Hospitals In Focus

Latest Episodes:

Rural Hospitals in Crisis: Why Medicaid Matters More Than Ever Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Rural America is a vital part of our nation—rich in culture, community, and resilience. But potential Medicaid cuts coupled with the impending expiration of enhanced tax credits further threatens rural communities’ access to health care and puts the strength of rural communities at risk. In this episode, Chip Kahn is joined once again by Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, to explore the impacts of Medicaid cuts and Americans’ loss of health coverage on rural hospitals and what is at stake for patient care if lawmakers fail to protect these institutions.

Key topics include:

The current state of rural health care and why it matters to all Americans;
What hospital closures mean for rural patients;
The policy levers that could make or break the future of rural hospitals; and,
Why Medicaid and the enhanced tax credits are essential to access care.

References:

Washington Post “Republican Medicaid cuts could shutter rural hospitals, maternity care” (https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/03/08/medicaid-cuts-rural-hospitals/)

About:
Alan Morgan joined NRHA staff in 2001 and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the association.

Recognized as among the top 100 most influential people in health care by Modern Healthcare Magazine, Alan Morgan serves as Chief Executive Officer for the National Rural Health Association. He has more than 30 years experience in health policy at the state and federal level, and is one of the nation’s leading experts on rural health policy.

Mr. Morgan served as a contributing author for the publications, “Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care,” “The Handbook of Rural Aging” and for the publication, “Rural Populations and Health.” In addition, his health policy articles have been published in: The American Journal of Clinical Medicine, The Journal of Rural Health, The Journal of Cardiovascular Management, The Journal of Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology Review, and in Laboratory Medicine.

Mr. Morgan served as staff for former US Congressman Dick Nichols and former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden. Additionally, his past experience includes tenures as a health care lobbyist for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the Heart Rhythm Society, and for VHA Inc.

He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from University of Kansas, and a master's degree in public administration from George Mason University.

The Medicaid Debate: The Real Impacts of Cuts on Patients & Providers Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Medicaid provides health coverage for more than 70 million Americans, including children, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. But as Congress works toward a reconciliation bill, proposed cuts totaling $880 billion have raised serious concerns about the program’s future and the impacts on patients and providers.

In this episode, Chip Kahn sits down with Dr. Bruce Siegel, President and CEO of America’s Essential Hospitals, as he reflects on his 15 years of leadership, the critical role of serving uninsured and low-income patients, and the high stakes of the Medicaid debate unfolding in Washington.

Key topics include:

The evolving role of essential hospitals and the need to serve uninsured and low-income patients;
Medicaid’s role in the health system and why it is essential for patient care;
The real-world impact of Medicaid cuts, including consequences for nursing home stays, community-based services, and hospital operations;
Debunking the misconception that having insurance doesn’t improve health outcomes; and,
Bruce’s advice for future health care leaders and what’s next for him after America’s Essential Hospitals.

Guest Bio:

With an extensive background in health care management, policy, and public health, Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, has the blend of experience necessary to lead America’s Essential Hospitals and its members through the changing health care landscape and into a sustainable future. With more than 350 members, America’s Essential Hospitals is the only national organization representing hospitals committed to serving those who face financial and social barriers to care.

Since joining America’s Essential Hospitals in 2010, Siegel has dramatically grown the association as it strengthened its advocacy, research, and education efforts. His intimate knowledge of member needs comes in part from his direct experience as president and CEO of two member systems: New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and Tampa General Healthcare. Just before joining America’s Essential Hospitals, Siegel served as director of the Center for Health Care Quality and professor of health policy at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. He also served as New Jersey’s commissioner of health.

Among his many accomplishments, Siegel led groundbreaking work on quality and equity, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He is a past chair of the National Quality Forum board and the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality. Modern Healthcare recognized him as one of the “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare” from 2011 to 2019 and 2022 to 2024; among the “50 Most Influential Clinical Executives” in 2022, 2023, and 2024; among the “Top 25 Diversity Leaders in Healthcare” in 2021; one of the “50 Most Influential Physician Executives” from 2012 to 2018; and among the “Top 25 Minority Executives in Healthcare” in 2014 and 2016. He also was named one of the “50 Most Powerful People in Healthcare” by Becker’s Hospital Review in 2013 and 2014.

Siegel earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, a doctor of medicine from Cornell University Medical College, and a master’s degree in public health from The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health.

Medicaid in the Spotlight: What’s at stake for American patients? Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Medicaid, the largest health insurance program in the country, provides critical coverage for more than 79 million Americans—including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. As Congress considers ways to achieve $2.5 trillion in deficit reduction, Medicaid is at risk of significant changes and proposals that could seriously harm patient care.

