The AAMC submitted a statement for the record (PDF) to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee regarding their July 31 hearing, entitled “Making Health Care Affordable: Solutions to Lower Costs and Empower Patients.” Throughout the hearing, committee members expressed bipartisan concern over the administrative burdens placed on providers and patients alike, highlighting opportunities to address wasteful spending and price transparency in both hospital and pharmaceutical sectors. Senators also raised concerns about private equity ownership in health care, hospital consolidation, and the challenges that patients face navigating health care billing.
In its statement, the AAMC urged lawmakers to consider the unique role of academic health systems and teaching hospitals, as well as faculty physician practices, in delivering care to complex patients, training the next generation of physicians, and conducting cutting-edge research. The AAMC emphasized that policy solutions designed to improve transparency or lower costs must not inadvertently jeopardize the financial viability of AAMC members; in particular, noting the harm that could be caused by “site-neutral” payment policies or restricting access to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The AAMC also reminded the committee of Congress’ need to address certain policies with haste, including extending the telehealth and Acute Hospital Care at Home waivers, clearing the PAYGO scorecard, addressing expiring premium tax credits, and mitigating the scheduled Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital cuts.
The AAMC pledged to work with the committee to develop solutions to improve the health care system without jeopardizing patients' access to care.