Federal

Legislative & Regulatory Issues

MHA works closely with our congressional delegation and federal regulators to represent and promote the interests of our members, patients and communities.

Federal Resources Hearing Schedules Government Directory Legislative Package Testimony/Letters

Congressional Issues

Medicaid

Medicaid is a shared state and federal program to provide health insurance for poor and disabled residents. Click on the links below to explore MHA’s advocacy and member outreach efforts on federal aspects of Medicaid-related matters.

Resources

Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare, and is the landmark federal health reform legislation signed into law in March 2010. Much of the ACA was modeled on Massachusetts’ groundbreaking healthcare reform law of 2006. MHA engages with congressional leaders and their staffs to bring MHA’s and our members’ unique experience and perspective to the fore as the ACA is implemented, assessed and revised.

Resources

Federal Budget

Many aspects of the federal budget affect how Massachusetts hospitals, health systems and other care providers are reimbursed for care provided to patients insured by Medicare or Medicaid, or who qualify for other public health assistance from the federal government. MHA works with our congressional delegation and others to secure the best possible federal funding options for Massachusetts hospitals and other care providers.

Resources

Public Health

Click on the links below for more information on MHA’s advocacy and member outreach efforts on federal aspects of public health matters.

Resources

Regulatory Agencies

Medicare/ Medicaid

Medicare is a federal program that pays for certain healthcare expenses for individuals age 65 or older. MHA monitors prospective and recently implemented changes to Medicare and MassHealth, provides information about how specific aspects of the programs affect care providers, and advocates for fair and equitable implementation of the program.

Resources

National Labor Relations Board

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent federal agency that protects the rights of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions. MHA engages with the NLRB on matters relating to the healthcare workforce.

Resources

Other Key Agencies

Healthcare is one of the most-regulated businesses in the U.S. Click on one of the agencies listed below for more information on MHA’s education, outreach and advocacy work with these organizations.

Internal Revenue Service

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the tax administration bureau for the United States. It is charged with helping compliant taxpayers with the tax law, and ensuring that the minority who are unwilling to comply pay their fair share. MHA works with the IRS to assist MHA members comply with the many business taxes that affect them.

Resources

Department of Justice

The Department of Justice (DOJ) administers the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), prosecutes violations of federal law, and is responsible for enforcing all civil rights legislation. MHA works with the DOJ on federal legal matters that affect hospitals, health systems, physician organization and other care providers.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the leading national public health institute of the United States. As stewards of public health, MHA member hospitals and other care providers are continually working to prevent illness and disease, support healthier lifestyles and improve the environment. MHA works with the CDC on numerous issues ranging from natural disaster responses to the opioid epidemic.

Resources

Department of Labor

Healthcare is one of the nation’s top employers, providing high-quality, good paying jobs for residents of all levels of education and experience.