Vizient calls for swift congressional action on critical hospital policies

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 24, 2024 - Today on Capitol Hill, Vizient, Inc. shared a letter with House and Senate leadership outlining critical policy priorities of hospitals and healthcare providers and urging Congress to address them before the end of 2024. These priorities include devastating looming payment reductions, staffing shortages, and the expiration of many telehealth flexibilities, among other concerns.

In the letter, Vizient urged Congress to provide additional financial support for hospitals to address rising costs and prevent significant harm to the healthcare system, including preventing reductions to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments and statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) requirements.

"The last several years have presented historic difficulties for healthcare providers, but with Congress' support, hospitals have maintained a high level of care for patients across the country," said Shoshana Krilow, senior vice president of public policy and government relations for Vizient. "With little time remaining on the Congressional calendar, and myriad policies set to expire at the end of the year, it's crucial that Congress address these policies when they return after the election."

Additionally, Vizient advocated for the extension of several other key healthcare programs and policies, including the Acute Hospital Care at Home program and the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), which have been instrumental in improving access to care and preparing the healthcare system for future emergencies. Vizient also emphasized the worsening healthcare workforce shortage and urged Congress to pass legislation supporting workforce safety, resilience, and growth, along with proposals to strengthen rural hospitals and ensure continued access to care in rural communities.

Learn more about Vizient's advocacy and public policy efforts.

About Vizient, Inc.
Vizient, Inc., the nation's largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, serves more than 65% of the nation's acute care providers, including 97% of the nation's academic medical centers, and more than 35% of the non-acute market. The Vizient contract portfolio represents $140 billion in annual purchasing volume enabling the delivery of cost-effective, high-value care. With its acquisition of Kaufman Hall in 2024, Vizient expanded its advisory services to help providers achieve financial, strategic, clinical and operational excellence. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vizient has offices throughout the United States. Learn more at www.vizientinc.com.