847665.xml
3rd Quarter, 2016
In Q3, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2016.
Original Filing: 300839144.xml
Lobbying Issues
Educated members of Congress and staff on the importance of full funding for mental health and substance abuse policies under discussion in H.R. 2646 Health Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. Without adequate funding, states cannot properly implement the programs in the legislation.
Provided education to members of Congress and staff about the impact of budget proposals included in the Presidents FY2017 Budget, and the House and Senate Labor/HHS/Appropriations drafts. Also discussed the implications of proposed cuts to entitlement programs.
Educated staff on the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and the need for adequate funding in the appropriations bill.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year. Provided data to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the number of uninsured individuals in each district and statewide. Provided information on the uncompensated care burden in the state and how that impacts the 1115 waiver renewal as well as the safety net in the state.
H.R.4428 - Fair Medicare Hospital Payments Act of 2016 - would establish a national minimum of 0.874 for the Medicare Area Wage Index for Hospital Inpatient Services (Medicare Part A) and the Medicare Area Wage Adjustment Factor for Hospital Outpatient Department Services (Medicare Part B). Discussed with congressional staff the importance of leveling the Area Wage Index playing field for hospitals across the nation. Dozens of hospitals in Texas are negatively impacted by low AWI. While he AWI is designed so the average AWI is 1.0, Texas does not contain a single CBSA with an AWI at 1.0 or greater.
S.2425 - Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act - would allow CMS to create a blanket hardship exemption from 2015 electronic health record meaningful use requirements and related payment adjustments to all providers who ask for it. The penalties would have been assessed in 2017.
H.R.5273 - Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act of 2016 - Would provide some relief to hospitals in site-neutral payments, readmissions adjustments and other polices. Discussed with congressional staff about the bills limited impact to Texas hospitals in relation to hospital outpatient departments. Encouraged additional work in the Senate to help a broader range of hospitals that had their payment structure changed without notice.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Type of Issue
Medicare/Medicaid
2nd Quarter, 2016
In Q2, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2016.
Original Filing: 300817113.xml
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to members of Congress and staff about the impact of budget proposals included in the Presidents FY2017 Budget, and the House and Senate Labor/HHS/Appropriations drafts. Also discussed the implications of proposed cuts to entitlement programs.
Educated members of Congress and staff on the negative impact of a hospital outpatient department payment adjustment included in the Bipartisan Budget Act.
Educated staff on the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and the need for adequate funding in the appropriations bill.
Worked with members of Congress and staff on the importance of funding for Zika preparedness and response and encouraged them not to transfer Ebola funds because hospitals are still awaiting reimbursement for their expenses related to Ebola from those funds.
Educated members of Congress and staff on the importance of full funding for mental health and substance abuse policies under discussion in H.R. 2646 Health Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. Without adequate funding, states cannot properly implement the programs in the legislation.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year. Provided data to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the number of uninsured individuals in each district and statewide. Provided information on the uncompensated care burden in the state and how that impacts the 1115 waiver renewal as well as the safety net in the state.
Discussed with members of Congress and staff the implications, concerns with and the misguided policies in the proposed rule to implement the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015.
H.R.5273 - Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act of 2016 - Would provide some relief to hospitals in site-neutral payments, readmissions adjustments and other polices. Discussed with congressional staff about the bills limited impact to Texas hospitals in relation to hospital outpatient departments. Encouraged additional work in the Senate to help a broader range of hospitals that had their payment structure changed without notice.
H.R.4428 - Fair Medicare Hospital Payments Act of 2016 - would establish a national minimum of 0.874 for the Medicare Area Wage Index for Hospital Inpatient Services (Medicare Part A) and the Medicare Area Wage Adjustment Factor for Hospital Outpatient Department Services (Medicare Part B). Discussed with congressional staff the importance of leveling the Area Wage Index playing field for hospitals across the nation. Dozens of hospitals in Texas are negatively impacted by low AWI. While he AWI is designed so the average AWI is 1.0, Texas does not contain a single CBSA with an AWI at 1.0 or greater.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - Would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Discussed with congressional staff and members of Congress that provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas, and how the implementation of a rural floor would help rural hospitals across the state and country.
H.R. 2124, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act -- Would prevent a looming doctor shortage by ensuring additional residency slots are available for teaching hospitals. Educated members of congress and staff on Graduate Medical Education and why we must increase residency slots to meet the growing demand by medical students and to help counteract the ever-growing physician shortage . Teaching hospitals and academic medical centers rely on support from the GME program to fulfill their mission of training physicians for the public good, furnishing highly-specialized care to the most medically complex patients, and delivering essential health care services to the community.
H.R. 3119 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act - Would authorize grants to improve the training of health professionals in palliative care.
S.2425 - Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act - would allow CMS to create a blanket hardship exemption from 2015 electronic health record meaningful use requirements and related payment adjustments to all providers who ask for it. The penalties would have been assessed in 2017.
Rural Hospital Issues:
Discussed a variety of issues impacting rural and critical access hospitals with members of congress and their staff. Rural hospitals would greatly benefit from the passage of several pieces of legislation that would relieve onerous burdens and help the facilities better serve their communities. Specific legislation discussed includes: H.R.1479, S.1648, S.332, H.R.169/S.258, H.R.3225
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year. Provided data to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the number of uninsured individuals in each district and statewide. Provided information on the uncompensated care burden in the state and how that impacts the 1115 waiver renewal as well as the safety net in the state.
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the importance of adequate funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.
