Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
NCBA Members Bring Cattle Industry Priorities to Washington During Legislative Conference
CENTENNIAL, Colorado, April 25 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association posted the following news release:
* * *
NCBA Members Bring Cattle Industry Priorities to Washington During Legislative Conference
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), and its nationwide network of state affiliates, concluded its 2026 Legislative Conference this week, bringing together cattle producers from across the country to advocate for policy solutions that strengthen America's cattle industry and rural communities. Throughout the conference, producers met with federal officials and engaged directly
... Show Full Article
CENTENNIAL, Colorado, April 25 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association posted the following news release:
* * *
NCBA Members Bring Cattle Industry Priorities to Washington During Legislative Conference
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), and its nationwide network of state affiliates, concluded its 2026 Legislative Conference this week, bringing together cattle producers from across the country to advocate for policy solutions that strengthen America's cattle industry and rural communities. Throughout the conference, producers met with federal officials and engaged directlywith policymakers on Capitol Hill to ensure the voice of cattle producers is heard in Washington.
"NCBA's Legislative Conference is where grassroots policy meets action," said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver, a Virginia cattle producer. "Our members traveled to Washington to share real-world perspectives from their operations and reinforce why strong, commonsense policies are essential to keeping family farms and ranches viable for the next generation. From protecting animal health to advancing regulatory reform, NCBA members are leading the charge on behalf of the entire cattle industry."
During their time in Washington, NCBA members emphasized several top policy priorities, including:
* Delisting the gray wolf and passing the Pet and Livestock Protection Act
* Advancing passage of a new Farm Bill
* Supporting funding for research, management, and control of the Longhorned tick and the diseases it carries
In addition to Capitol Hill meetings, NCBA members participated in discussions with key federal agencies. Producers met with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the Food Safety and Inspection Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and Agricultural Marketing Service, as well as representatives from the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine and the Environmental Protection Agency. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach addressed attendees, discussing the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts and economic support for rural America. Producers also received a demonstration of new tools from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service designed to enhance transparency and market opportunities within the cattle industry.
The Legislative Conference is a cornerstone of NCBA's grassroots advocacy efforts, connecting cattle producers through NCBA and its state affiliates with policy makers in Washington, D.C. This producer-led engagement reinforces the organization's role as the definitive voice of the U.S. cattle industry and ensures real-world perspectives from cattle operations are part of the policy process.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ncba.org/news-media/news/details/47935/ncba-members-bring-cattle-industry-priorities-to-washington-during-legislative-conference
[Category: Agriculture]
IDFA Welcomes House Appropriations Support for Key Dairy Priorities
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The International Dairy Foods Association issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
* * *
IDFA Welcomes House Appropriations Support for Key Dairy Priorities
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today welcomed action by the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration to advance its FY2027 funding bill, including key dairy priorities.
Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA, released the following statement:
"IDFA applauds the Subcommittee for maintaining strong support for dairy across
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The International Dairy Foods Association issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
* * *
IDFA Welcomes House Appropriations Support for Key Dairy Priorities
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today welcomed action by the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration to advance its FY2027 funding bill, including key dairy priorities.
Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA, released the following statement:
"IDFA applauds the Subcommittee for maintaining strong support for dairy acrossfederal nutrition and innovation programs. The bill's $4 million investment in Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects builds on the program's proven success in stretching SNAP dollars and helping SNAP participants purchase more milk. Additionally, provisions in the bill preserve dairy benefits in WIC and ensure that whole and 2% milk, made available by the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, is applicable to all school meals, securing access to nutrient-dense foods that parents and children need. Sustained funding for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative will also help drive innovation, strengthen regional supply chains, and create new market opportunities for dairy farmers and processors. IDFA thanks Chairman Andy Harris and Ranking Member Sanford Bishop, Jr. and Subcommittee members for their support of the dairy industry priorities contained in the FY27 funding bill. We look forward to working with Congress to include these priorities in the final FY2027 appropriations package."
* * *
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA's diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.idfa.org/news/idfa-welcomes-house-appropriations-support-for-key-dairy-priorities
[Category: Food/Beverage]
CHPA Underscores Value of OTC Medicines at FDA Public Meeting
WASHINGTON, April 25 (TNSrpt) -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following statement on April 23, 2026:
* * *
CHPA Underscores Value of OTC Medicines at FDA Public Meeting
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) issued the below statement today following remarks by CHPA Senior Vice President of Legal, Policy & Government Affairs David Spangler during a panel convened by the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy, "Opportunities to Improve Public Health with Nonprescription Treatments," held as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) public
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 (TNSrpt) -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following statement on April 23, 2026:
* * *
CHPA Underscores Value of OTC Medicines at FDA Public Meeting
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) issued the below statement today following remarks by CHPA Senior Vice President of Legal, Policy & Government Affairs David Spangler during a panel convened by the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy, "Opportunities to Improve Public Health with Nonprescription Treatments," held as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) publicmeeting on increasing access to nonprescription drugs.