In this episode, Chip Kahn sits down with Hemi Tewarson, Executive Director of the National Academy for State Health Policy, to discuss the potential impact of Medicaid cuts on patients, hospitals and providers, and state governments.

Key topics include:

The current state of Medicaid and its economic impact;
What’s on the legislative agenda, including, proposed changes like work requirements, per capita caps, and shifts in state-directed payments; and,
The role of data, policy decisions, and the future of Medicaid at the state level.

Guest Bio:

Hemi Tewarson, JD, MPH is the executive director of the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization committed to improving the health and well-being of all people across every state. At NASHP, Hemi leads an organization that is at the forefront of engaging state leaders and bringing together partners to develop and advance state health policy innovations. Under her direction, NASHP is leading efforts with states in areas including state COVID-19 recovery, health care costs and value, coverage, child and family health, aging, family caregiving, health care workforce, behavioral health, social determinants of health, health equity, and public health modernization. Previously, Hemi worked at the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy as a senior fellow and served as the director of the Health Division at the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices. She also served as senior attorney for the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. Government Accountability Office addressing Medicaid and related health care topics for members of Congress. She holds a JD from George Washington University, an MPH from George Washington University, and a BA in Psychology, University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters.

Health Care’s Future: Navigating Policy in a Changing Washington Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

With a new Administration and a Republican-controlled Congress stepping into power, a wave of changes is sweeping across Washington. From immigration and military renewal to energy dominance and tax cuts, the agenda is ambitious. But what does this mean for health care policy, hospitals, and patient care?

In this episode, Joel White, President and CEO of Horizon Government Affairs, unpacks the evolving health policy landscape. Together, Chip and Joel explore how federal priorities, budgetary concerns, and legislative goals are shaping health care’s future under a new administration.

Key Topics Covered:

What’s driving federal policymaking in the current landscape;
The GOP agenda and health care priorities for the Administration including Make America Healthy Again and the Department of Government Efficiency;
The art of the possible and the policies that stand a chance of crossing the finish line; and,
Budget reconciliation, funding challenges, and potential impacts on Medicare and Medicaid.

Guest Bio:

Joel is the Founder and President of Horizon Government Affairs (HGA), a health care consultancy that represents two dozen clients and runs four coalitions comprised of 200 organizations dedicated to reforms that improve our health system.

Since Horizon’s founding in 2007, his team has helped enact more than 50 laws and helped shape countless regulations governing all aspects of the U.S. health care system.

Joel is also the President of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage, an HGA-managed coalition to improve affordability, increase competition in health care, and protect and strengthen employee health coverage. Recent campaigns include reforming the Inflation Reduction Act, promoting outcomes-based arrangements for gene therapies, and expanding small-group coverage.

Previously, Joel spent twelve years on Capitol Hill including as Staff Director of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. While on the Hill he helped enact nine laws, including the 2002 Trade Act, which created health care tax credits for private coverage, the 2003 law that established the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Health Savings Accounts, the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act, and the 2006 Tax Reform and Health Care Act, which reformed Medicare payment policies.

Joel is on the Boards of Directors of Samaritan Inns, Arlington Bridge Builders, the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance, SafeNetRx, and Chaddock Behavioral Health. Joel holds a B.S. in Economics from the American University and is the co-author of the book, Facts and Figures on Government Finance.

From Preparation to Recovery: HCA Healthcare’s Emergency Response Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hospitals in Focus, we revisit a vital topic—disaster preparedness and response. Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused devastating impacts across the Southeast, including catastrophic flooding in Asheville, North Carolina. FAH-member HCA Healthcare stepped up to the challenge, and their Mission Hospital became a beacon of resilience, treating over 500 emergency patients in the first hours after Hurricane Helene, flying in 400 nurses and 40 physicians from sister facilities, and ensuring the community had access to essential services.

Michael Wargo, HCA Healthcare’s Vice President of Enterprise Preparedness & Emergency Operations, provides listeners with a 360-degree view of emergency preparedness. Mike shares lessons learned, the importance of planning for the “known unknowns,” and how HCA’s leadership prioritizes readiness at all levels. Chip and Mike also explore broader considerations for disaster recovery, from practical on-the-ground strategies to policy changes so hospitals can remain resilient in the face of future disasters.

Key Topics Covered:

HCA’s approach to readiness with the five “R’s” of emergency operations;
Mission Hospital’s hurricane response;
Leadership’s role in fostering a culture of preparedness; and,
Recovery efforts and challenges taxpaying hospitals face, including the need for commonsense, bipartisan policies to support these critical institutions.