Worked with members of Congress and staff on proposals for combating the Zika virus and encouraged adequate funding of these plans.
H.R. 2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016 - Would make a variety of sweeping changes to the mental health infrastructure and while also reforming provider outreach, community-based treatment options, and justice system reform. - Discussed with staff how THA support the overall direction this bill would take the mental health system, and encouraged the use of community care in reforming the way we address mental health issues. Encouraged congressional staff to approve the bill, but expressed concern for lack of funding. Without adequate funding, states cannot properly implement the programs in the legislation.
S.524 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) - wound enact policies intended to re-engineer how health care providers, communities and the criminal justice system coordinates care to treat addiction. - Expressed support for the overall goals of the bill and the programs to be established by the legislation, but THA is concerned with the lack of funding in the legislation. Without funding, states and localities cannot adequately address and combat the opioid addiction crisis.
H.R.5273 - Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act of 2016 - Would provide some relief to hospitals in site-neutral payments, readmissions adjustments and other polices. Discussed with congressional staff about the bills limited impact to Texas hospitals in relation to hospital outpatient departments. Encouraged additional work in the Senate to help a broader range of hospitals who had their payment structure changed without notice.
H.R.2745 - Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules Act of 2015 - Would standardize the merger review process for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Met with congressional staff on how the merger review process impacts hospital mergers and how this legislation would eliminate disparities between the two reviewing agencies.
H.R. 2124, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act -- Would prevent a looming doctor shortage by ensuring additional residency slots are available for teaching hospitals. Educated members of congress and staff on Graduate Medical Education and why we must increase residency slots to meet the growing demand by medical students and to help counteract the ever-growing physician shortage . Teaching hospitals and academic medical centers rely on support from the GME program to fulfill their mission of training physicians for the public good, furnishing highly-specialized care to the most medically complex patients, and delivering essential health care services to the community.
H.R.4428 - Fair Medicare Hospital Payments Act of 2016 - would establish a national minimum of 0.874 for the Medicare Area Wage Index for Hospital Inpatient Services (Medicare Part A) and the Medicare Area Wage Adjustment Factor for Hospital Outpatient Department Services (Medicare Part B). Discussed with congressional staff the importance of leveling the Area Wage Index playing field for hospitals across the nation. Dozens of hospitals in Texas are negatively impacted by low AWI. While he AWI is designed so the average AWI is 1.0, Texas does not contain a single CBSA with an AWI at 1.0 or greater.
H.R. 3119 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act - Would authorize grants to improve the training of health professionals in palliative care.
H.R.1343/S.688 - Would require CMS to take into account patients' sociodemographic status when imposing financial penalties for excessive hospital readmissions for Medicare patients. - Met with congressional staff on how socioeconomic status impacts health and the importance of this legislation, especially to large safety net hospitals.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - Would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Discussed with congressional staff and members of Congress that provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas, and how the implementation of a rural floor would help rural hospitals across the state and country.
S.2425 - Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act - would allow CMS to create a blanket hardship exemption from 2015 electronic health record meaningful use requirements and related payment adjustments to all providers who ask for it. The penalties would have been assessed in 2017.
Rural Hospital Issues:
Discussed a variety of issues impacting rural and critical access hospitals with members of congress and their staff. Rural hospitals would greatly benefit from the passage of several pieces of legislation that would relieve onerous burdens and help the facilities better serve their communities. Specific legislation discussed includes: H.R.1479, S.1648, S.332, H.R.169/S.258, H.R.3225.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2016
In Q1, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2016.
Original Filing: 300798336.xml
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to members of Congress and staff about the impact of budget proposals included in the Presidents FY2017 Budget. Also discussed the implications of proposed cuts to entitlement programs.
Educated members of Congress and staff on the negative impact of a hospital outpatient department payment adjustment included in the Bipartisan Budget Act.
Worked with members of congress and staff to include a fix to the hospital outpatient department payment adjustment in the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Educated staff on the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and the need for adequate funding in the appropriations bill.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year. Provided data to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the number of uninsured individuals in each district and statewide. Provided information on the uncompensated care burden in the state and how that impacts the 1115 waiver renewal as well as the safety net in the state.
H.R.4428 - Fair Medicare Hospital Payments Act of 2016 - would establish a national minimum of 0.874 for the Medicare Area Wage Index for Hospital Inpatient Services (Medicare Part A) and the Medicare Area Wage Adjustment Factor for Hospital Outpatient Department Services (Medicare Part B). Discussed with congressional staff the importance of leveling the Area Wage Index playing field for hospitals across the nation. Dozens of hospitals in Texas are negatively impacted by low AWI. While he AWI is designed so the average AWI is 1.0, Texas does not contain a single CBSA with an AWI at 1.0 or greater.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - Would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Discussed with congressional staff and members of Congress that provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas, and how the implementation of a rural floor would help rural hospitals across the state and country.
H.R. 2124, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act -- Would prevent a looming doctor shortage by ensuring additional residency slots are available for teaching hospitals. Educated members of congress and staff on Graduate Medical Education and why we must increase residency slots to meet the growing demand by medical students and to help counteract the ever-growing physician shortage . Teaching hospitals and academic medical centers rely on support from the GME program to fulfill their mission of training physicians for the public good, furnishing highly-specialized care to the most medically complex patients, and delivering essential health care services to the community.
H.R. 3119 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act - Would authorize grants to improve the training of health professionals in palliative care.