"OTC medicines are a cornerstone of self-care, enabling millions of Americans to safely and effectively manage common conditions without a prescription," said Spangler. "They deliver value across access, affordability, and empowerment by removing friction, reducing layers, steps, and delays so Americans can access timely options."
"As demand for care continues to outpace provider capacity--with nearly one in five Americans living in a primary care shortage area--OTC medicines are an important part of scalable, efficient solutions," Spangler added.
Background:
This hybrid public meeting, convened by the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy under a cooperative agreement with the FDA, brought together drug developers, healthcare providers, patient and consumer representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities to increase access to nonprescription drugs.
OTC medicines are a cornerstone of self-care in the U.S. healthcare system, enabling millions of Americans to safely and effectively manage common conditions without a prescription or provider visit. By offering immediate access to treatment, OTC options help reduce delays in care, lower costs, and alleviate pressure on an already strained healthcare system.
These benefits are particularly important as demand for care continues to outpace provider capacity--nearly one in five Americans live in a primary care shortage area--and as many consumers face high out-of-pocket costs due to lack of coverage or high-deductible health plans.
As more medicines become available over-the-counter, OTC access plays an increasingly important role in improving public health outcomes by expanding access, reducing system friction, and preserving clinical resources for higher-acuity care.
* * *
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), founded in 1881, is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements, and OTC medical devices. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care by ensuring that Americans have access to products they can count on to be reliable, affordable, and convenient, while also delivering new and better ways to get and stay healthy. Visit www.chpa.org.
* * *
REPORT: https://www.chpa.org/sites/default/files/media/docs/2026-04/CHPA_OTCValueFlyer_0426_v3b.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://www.chpa.org/news/2026/04/chpa-underscores-value-otc-medicines-fda-public-meeting
[Category: Health Care]
New Research Shows Earlier Hospice Election Could Save Medicare Over $1 Billion Annually
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 24 (TNSrep) -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
* * *
New Research Shows Earlier Hospice Election Could Save Medicare Over $1 Billion Annually
Five-day shift in timing could generate substantial savings while improving end-of-life care
*
A new analysis commissioned by the Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute) reveals that if Medicare beneficiaries elected hospice care just five days earlier, the program could save between $1.19 billion and $1.50 billion annually.
The analysis, conducted by
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, April 24 (TNSrep) -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
* * *
New Research Shows Earlier Hospice Election Could Save Medicare Over $1 Billion Annually
Five-day shift in timing could generate substantial savings while improving end-of-life care
*
A new analysis commissioned by the Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute) reveals that if Medicare beneficiaries elected hospice care just five days earlier, the program could save between $1.19 billion and $1.50 billion annually.
The analysis, conducted byATI Advisory, demonstrates how modest, clinically appropriate changes in hospice timing could generate significant Medicare savings while improving patient outcomes. These findings are particularly relevant as Medicare spending on hospice services increases by nearly 10% annually, and overall enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries using hospice continues to grow.
The project's Early Hospice Election Model analyzed Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in hospice within eight weeks of death. Using data from rigorous, peer-reviewed studies spanning between 2002 and 2018, researchers concluded that repeated earlier hospice elections generate incremental daily savings that compound over time.
"The implications of this study further underscore what the hospice community has long understood and recent research has revealed: timely hospice care not only represents the preferred choice for patients and families, but also presents sound fiscal policy," said Jennifer Sheets, CEO for the Alliance and President of the Institute. "The potential savings identified in this report are further evidence of the additional value hospice can add to the Medicare program while ensuring more compassionate, person-centered care is provided for Americans at the end of life."
The ATI analysis follows other recently released data underscoring the value of hospice care in America, including the 2025 Hospice Chartbook. According to the Chartbook, 31% of hospice stays are a week or less, and 26% were eight to 30 days, signaling an opportunity for families to elect hospice sooner. Further, according to the new Alliance Facts & Figures Report, of all Medicare decedents in CY 2024, 53.1% received at least one day of hospice care and were enrolled in hospice at the time of death, underscoring the scope of the savings potential identified in the ATI analysis.
Hospice care plays a critical role in improving end-of-life care, increasing patient and caregiver satisfaction while reducing unnecessary hospital stays and ICU deaths. Further, studies repeatedly show patients with terminal prognoses would prefer earlier hospice election.
The Institute and the Alliance remain dedicated to working together to engage with providers, policymakers, and the public to build a greater understanding of potential cost savings and improvements to the Medicare hospice benefit, and to advance evidence-based approaches to end-of-life care reform and advance care planning.