Guest Bio:

Mr. Michael Wargo serves as HCA Healthcare’s enterprise Vice President for Preparedness & Emergency Operations based in Nashville, TN. Mike joined HCA Healthcare in 2016 as the Assistant VP of Enterprise Emergency Operations, a role in which he was tasked to redesign and lead the organization’s disaster and emergency operations program in readiness, response, and recovery from adverse natural and man-made incidents across both the U.S. and the metro London area of the UK. Mike brings more than 25 years of clinical experience in high quality, patient centered care and nearly two decades in public safety leadership. Mike is the Executive Officer and immediate past Chair of the U.S. Health and Public Health Sector Coordination Council of the National Critical Infrastructure Protection Program sanctioned by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21. In this role, he collaborates and serves as a trusted advisor to both federal secretary-level & SES leadership and senior private industry executives on readiness, response, and recovery initiatives impacting the U.S. national health security and critical infrastructure protection. Additionally, he served as the Chair of the Emergency Preparedness Committee for the Federation of American Hospitals.

Mike is a veteran healthcare executive with experience leading the medical operations division of Northeast Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force based in PA. He is the prior Administrator and Chief of Emergency Operations for Lehigh Valley Health Network, and an experienced flight nurse and Administrator of LVHN-MedEvac. Federally, Mike served in an intermittent position as a Supervisory Nurse Specialist for the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services National Disaster Medical Services. His combined experience includes both domestic and international homeland security and medical response training & operations. Mike holds multiple certifications in homeland security, disaster preparedness and is one of the first Certified Medical Transport Executives worldwide. He is a graduate of the American Military University with a Master of Business Administration degree, Kutztown University of PA with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and is a graduate of St. Luke’s School of Nursing with a Diploma of Nursing. Continuing his post-graduate studies, Mike is near completion of the Doctor of Public Health degree program at Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health.

Mike was recently awarded with the “Director’s Award for Outstanding Service to Mission” by the U.S. Secret Service for his leading the Pandemic Health Security & Medical Operations of the final 2020 U.S. Presidential Debate.

How Enhanced Tax Credits Help in the Fight Against Cancer Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Every year, millions of Americans face the life-changing news of a cancer diagnosis. Beyond the battle for survival and recovery, there is another critical fight—the battle to ensure patients and their families have access to affordable care.

In this episode, we look at the intersection of health care policy and cancer care with Pam Traxel, Senior Vice President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). ACS CAN champions cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones by advocating for expanded access to health care, funding for cancer research, and policies that make lifesaving treatments more accessible.

The Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) have proven to be critical tools, helping millions of Americans afford health insurance, including those grappling with the high costs of cancer treatment. With the threat of these credits expiring, the stakes for cancer patients and their loved ones couldn’t be higher. Pam breaks down the potential consequences of losing this critical lifeline and shares how ACS CAN is mobilizing to protect access to affordable health care for all.

Key Topics Covered:

Role of ACS CAN in fighting for cancer patients and families;
Potential expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits and its devastating implications;
Importance of health insurance in cancer diagnosis and survival rates; and,
Data showing how EPTCs improve patient outcomes and protect access to care.

Studies mentioned in the episode:

Health insurance status and cancer stage at diagnosis and survival in the United States: https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.21732

How ACA Tax Credits Impact Patients With Chronic Conditions:
https://www.oliverwyman.com/our-expertise/insights/2024/sep/premium-tax-credit-ending-chronic-conditions-at-risk.html

Cancer Patients & Survivors Overwhelmingly Support Extending ACA Enhanced Tax Credits:
https://www.fightcancer.org/policy-resources/cancer-patients-survivors-overwhelmingly-support-extending-aca-enhanced-tax-credits

Guest Bio:

Pam Traxel serves as the Senior Vice President for ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the America Cancer Society. Pam is responsible for helping ACS CAN develop relationships with companies and individuals to help further the fight against cancer through dynamic partnerships, events, and forums. Pam began her career with ACS CAN in 2007. She has been integrally involved in helping to establish ACS CAN as a nationwide advocacy organization that influences and shapes public policy at all levels of government to impact our mission and to represent the voices of all cancer patients and their families.

A Voice for Hospital Care: Steve Speil’s Legacy Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

As the Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) prepares for a pivotal year ahead, this special episode takes a moment to reflect on the progress made in health care policy and the challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Join host Chip Kahn as he sits down with retiring Executive Vice President of Policy, Steve Speil, to discuss his nearly four decades of experience in health care policy and his reflections on his remarkable 27-year tenure at FAH.