S.2425 - Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act - would allow CMS to create a blanket hardship exemption from 2015 electronic health record meaningful use requirements and related payment adjustments to all providers who ask for it. The penalties would have been assessed in 2017.
Rural Hospital Issues:
Discussed a variety of issues impacting rural and critical access hospitals with members of congress and their staff. Rural hospitals would greatly benefit from the passage of several pieces of legislation that would relieve onerous burdens and help the facilities better serve their communities. Specific legislation discussed includes: H.R.1479, S.1648, S.332, H.R.169/S.258, H.R.3225
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year. Provided data to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the number of uninsured individuals in each district and statewide. Provided information on the uncompensated care burden in the state and how that impacts the 1115 waiver renewal as well as the safety net in the state.
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the importance of adequate funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.
Worked with members of Congress and staff on proposals for combating the Zika virus and encouraged adequate funding of these plans.
H.R.2745 - Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules Act of 2015 - Would standardize the merger review process for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Met with congressional staff on how the merger review process impacts hospital mergers and how this legislation would eliminate disparities between the two reviewing agencies.
H.R. 2124, Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act -- Would prevent a looming doctor shortage by ensuring additional residency slots are available for teaching hospitals. Educated members of congress and staff on Graduate Medical Education and why we must increase residency slots to meet the growing demand by medical students and to help counteract the ever-growing physician shortage . Teaching hospitals and academic medical centers rely on support from the GME program to fulfill their mission of training physicians for the public good, furnishing highly-specialized care to the most medically complex patients, and delivering essential health care services to the community.
H.R.4428 - Fair Medicare Hospital Payments Act of 2016 - would establish a national minimum of 0.874 for the Medicare Area Wage Index for Hospital Inpatient Services (Medicare Part A) and the Medicare Area Wage Adjustment Factor for Hospital Outpatient Department Services (Medicare Part B). Discussed with congressional staff the importance of leveling the Area Wage Index playing field for hospitals across the nation. Dozens of hospitals in Texas are negatively impacted by low AWI. While he AWI is designed so the average AWI is 1.0, Texas does not contain a single CBSA with an AWI at 1.0 or greater.
H.R. 953 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act - Discussed with congressional staff how hospitals are involved with treating and caring for opioid and other substance abuse patients. Discussed limitations and flexibility within current law and congressional proposals.
S.2002 - Mental Health and Safe Communities Act of 2015 - Talked with Senate staff about the importance of adequate funding and coordination of care across multiple disciplines, including hospitals, law enforcement, judicial system, outpatient clinics, community-based treatment and more.
H.R. 3119 - Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act - Would authorize grants to improve the training of health professionals in palliative care.
H.R.1343/S.688 - Would require CMS to take into account patients' sociodemographic status when imposing financial penalties for excessive hospital readmissions for Medicare patients. - Met with congressional staff on how socioeconomic status impacts health and the importance of this legislation, especially to large safety net hospitals.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - Would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Discussed with congressional staff and members of Congress that provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas, and how the implementation of a rural floor would help rural hospitals across the state and country.
S.2425 - Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act - would allow CMS to create a blanket hardship exemption from 2015 electronic health record meaningful use requirements and related payment adjustments to all providers who ask for it. The penalties would have been assessed in 2017.
H.R. 2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015 - Would make a variety of sweeping changes to the mental health infrastructure and while also reforming provider outreach, community-based treatment options, and justice system reform. - Discussed with staff how THA support the overall direction this bill would take the mental health system, and encouraged the use of community care in reforming the way we address mental health issues.
Rural Hospital Issues:
Discussed a variety of issues impacting rural and critical access hospitals with members of congress and their staff. Rural hospitals would greatly benefit from the passage of several pieces of legislation that would relieve onerous burdens and help the facilities better serve their communities. Specific legislation discussed includes: H.R.1479, S.1648, S.332, H.R.169/S.258, H.R.3225
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2015
In Q4, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 20, 2016.
Original Filing: 300783498.xml
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to members of Congress and staff about the impact of budget proposals included in the House FY2016 Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill and the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Educated members of Congress and staff on the negative impact of a hospital outpatient department payment adjustment included in the Bipartisan Budget Act.
Worked with members of congress and staff to include a fix to the hospital outpatient department payment adjustment in the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Educated staff on the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and the need for adequate funding in the appropriations bill.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to Members of Congress and staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year.
Educated members of congress and staff on the Medicare Area Wage Index.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - Would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Discussed with congressional staff and members of Congress that provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas, and how the implementation of a rural floor would help rural hospitals across the state and country.
H.R.2156 - Medicare Audit Improvement Act of 2015 - Would replace the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) contingency fee structure with a flat fee to reduce the financial incentive for overzealous auditing practices; lowers payments for poor RAC performance; allows hospitals to rebill claims when appropriate; and requires RACs to base their inpatient claims decisions on only the information the physician had when treating the patient. - Discussed with congressional staff the burden the RACs put on hospitals and how RAC reform is necessary to improve efficiency and fairness.
H.R. 2513 - PACE Act of 2015 - Would remove the prohibition on expansion of physician-owned hospitals. - Met with staff on the role these facilities play in the health care infrastructure compared to general acute care hospitals (treating healthier patients and less Medicare and Medicaid populations) and how physician-owned hospitals raise ethical concerns for cherry-picking patients and physician self-referral.
S.2425 - Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act - would allow CMS to create a blanket hardship exemption from 2015 electronic health record meaningful use requirements and related payment adjustments to all providers who ask for it. The penalties would have been assessed in 2017.
