Federal Advocate Articles

(June 30, 2026) - Legislation that would add new reporting requirements for tax-exempt hospitals will be marked up tomorrow.
(June 30, 2026) - The Senate’s version of the Farm Bill includes Sen. Moran’s Rural Hospital Revitalization Act.
(June 30, 2026) - Federal court blocks final rule implementing new student loan limits on many health care roles.
(June 30, 2026) - Two new 340B reform bills have been introduced; 340B hospitals are encouraged to respond to the latest request for information on the 340B pilot model.
(June 30, 2026) - The House remains in session this week, while the Senate has already adjourned for the July 4 break.
(June 2, 2026) - CMS has released a proposed rule for Medicaid managed care SDPs and fee-for service targeted practitioner payments.
(June 2, 2026) - The federal government announced updates that are aimed at improving the functionality of the No Surprises Act independent dispute resolution process.
(June 2, 2026) - As Congress returns to Washington, shifting political dynamics in the Senate are reshaping the legislative landscape. While major partisan initiatives face increasing uncertainty, opportunities may emerge for broadly supported health care priorities, including several measures important to Kansas hospitals.
(June 2, 2026) - The CMS ACA Marketplace final rule contains several provisions that could affect Kansas hospitals.
(June 2, 2026) - CMS has released the 2026 Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs proposed rule. The proposed rule builds on previous final rules.
(June 2, 2026) - A key KHA federal priority advanced last week as the Senate unanimously passed legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program for five years.
(May 6, 2026) - The Department of Homeland Security has reversed its previous policy freezing visa renewals and updates for more than 27,000 physicians currently in the United States.
(May 6, 2026) - The finalized definition will exclude many health care programs from a higher student loan limit.
(April 28, 2026) - Sen. Roger Marshall and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse have introduced bipartisan legislation to reform Medicare Advantage prior authorization and reduce administrative burden.
(April 28, 2026) - House Ways and Means members heard from health system CEOs today on rising health care costs and affordability challenges. Hospital leaders emphasized workforce shortages, increasing expenses, and the need for balanced policy solutions that preserve access to care.
(April 16, 2026) - CMS proposes that health plans comply with electronic prior authorizations for prescription drugs and make decisions within 24-72 hours.
(April 16, 2026) - CMS proposes to create a mandatory bundled payment model for all non-TEAM PPS hospitals beginning in 2027, covering various joint replacement procedures.
(April 7, 2026) - CMS has finalized payment rules for Medicare Advantage plans, providing a larger payment increase than originally proposed, and has also issued proposed rules for various types of health care facilities.
(April 7, 2026) - When Congress returns next week from its recess, finishing the FY 2026 budget and beginning work on the FY 2027 budget will be on its plate.
(March 30, 2026) - Out of 192,000 Kansans enrolled in an ACA Marketplace plan for 2026, nearly half are now in a bronze plan, compared to last year when more than a third of Kansas enrollees chose bronze plans.
(March 30, 2026) - The bipartisan bill would allow some rural hospitals to get zero-percent interest loans from the USDA to fund new building projects or renovations of existing hospital facilities.
(March 17, 2026) - KHA submitted six requests for the FY27 budget, including various financial and workforce priorities to Kansas hospitals.
(March 17, 2026) - This week’s Congressional hearing on health care affordability is a good time for local hospitals to share opportunities and challenges with your community.
(March 3, 2026) - On Monday, KHA submitted comments urging the Department of Education broaden its proposed definition of “professional degree” programs to include additional health care roles.
(March 3, 2026) - Congressional committees are beginning work on FY 2027 appropriations while waiting for President Trump's proposed budget.
(Feb. 12, 2026) - KHA joined rural health advocates on Capitol Hill to advance key priorities with the Kansas Congressional Delegation during the National Rural Health Association Policy Institute.
(Feb. 3, 2026) - The House of Representatives voted to send legislation to the president’s desk to reopen the government and approve the HHS budget for FY 2026.
(Jan. 29, 2026) - KHA requests member feedback on a CMS request for information to strengthen the domestic supply chain, which could lead to a “Secure American Medical Supplies” designation for hospitals.
(Jan. 29, 2026) - CMS has released its CY 2027 advance notice of updates for MA and Part D aimed at improving care value and program integrity. KHA is reviewing the proposals and encourages members to share feedback as we prepare formal comments.
(Jan. 29, 2026) - Congress is nearing tomorrow's deadline to extend the Federal budget, but agency funding debates could derail the process.