Steve’s career has spanned transformative decades in health care, from his early days in Massachusetts state health planning to tackling the evolving complexities of hospital policy in Washington, D.C. His insights in health care policy and the hospital community's resilience shine a light on how far we've come—and the work still ahead to ensure patients have access to 24/7 care.

In this episode, Chip and Steve discuss:

Steve's Career Journey Leading to FAH: From a Master in Public Health to law school and a career spanning Massachusetts state health planning, the Dukakis administration, AdvaMed, and ultimately the Federation of American Hospitals.
Early Days at FAH: A look back at the early years of Steve’s time at FAH, navigating key regulations like IPPS and legislation including the Balanced Budget Act.
Changing Landscape of Health Policy: Steve reflects on accomplishments during his tenure and insights into how hospital policy has evolved, now facing increased burdens.
Opportunities Ahead: Steve discusses the continued resilience of hospitals in the face of challenges and the critical role of organizations like FAH in supporting hospitals and the communities they serve.

Guest bio:

In his capacity as Executive Vice President of Policy, Steve Speil manages the Federation’s broad portfolio of payment policy issues. He serves as the association’s chief liaison on these issues with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Working closely with the senior finance and policy executives in the Federation’s member companies, Steve develops and carries out both issue-specific and general strategic plans designed to advance the finance and payment related regulatory and legislative interests of the FAH.

Prior to joining the Federation, Steve served as Associate Vice President, Policy Coordination and Communication for the Health Industry Manufacturers Association (now AdvaMed), the national trade group representing the medical technology industry. Before moving to Washington, Steve held a succession of increasingly senior management and policy positions in Massachusetts. During his time in the Bay State, Steve served as Legal Counsel to the Lieutenant Governor, Legislative Counsel for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Executive Director of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission, and Legal Counsel and Policy Director in the Office of State Health Planning. Steve also taught health law and policy as an Assistant Professor at Simmons College Graduate Program of Health Administration.

At the federal level, Steve served in the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs. He also worked in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of General Counsel.

Steve earned a J.D. degree from American University’s Washington College of Law; a Master in Public Health degree in Health Administration from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology/Zoology from the University of Michigan.

The Digital Future: Implementing Innovation in Health Care with Purpose and Strategy Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Hospitals in Focus, host Chip Kahn explores the digital renaissance revolutionizing health care—a golden age of pioneering technologies not seen since the 1960s, when computers first standardized medical records and diagnostics. Today, with nearly everything digitized, organizations are actively discussing the regulatory and ethical frameworks necessary to navigate these advancements, while protecting against the increasing prevalence of cyber threats.

The future of health care looks promising thanks to new innovations, but thoughtful implementation is crucial, and Ardent Health is leading the way forward.

Joining Chip on the episode is Anika Gardenhire, Ardent Health’s inaugural Chief Digital and Information Officer, to explore how Ardent is thoughtfully embracing digital innovation with reason and purpose.

In this episode, Chip and Anika discuss:

Conceptual Frameworks for Digital Transformation: The importance of leveraging data to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes.
Use Cases at Ardent Health: Examples where Ardent Health is implementing digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and patient care.
Cybersecurity and Protecting Patient Information: Strategies for safeguarding patient data against cyberattacks in an increasingly digital landscape.

Guest Bio:

As chief digital information officer, Ms. Gardenhire oversees the development and implementation of Ardent's digital strategy across the organization. She is responsible for ensuring digital initiatives are fully integrated into Ardent's strategic plan with a focus on leveraging data to support digital transformation. Ms. Gardenhire also oversees Ardent’s IT infrastructure and systems, as well as data strategy and governance.

An experienced caregiver and clinical informatics leader, Ms. Gardenhire joined Ardent in September of 2023, and has previously served as chief digital officer and regional vice president of digital and clinical systems at Centene Corporation. She also held various roles at Intermountain Healthcare, including assistant vice president of digital transformation. Ms. Gardenhire holds a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of South Carolina’s Mary Black School of Nursing and master’s degrees in clinical informatics and management from Duke University.

Mission Critical: Strengthening Health Care’s Supply Chain Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Hospitals in Focus, we’re pulling back the curtain on an often-overlooked yet truly “critical” aspect of our health care system—the supply chain. It’s the backbone of our hospitals, ensuring that essential medical supplies reach patients in need. But what happens when that chain breaks?