Rural Hospital Issues:
Discussed a variety of issues impacting rural and critical access hospitals with members of congress and their staff. Rural hospitals would greatly benefit from the passage of several pieces of legislation that would relieve onerous burdens and help the facilities better serve their communities. Specific legislation discussed includes: H.R.1479, S.1648, S.332, H.R.169/S.258, H.R.3225
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year. Provided data to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the number of uninsured individuals in each district and statewide. Provided information on the uncompensated care burden in the state and how that impact the 1115 waiver renewal as well as the safety net in the state.
Provided information to members of Congress and their staff on physician-owned hospitals.
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the importance of adequate funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.
H.R.1343/S.688 - Would require CMS to take into account patients' sociodemographic status when imposing financial penalties for excessive hospital readmissions for Medicare patients. - Met with congressional staff on how socioeconomic status impacts health and the importance of this legislation, especially to large safety net hospitals.
Educated members of congress and staff on the Medicare Area Wage Index.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - Would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Discussed with congressional staff and members of Congress that provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas, and how the implementation of a rural floor would help rural hospitals across the state and country.
S.2425 - Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act - would allow CMS to create a blanket hardship exemption from 2015 electronic health record meaningful use requirements and related payment adjustments to all providers who ask for it. The penalties would have been assessed in 2017.
H.R. 2513 - PACE Act of 2015 - Would remove the prohibition on expansion of physician-owned hospitals. - Met with staff on the role these facilities play in the health care infrastructure compared to general acute care hospitals (treating healthier patients and less Medicare and Medicaid populations) and how physician-owned hospitals raise ethical concerns for cherry-picking patients and physician self-referral.
H.R. 2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015 - Would make a variety of sweeping changes to the mental health infrastructure and while also reforming provider outreach, community-based treatment options, and justice system reform. - Discussed with staff how THA support the overall direction this bill would take the mental health system, and encouraged the use of community care in reforming the way we address mental health issues.
Rural Hospital Issues:
Discussed a variety of issues impacting rural and critical access hospitals with members of congress and their staff. Rural hospitals would greatly benefit from the passage of several pieces of legislation that would relieve onerous burdens and help the facilities better serve their communities. Specific legislation discussed includes: H.R.1479, S.1648, S.332, H.R.169/S.258, H.R.3225
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2015
In Q3, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 14, 2015.
Original Filing: 300753291.xml
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the impact of budget proposals included in the House FY2016 Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill and the Senate FY2016 Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill.
Educated staff on the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) and the need for adequate funding in the appropriations bill.
Discussed with members of Congress and staff about the need to restore funding to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and how hospitals utilize the information and research from AHRQ.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year.
H.R.1343/S.688 - Would require CMS to take into account patients' sociodemographic status when imposing financial penalties for excessive hospital readmissions for Medicare patients. - Met with congressional staff on how socioeconomic status impacts health and the importance of this legislation, especially to large safety net hospitals.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - Would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Discussed with congressional staff and members of Congress that provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas, and how the implementation of a rural floor would help rural hospitals across the state and country.
H.R.2156 - Medicare Audit Improvement Act of 2015 - Would replace the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) contingency fee structure with a flat fee to reduce the financial incentive for overzealous auditing practices; lowers payments for poor RAC performance; allows hospitals to rebill claims when appropriate; and requires RACs to base their inpatient claims decisions on only the information the physician had when treating the patient. - Discussed with congressional staff the burden the RACs put on hospitals and how RAC reform is necessary to improve efficiency and fairness.
H.R. 2513 - PACE Act of 2015 - Would remove the prohibition on expansion of physician-owned hospitals. - Met with staff on the role these facilities play in the health care infrastructure compared to general acute care hospitals (treating healthier patients and less Medicare and Medicaid populations) and how physician-owned hospitals raise ethical concerns for cherry-picking patients and physician self-referral.
H.R.3288 - Strengthening DSH and Medicare Through Subsidy Recapture and Payment Reform Act of 2015 - Would shift disproportionate share hospital (DSH) program payments to a lump sum, rather than per discharge add-on payments and increases DSH in states that have not expanded Medicaid. - Explained to congressional staff and members of Congress that hospitals would benefit from the bi-weekly payments proposed in this bill because there would be less delay in cash flow, but also expressed concerns for the offset proposed for the DHS pool for non-expansion states. This ACA subsidy recapture offset is an easy target to be cut in the future when Congress needs to find savings or a means to pay for another program in the future.
H.R.3291 - Medicare Crosswalk Hospital Code Development Act of 2015 - Would create a Healthcare Common Procedure Classification System (HCPCS) version of MS-DRGs that will serve as a guide to connecting the inpatient and outpatient coding and payment systems for implementing site-neutral payments. - Educated staff on why the hospital industry cannot support site-neutral payments, as these policies do not take in to account a variety of factors that influence why a procedure is performed in a specific setting.
H.R.3292 - Medicare IME Pool Act of 2015 - Would give teaching hospital a lump-sum payment to reimburse indirect medical education (IME) costs, instead of paying the hospital an additional percentage based on each inpatient case. - Discussed with congressional staff how the methodology proposed in HR3292 is redistributive and could benefit some hospitals in Texas while hurting others.
