IHA Daily Briefing: April 23

Illinois Hospital Leaders, IHA Meet with Congressional Officers
Earlier this week, nearly 30 Illinois hospital and health system leaders joined IHA President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi and IHA staff in Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, as well as U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly (D-2nd District), Mike Quigley (D-5th District), Sean Casten (D-6th District), Brad Schneider (D-10th District), Bill Foster (D-11th District), Mike Bost (R-12th District), Nikki Budzinski (D-13th District), Darin LaHood (R-16th District) and Eric Sorensen (D-17th District). Discussions centered on urgent concerns regarding H.R. 1 Medicaid policy changes that threaten critical hospital funding and the need to pass the SAVE Healthcare Workers Act (H.R. 3178).

Wilhelmi and hospital leaders underscored the importance of preserving federal support for hospitals-including safeguarding essential Medicaid funding that enables care for underserved communities, protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program and opposing harmful "site-neutral" payment proposals. These meetings were held in conjunction with the American Hospital Association's Annual Meeting, amplifying advocacy efforts at a pivotal moment for federal healthcare policymaking.

Congressional members expressed appreciation for the commitment of Illinois hospitals and healthcare workers and were attentive to the potential consequences of funding reductions. IHA will remain actively engaged with Congress-particularly as additional funding packages take shape-to ensure hospital voices are represented, essential funding is maintained and healthcare workforce needs are addressed.

CMS Announces Hospital Food Pledge
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) leaders this week announced a voluntary pledge that hospitals can sign related to their efforts on healthy food. The pledge asks hospitals to commit to evaluate and update current patient menus-as clinically appropriate and feasible-to align with the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This includes recommendations to avoid highly processed foods, limit sugar-sweetened beverages, reduce refined carbohydrates and prioritize fiber-rich whole grains.

CMS Delays Part D Portion of BALANCE Model on GLP-1 Access Expansion
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in an April 21 memo that it is delaying implementation of the Medicare Part D portion of the Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive Health (BALANCE) mode l for 2027 pending further evaluation and data collection. CMS said this approach provides additional time and data to inform the potential implementation of BALANCE in Part D. The BALANCE model aims to increase access to select glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP-1) medications and healthy lifestyle interventions.

CMS said Part D beneficiaries would still have access to certain GLP-1 medications through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge from July 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2027. CMS will still accept applications for the BALANCE Model from state Medicaid agencies through July 31, 2026. CMS said states may choose to start participating in BALANCE starting on a date of their choosing between May 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027. States that do not join the model by Jan. 1, 2027, will not be allowed to participate in the model except at CMS discretion.

Reminder: Foster G. McGaw Prize Applications Due May 5
With the May 5 deadline approaching, hospitals and health systems are encouraged to apply for the 2027 Foster G. McGaw Prize, a national honor recognizing leadership in community health.

The award highlights organizations that demonstrate leadership in improving community health through strong collaboration, accountability, and innovative programs that address local needs. Previous recipients have shown how hospitals can serve as vital partners in advancing health beyond their walls. The prize is named for Foster G. McGaw, founder of American Hospital Supply Corporation and a noted healthcare philanthropist whose work helped shape modern hospital supply standards and advance medical education and community health initiatives.

One winner and up to three finalists will be selected, with the award presented at the 2027 American Hospital Association (AHA) Leadership Summit in San Diego.

Applications are due by noon CT on May 5. Those interested in applying can learn more and submit an application here. For questions, contact [email protected].