Host Chip Kahn is joined by Ed Jones, President and CEO of HealthTrust Performance Group, to discuss recent events that exposed vulnerabilities in this intricate network. Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact on a major manufacturing facility for IV solutions, hospitals nationwide faced a sudden, alarming shortage. This crisis underscores that our health care supply chain is a fragile, interconnected network, frequently dependent on a limited number of suppliers and manufacturers.

In this episode, Chip and Ed discuss:

An introduction to Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), and how they help hospitals secure reliable supplies at fair prices.
Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness: How the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene revealed and accelerated shifts in our supply chain, and what parallels these events share.
The Role of GPOs in Drug Supply: An examination of how GPOs respond to shortages and their impact on supply and pricing.
International Reach and Recovery: How global supply chains influence our health care systems.
HealthTrust’s Unique Approach: What sets HealthTrust apart from other GPOs in its approach to building a resilient and cost-effective supply chain.

Guest Bio:

As President and CEO of Healthtrust Performance Group, Ed has overall responsibility for a broad set of capabilities focused on supporting healthcare providers. His primary focus is providing the strategic direction and leadership of a comprehensive spend management and performance improvement business based in Nashville, Tennessee. Jones oversees all dimensions of a $52B portfolio; directs all consulting, managed services and outsourced relationships/alliances, including accountability for HCA Healthcare supply chain, sourcing contingent labor, facility management and clinical education.

Jones’ leadership encompasses several HealthTrust/HCA Healthcare business ventures that strengthen provider performance and competitive advantage, including:

HealthTrust Workforce Solutions - The clinical labor staffing and consulting company including a proprietary program called StaRN (extensive training program for all new nurses)
HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement - Responsible for providing continual education for over 90,000 nurses at HCA Healthcare through a team of approximately 800+ educators and several simulation labs
HealthTrust Europe, which provides sourcing and supply chain services to HCA U.K. and sourcing services to 39 provider trusts in the U.K.
HealthTrust Global Sourcing Office in Shanghai, China
Galen College of Nursing
Group purchasing organization that delivers clinically integrated solutions and savings across all sites of care

He has 40 years of experience within the Healthcare industry, serving in his current role for the last 11 years and serving previously as the Chief Operating Officer of HealthTrust Performance Group with responsibility for strategic sourcing, clinical operations, custom contracting, supplier diversity, and regional operations. Prior to that, Jones served in several leadership positions within HCA Healthcare for 20 years following front-line roles at a hospital for seven years.

Jones is a founding board member of the Health Sector Supply Chain Research Consortium, and a member and subcommittee leader of the Federation of American Hospitals. He also serves on the board of Galen College of Nursing and is the chairman of the finance committee. Jones also serves on the board of CoreTrust. Previously, he served as board chair on the Healthcare Supply Chain Association (HSCA). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Transforming Veteran Care: The VA’s Patient Experience Revolution Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

With over nine million veterans enrolled, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is well known for its health care services. However, the VA’s support extends beyond medical care, helping veterans navigate life after military service. The VA has undergone a significant transformation since the establishment of the Veterans Experience Office in 2015, focusing on improving veterans’ experiences through the use of qualitative and quantitative veteran-customer service data.

In this episode, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Assistant Under Secretary for Health at the VA, shares insights on the organization’s evolving approach to health care and the patient experience by discussing:

The role of the VA and its evolution in approaches to health care;
Transformation through leadership and the creation of the Veterans Experience Office;
Holistic attitude to health care through the ‘My life, my story’ project; and,
Broader applications of VA initiatives in other health care settings

Guest Bio:

Dr. Clancy serves as the Assistant Under Secretary for Health (AUSH) for Discovery, Education & Affiliate Networks (DEAN), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), effective July 22, 2018. The Office of the DEAN fosters collaboration and knowledge transfer with facility-based educators, researchers, and clinicians within VA, and between VA and its affiliates.

Prior to her current position, she served as the Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the second-largest Cabinet department, with a $246 billion budget and over 424,000 employees serving in VA medical centers, clinics, benefit offices, and national cemeteries, overseeing the development and implementation of enterprise-wide policies, programs, activities and special interests. She also served as the VHA Executive in Charge, with the authority to perform the functions and duties of the Under Secretary of Health, directing a health care system with a $68 billion annual budget, overseeing the delivery of care to more than 9 million enrolled Veterans. Previously, she served as the Interim Under Secretary for Health from 2014-2015. Dr. Clancy also served as the VHA AUSH for Organizational Excellence, overseeing VHA’s performance, quality, safety, risk management, systems engineering, auditing, oversight, ethics and accreditation programs, as well as ten years as the Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

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