Rural Hospital Issues:
Discussed a variety of issues impacting rural and critical access hospitals with members of congress and their staff. Rural hospitals would greatly benefit from the passage of several pieces of legislation that would relieve onerous burdens and help the facilities better serve their communities. Specific legislation discussed includes: H.R.1479, S.1648, S.332, H.R.169/S.258, H.R.3225
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver. Also provided information on the states 1115 waiver renewal application submitted to CMS in September and the timeline for negotiation over the next year. Provided data to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the number of uninsured individuals in each district and statewide. Provided information on the uncompensated care burden in the state and how that impact the 1115 waiver renewal as well as the safety net in the state.
Provided information to members of Congress and their staff on physician-owned hospitals.
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the importance of adequate funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about health insurance coverage expansion options in the state of Texas.
340B Drug Pricing Program - Educated staff on the 340B Drug Pricing Program and how hospitals are involved. Discussed recently released guidance from HRSA on the program and how changes to the definition of patient and qualified entity, are of concern to the hospitals in Texas, especially in relation to the states ban on the corporate practice of medicine.
Trade Adjustment Assistance Program -Discussed with staff how THA cannot support the use of Medicare to pay for the trade adjustment assistance program, as was proposed in the trade promotion authority legislation.
H.R.1343/S.688 - Would require CMS to take into account patients' sociodemographic status when imposing financial penalties for excessive hospital readmissions for Medicare patients. - Met with congressional staff on how socioeconomic status impacts health and the importance of this legislation, especially to large safety net hospitals.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - Would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Discussed with congressional staff and members of Congress that provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas, and how the implementation of a rural floor would help rural hospitals across the state and country.
H.R. 2513 - PACE Act of 2015 - Would remove the prohibition on expansion of physician-owned hospitals. - Met with staff on the role these facilities play in the health care infrastructure compared to general acute care hospitals (treating healthier patients and less Medicare and Medicaid populations) and how physician-owned hospitals raise ethical concerns for cherry-picking patients and physician self-referral.
H.R.3291 - Medicare Crosswalk Hospital Code Development Act of 2015 - Would create a Healthcare Common Procedure Classification System (HCPCS) version of MS-DRGs that will serve as a guide to connecting the inpatient and outpatient coding and payment systems for implementing site-neutral payments. - Educated staff on why the hospital industry cannot support site-neutral payments, as these policies do not take in to account a variety of factors that influence why a procedure is performed in a specific setting.
H.R. 2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015 - Would make a variety of sweeping changes to the mental health infrastructure and while also reforming provider outreach, community-based treatment options, and justice system reform. - Discussed with staff how THA support the overall direction this bill would take the mental health system, and encouraged the use of community care in reforming the way we address mental health issues.
Rural Hospital Issues:
Discussed a variety of issues impacting rural and critical access hospitals with members of congress and their staff. Rural hospitals would greatly benefit from the passage of several pieces of legislation that would relieve onerous burdens and help the facilities better serve their communities. Specific legislation discussed includes: H.R.1479, S.1648, S.332, H.R.169/S.258, H.R.3225
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2015
In Q2, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2015.
Original Filing: 300743132.xml
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the impact of budget proposals included in the House FY2016 Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill and the Senate FY2016 Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill.
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the importance of adequate funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.
Discussed with members of Congress and staff about the need to restore funding to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and how hospitals utilize the information and research from AHRQ.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
H.R. 976 - Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2015 - Would repeal the prohibition against Medicare participation by physician-owned hospitals
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about physician-owned hospitals and how they serve few Medicare and Medicaid patients compared to general acute care hospitals.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - To mend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas.
H.R.2156 - Medicare Audit Improvement Act of 2015 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reform the practices of recovery audit contractors under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.
S. 688/HR 1343 - Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program Act of 2015 - Would require the Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services to adjust a hospitals performance in the Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program based on the sociodemographic status of its patients.
Provided education to staff on the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor program and the reforms that need to be made to the program.
H.R. 6 - 21st Century Cures Act
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about provisions in 21st Century Cures related to interoperability of electronic health records and other medical technologies.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about health insurance coverage expansion options in the state of Texas.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver.
Provided education to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the healthcare safety net infrastructure in the state.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - To mend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Provisions related to how changes to the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas.
H.R. 6 - 21st Century Cures Act
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about provisions in 21st Century Cures related to interoperability of electronic health records and other medical technologies.
S. 688/H.R. 1343 - Establishing Beneficiary Equity in the Hospital Readmission Program Act of 2015 - Would require the Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services to adjust a hospitals performance in the Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program based on the sociodemographic status of its patients.
H.R. 2646 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015
Provided information to members of Congress and their staff on physician-owned hospitals.
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the importance of adequate funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.
Discussed with members of Congress and staff about the need to restore funding to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and how hospitals utilize the information and research from AHRQ.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about health insurance coverage expansion options in the state of Texas.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Texas Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, the impact of Delivery System Reform Improvement Projects across the state and the role of hospitals in the waiver.
Provided education to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the healthcare safety net infrastructure in the state.
Provided education and data to Members of the Texas congressional delegation and their staff on the number of uninsured individuals in each district and statewide.
Educated members of Congress and their staff on the state-level impact of various potential rulings by the Supreme Court on King v. Burwell.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2015
In Q1, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2015.
Original Filing: 300724083.xml
Lobbying Issues
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the impact of impact of budget proposals included in the Presidents 2015 budget, and the House and Senate budget resolutions.
Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the importance of funding for Ebola preparedness for hospitals.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
H.R.2 - Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015
Impact on hospitals from elimination of the sustainable growth rate
Impact of Medicare extenders included in H.R. 2 - Low Volume Hospital adjustment, Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program
Delay of the Two-Midnight Rule
Medicare Inpatient Hospital payments
Medicaid DSH allotments
Medicare payment updates for post-acute providers
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the impact of repealing the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) and potential offsets for the repeal package.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the impact of utilizing reductions in hospital payments to offset the cost of H.R. 2.
