WSHA staff and hospital members recently returned from Washington, D.C., after a successful trip advocating for hospitals during Rural Advocacy Days! This marked the first time since the start of the pandemic that WSHA staff and members made the trip the nation’s capital for what is typically an annual event. A total of 19 hospital members from seven hospitals made the trip to meet with Sens. Murray and Cantwell and Reps. Newhouse, Schrier and Kilmer.
The biggest advocacy item this year was the push for a moratorium on sequestration (a 2-percent cut on all Medicare payments). Our delegation also spoke at length about financial and capacity challenges, the need for workforce support, COVID-19 waivers that should be made permanent — particularly telehealth — and the importance of the 340B program.
Physician’s Insurance sponsored Rural Advocacy Days, and some of their staff members made the trip as well. All who attended took an opportunity to cruise by boat on the Potomac together. If your hospital serves a rural community and you didn’t get the chance to join us this year, we would love for you to join us in 2023!
Thank you for your continuing efforts and advocacy for hospitals, and for the health care you provide.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Barton True
WSHA Vice President, Advocacy and Rural Health
jacquelineb@wsha.org