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - To mend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Provisions related to how the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about health insurance coverage expansion options in the state of Texas.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver by the state of Texas.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
H.R.1479 - Repeal of the Obamacare Bay State Boondoogle Act - To mend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply budget neutrality on a State-specific basis in the calculation of the Medicare hospital wage index floor for non-rural areas. - Provisions related to how changes to the current Medicare Area Wage Index impacts hospitals in Texas.
H.R.2 - Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. Provisions related to:
Childrens Health Insurance Program
H.R.647 - Access to Life-Saving Trauma Care for All Americans Act
Provisions related to reauthorization of funding grants for trauma centers
H.R.648 - Trauma Systems and Regionalization of Emergency Care Reauthorization Act
Provisions related to trauma care programs
Provided information to members of Congress and their staff on physician-owned hospitals.
Provided information to members of Congress and their staff on the Childrens Health Insurance Program in Texas.
Provided information to members of Congress and their staff on Ebola preparedness and the increased funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP).
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the impact of repealing the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) and potential offsets for the repeal package.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the impact of utilizing reductions in hospital payments to offset the cost of H.R. 2.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about health insurance coverage expansion options in the state of Texas.
Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about renewal of a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver by the state of Texas.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2014
In Q4, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 20, 2015.
Original Filing: 300704174.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 83 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Public Law No: 113-235) - provisions relating to the funding Medicaid, Medicare, hospitals, and Ebola preparedness.
2. Provided education to members of Congress and their staff about the importance of funding for Ebola preparedness for hospitals.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 5481 Flexibility in Health IT Reporting (Flex-IT) Act of 2014 - relating to shortening the 2015 reporting period for the federal Meaningful Use electronic health records incentive program from a full year to 90 days.
2. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the impact of repealing the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) and potential offsets for the repeal package.
3. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about health insurance coverage expansion options in the state of Texas.
4. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148) - provisions relating to the expiration of primary care physician reimbursement enhancement.
5. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the upcoming (2015) renewal of a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver by the state of Texas.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 83 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Public Law No: 113-235) - provisions relating to the funding Medicaid, Medicare, hospitals, and Ebola preparedness.
2. H.R. 5481 Flexibility in Health IT Reporting Act of 2014 - relating to shortening the 2015 reporting period for the federal Meaningful Use electronic health records incentive program from a full year to 90 days.
3. Provided information to members of Congress and their staff on the Childrens Health Insurance Program in Texas.
4. Provided information to members of Congress and their staff on Ebola preparedness and the increased funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP).
5. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the impact of repealing the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) and potential offsets for the repeal package.
6. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about health insurance coverage expansion options in the state of Texas.
7. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148) - provisions relating to the expiration of primary care physician reimbursement enhancement.
8. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the upcoming (2015) renewal of a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver by the state of Texas.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2014
Texas Hospital Association filed a lobbying registration on Oct. 21, 2014 for in-house lobbying efforts, effective Sept. 8, 2014.
Original Filing: 300689787.xml
Issue(s) they said they’d lobby about: Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement to hospitals; Medicare physician payments; Reimbursement programs for rural hospitals; Policies and programs related to the healthcare workforce; Hospital labor unions; State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); and Federal discretionary spending programs impacting hospitals. .
3rd Quarter, 2014
In Q3, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2014.
Original Filing: 300687418.xml
Lobbying Issues
H.J.Res.124 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 (Pub. L. No. 113-164) provisions relating to the funding Medicaid, Medicare, and hospitals.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 4994 Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (Pub. L. No. 113-185) - relating to providing for standardized post-acute care assessment data for quality, payment, and discharge planning.
2. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the impact of repealing the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) and potential offsets for the repeal package.3. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about health insurance coverage expansion options in the state of Texas.
4. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148) provisions relating to the expiration of primary care physician reimbursement enhancement.
5. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the upcoming (2015) renewal of a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver by the state of Texas.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 5481 Flexibility in Health IT Reporting Act of 2014 relating to shortening the 2015 reporting period for the federal Meaningful Use electronic health records incentive program from a full year to 90 days.
2. H.R. 4994 Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (Pub. L. No. 113-185) relating to providing for standardized post-acute care assessment data for quality, payment, and discharge planning.3. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the impact of repealing the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) and potential offsets for the repeal package.
4. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about health insurance coverage expansion options in the state of Texas.
5. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148) provisions relating to the expiration of primary care physician reimbursement enhancement.
6. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the upcoming (2015) renewal of a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver by the state of Texas.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2014
In Q2, Texas Hospital Association did no lobbying for itself. The report was filed on July 17, 2014.
Original Filing: 300659343.xml
1st Quarter, 2014
In Q1, Texas Hospital Association did no lobbying for itself. The report was filed on April 17, 2014.
Original Filing: 300640185.xml
4th Quarter, 2013
In 4A, Texas Hospital Association did no lobbying for itself. The report was filed on Jan. 21, 2014.
Original Filing: 300625799.xml
3rd Quarter, 2013
In Q3, Texas Hospital Association did no lobbying for itself. The report was filed on Oct. 21, 2013.
Original Filing: 300606662.xml
2nd Quarter, 2013
In 2A, Texas Hospital Association did no lobbying for itself. The report was filed on Aug. 2, 2013.
Original Filing: 300588455.xml
1st Quarter, 2013
In Q1, Texas Hospital Association did no lobbying for itself. The report was filed on April 19, 2013.
Original Filing: 300555373.xml
4th Quarter, 2012
In Q4, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 17, 2013.
Original Filing: 300531460.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Pub. L. No. 112-240), provisions related to hospital payments, the sustainable growth rate and sequestration.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs.3. The Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 (S. 1486), relating to the creation of patient criteria and elimination of the 25 percent rule.
4. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the state of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
5. The Rural Hospital Access Act of 2012 (H.R. 5943/S. 2620), legislation would reauthorize the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program and extend the enhanced low-volume Medicare adjustment for prospective payment system hospitals for one year through September 2013.
6. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148), provisions relating to payment cuts by hospitals and the Medicaid expansion by states.
7. Lobby against the use of cuts for evaluation and management services in the hospital outpatient department as an offset in future legislation.
8. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Pub. L. No. 112-240), provisions related to hospital payments, the sustainable growth rate and sequestration.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. The Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 (S. 1486), relating to the creation of patient criteria and elimination of the 25 percent rule.3. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs.
4. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the state of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
5. The Rural Hospital Access Act of 2012 (H.R. 5943/S. 2620), legislation would reauthorize the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program and extend the enhanced low-volume Medicare adjustment for prospective payment system hospitals for one year through September 2013.
6. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148), provisions relating to payment cuts by hospitals and the Medicaid expansion by states.
7. The Preventive Health Savings Act of 2012 (H.R. 6482), request to co-sponsor bill that allows CBO to score legislation outside the ten-year window.
8. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Pub. L. No. 112-240), provisions related to hospital payments, the sustainable growth rate and sequestration.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2012
Texas Hospital Association filed a lobbying registration on Oct. 21, 2012 for in-house lobbying efforts, effective Oct. 1, 2012.
Original Filing: 300520582.xml
Issue(s) they said they’d lobby about: Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement to hospitals; Medicare physician payments and the sustainable growth rate; Policies and reimbursements related to implementation of health information technology; Reimbursement programs for rural hospitals; Policies and programs related to the healthcare workforce; Hospital labor relations; State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); and Federal discretionary spending programs impacting hospitals. .
3rd Quarter, 2012
In Q3, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 22, 2012.
Original Filing: 300520878.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs.3. The Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 (S. 1486), relating to the creation of patient criteria and elimination of the 25 percent rule.
4. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the state of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
5. The Rural Hospital Access Act of 2012 (H.R. 5943/S. 2620), legislation would reauthorize the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program and extend the enhanced low-volume Medicare adjustment for prospective payment system hospitals for one year through September 2013.
6. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148), provisions relating to payment cuts by hospitals and the Medicaid expansion by states.
7. Lobby against the use of cuts for evaluation and management services in the hospital outpatient department as an offset in future legislation.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. The Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 (S. 1486), relating to the creation of patient criteria and elimination of the 25 percent rule.3. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs.
4. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the state of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
5. The Rural Hospital Access Act of 2012 (H.R. 5943/S. 2620), legislation would reauthorize the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program and extend the enhanced low-volume Medicare adjustment for prospective payment system hospitals for one year through September 2013.
6. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148), provisions relating to payment cuts by hospitals and the Medicaid expansion by states.
7. The Preventive Health Savings Act of 2012 (H.R. 6482), request to co-sponsor bill that allows CBO to score legislation outside the ten-year window.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2012
In Q2, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2012.
Original Filing: 300497715.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. H.R. 1852/S. 958, funding for the children's hospital graduate medical education program.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs.3. The Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 (S. 1486), relating to the creation of patient criteria and elimination of the 25 percent rule.
4. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the state of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
5. The Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act (H.R. 2500), incentive payments to hospitals for the implementations of electronic health records and achieving meaningful use.
6. The Rural Hospital Access Act of 2012 (H.R. 5943), legislation would reauthorize the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program and extend the enhanced low-volume Medicare adjustment for prospective payment system hospitals for one year through September 2013.
7. Requested members sign a letter to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that expressed concern regarding the recently proposed FY2013 Medicare update rule for long-term care hospitals.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. H.R. 1852/S. 958, funding for the children's hospital graduate medical education program.
3. The Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 (S. 1486), relating to the creation of patient criteria and elimination of the 25 percent rule.
4. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs.
5. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the State of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
6. The Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act (H.R. 2500), incentive payments to hospitals for the implementations of electronic health records and achieving meaningful use.
7. The Rural Hospital Access Act of 2012 (H.R. 5943), legislation would reauthorize the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program and extend the enhanced low-volume Medicare adjustment for prospective payment system hospitals for one year through September 2013.
8. Requested members sign a letter to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that expressed concern regarding the recently proposed FY2013 Medicare update rule for long-term care hospitals.
9. The Preserving Access to Life Saving Medications Act (H.R. 2245/S. 296) and the Drug Shortage Prevention Act (H.R. 3839), legislation that addresses prescription drug shortages and processes at the Food & Drug Administration.
10. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, provisions related to the expansion of health insurance coverage and $155 billion in cuts to hospital payments.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2012
In Q1, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2012.
Original Filing: 300474475.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. H.R. 1852/S. 958, funding for the children's hospital graduate medical education program.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs.3. The Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 (S. 1486), relating to the creation of patient criteria and elimination of the 25 percent rule.
4. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the State of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
5. The Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act (H.R. 2500), incentive payments to hospitals for the implementations of electronic health records and achieving meaningful use.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the use of sequestration and payment cuts to hospitals.
2. H.R. 1852/S. 958, funding for the children's hospital graduate medical education program.
3. The Long-Term Care Hospital Improvement Act of 2011 (S. 1486), relating to the creation of patient criteria and elimination of the 25 percent rule.
4. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs.
5. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the State of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
6. The Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act (H.R. 2500), incentive payments to hospitals for the implementations of electronic health records and achieving meaningful use.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2011
In Q4, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 18, 2012.
Original Filing: 300441067.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the creation of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and health care spending.
2. H.R. 1852/S. 958, funding for the children's hospital graduate medical education program.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the creation of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and potential reductions to Medicare and Medicaid hospital payments.
2. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs. 3. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the State of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
4. The Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act (H.R. 2500), incentive payments to hospitals for the implementations of electronic health records and achieving meaningful use.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the creation of the Joint Select Committee on deficit reduction and health care spending.
2. H.R. 1852/S. 958, funding for the children's hospital graduate medical education program. 3. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the creation of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and potential reductions to Medicare and Medicaid hospital payments.
4. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (H.R. 3630), provisions related to Medicare physician payments, cuts to hospital reimbursement, and the elimination of rural hospital payment programs.
5. Provided education to Members of Congress and their staff about the submission of a Medicare 1115 Waiver by the State of Texas to modify payments made under the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program.
6. The Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act (H.R. 2500), incentive payments to hospitals for the implementations of electronic health records and achieving meaningful use.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2011
In Q3, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 17, 2011.
Original Filing: 300415597.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the creation of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and health care spending.
2. H.R. 1852/S. 958, funding for the children's hospital graduate medical education program.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the creation of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and potential reductions to Medicare and Medicaid hospital payments.
2. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148, H.R. 3590), provisions relating to rural hospital payments and health care delivery system reforms such as the creation of Accountable Care Organizations.3. The Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act (H.R. 2500), incentive payments to hospitals for the implementations of electronic health records and achieving meaningful use.
4. Advocated against scheduled cuts to Medicare physician payments set to occur on January 1, 2012.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 1933 and H.R. 1929, related to visas for foreign trained nurses.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
Type of Issue
Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace
Lobbying Issues
1. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the creation of the Joint Select Committee on deficit reduction and health care spending.
2. H.R. 1852/S. 958, funding for the children's hospital graduate medical education program.
3. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-25, S. 365), provisions relating to the creation of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and potential reductions to Medicare and Medicaid hospital payments.
4. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. No. 111-148, H.R. 3590), provisions relating to rural hospital payments and health care delivery system reforms such as the creation of Accountable Care Organizations.
5. The Equal Access and Parity for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act (H.R. 2500), incentive payments to hospitals for the implementations of electronic health records and achieving meaningful use.
6. Advocated against scheduled cuts to Medicare physician payments set to occur on January 1, 2012.
7. H.R. 1933 and H.R. 1929, related to visas for foreign trained nurses.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2011
Texas Hospital Association filed a lobbying registration on Oct. 12, 2011 for in-house lobbying efforts, effective Sept. 1, 2011.
Original Filing: 300413110.xml
Issue(s) they said they’d lobby about: Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement to hospitals; Medicare physician payments and the sustainable growth rate; Policies and reimbursements related to implementation of health information technology; Reimbursement programs for rural hospitals; Policies and programs related to the healthcare workforce; Hospital labor relations; State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); and Federal discretionary spending programs impacting hospitals. .
0th Quarter, 2007
In MM, Texas Hospital Association had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 6, 2007.
Original Filing: 200046337.xml
Lobbying Issues
Advocated for inclusion of Amendment to Iraq Supplemental Spending Bill one year moratorium of rule limiting UPL Payments to public hospitals. H.R. 2206 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007.
Lobbying Issues
Advocated for inclusion of Amendment to Iraq Supplemental Spending Bill one year moratorium of rule limiting UPL Payments to public hospitals. H.R. 2206 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007.
Advocated for S. 1224 - The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007-all provisions. Advocated for H.R. 1459/S. 543 - to improve Medicare beneficiary access by extending the 60% compliance threshold used to determine whether a hospital or unit of a hospital is an impatient rehabilitation facility.
Opposed 2.4% cut in Medicare payments to hospitals as proposed in CMS-1533-P.
Supported H.R. 2860 - The Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act.
Supported S. 498 - The Rural Medicare Equity Act of 2007.
Lobbying Issues
Opposed H.R. 800/S. 1041 - The Employee Free Choice Act - all provisions.
Type of Issue
Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace
Lobbying Issues
Advocated for inclusion of Amendment to Iraq Supplemental Spending Bill one year moratorium of rule limiting UPL Payments to public hospitals. H.R. 2206 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007.
Advocated for inclusion of Amendment to Iraq Supplemental Spending Bill one year moratorium of rule limiting UPL Payments to public hospitals. H.R. 2206 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007.
Advocated for S. 1224 - The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007-all provisions.
Advocated for H.R. 1459/S. 543 - to improve Medicare beneficiary access by extending the 60% compliance threshold used to determine whether a hospital or unit of a hospital is an impatient rehabilitation facility.
Opposed 2.4% cut in Medicare payments to hospitals as proposed in CMS-1533-P.
Supported H.R. 2860 - The Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act.
Supported S. 498 - The Rural Medicare Equity Act of 2007.
Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and Secretary of the Senate
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