Opportunities to Learn More
The complete analysis and methodology are available in the full report.
Access the full report (https://researchinstituteforhomecare.org/our-research/new-research-and-reports/).
* * *
About the National Alliance for Care at Home
The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the leading authority in transforming care in the home. As an inclusive thought leader, advocate, educator, and convener, we serve as the unifying voice for providers and recipients of home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and Medicaid home and community-based services throughout all stages of life. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://allianceforcareathome.org/new-research-shows-earlier-hospice-election-could-save-medicare-over-1-billion-annually/
[Category: Health Care]
Nearly Half of Middle-Class Americans Lack Confidence They Will Have Enough Retirement Savings, Gen X and Millennials are the Least Confident, ACLI Finds
WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSrep)-- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
* * *
Nearly Half of Middle-Class Americans Lack Confidence They Will Have Enough Retirement Savings, Gen X and Millennials are the Least Confident, ACLI Finds
ACLI Financial Resilience Index rises in Q4 2025, but retirement readiness remains a concern
*
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) today released the latest Financial Resilience Index and accompanying survey, which measures middle-class households' ability to manage financial challenges and plan for a stable
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSrep)-- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
* * *
Nearly Half of Middle-Class Americans Lack Confidence They Will Have Enough Retirement Savings, Gen X and Millennials are the Least Confident, ACLI Finds
ACLI Financial Resilience Index rises in Q4 2025, but retirement readiness remains a concern
*
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) today released the latest Financial Resilience Index and accompanying survey, which measures middle-class households' ability to manage financial challenges and plan for a stablefuture.
The survey, conducted by YouGov, shows that middle-class retirement preparedness may be at a crossroads, especially among Americans nearing retirement age. Gen X Americans, now aged 45-60, are particularly anxious about retirement, with nearly six in ten (59%) reporting they are "not very" or "not at all" confident about their retirement savings. Millennials are close behind, with 51% expressing similar concerns. Overall, 46% of Americans lack confidence in their retirement savings.
The April Financial Resilience Index, which looks at data from the fourth quarter of 2025, found that middle-class financial resilience improved compared to the third quarter of 2025 and was above historical norms. However, as economic pressures persisted, financial resilience in Q4 2025 was still below that of Q4 2024.
"While the lack of retirement confidence among middle class Americans is concerning, the fact that Americans approaching their retirement years are the least confident paints an even more sobering picture," said ACLI President & CEO David Chavern. "Even as economic conditions improved late last year, families are struggling to bridge the gap between where they are and where they need to be for a secure retirement. "
Survey Findings: The Retirement Confidence Gap
The survey also found that:
* 41% of middle-class households haven't looked for information or guidance about planning for retirement in the past year. Of those who haven't looked, 56% lack confidence that they will have enough savings to live comfortably throughout retirement.
* Middle-class households with life insurance are significantly more likely to feel confident about retirement (56%) compared to those without (44%). This demonstrates the protective role comprehensive financial planning plays in retirement readiness.
* When seeking retirement guidance, middle-class households are turning primarily to digital sources rather than professional advice. 30% used online research, while only 20% consulted a financial advisor or insurance agent.
Financial Resilience Improves in Q4 2025
Elevated inflation for household and recreation expenses continues to pose an affordability challenge for the middle class. However, the Q4 2025 Headline Index improved by 7.5 points from the previous quarter, driven by above-average resource gains and moderating cost pressures. Wage growth has slowed since peaking in early 2023, but it held steady in 2025 and is still better than average, helping middle-class households manage affordability challenges.
* * *
About the Financial Resilience Index
ACLI's Financial Resilience Index, which is released quarterly, measures the ability of the middle-class to manage life's challenges and plan for a stable future. The index tracks 26 different variables that represent typical cost pressures for middle-class households (like housing, gas and childcare) and the financial resources that are available to meet them (like income, access to credit and retirement assets). By tracking the direction and magnitude of cost pressures and resources, the index reflects how middle-class financial resilience changes over time, and what is driving improvement or decline.
* * *
About the Financial Resilience Survey
ACLI's Financial Resilience Survey is a nationally representative survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of ACLI, as a complement to the Financial Resilience Index. The survey explores how middle-class respondents understand their own financial resilience by asking questions about economic mobility, financial stressors, financial stability, and safety nets. The quarterly survey consists of two questions about financial resilience, one recurring question that will be asked at the same time each year and one that will vary within the larger theme of middle-class financial health, stress, and resilience. Respondents of all household income levels respond to the survey, with reporting focused on middle-class respondents - those earning $50,000-$150,000 in annual household income.
ACLI's latest Financial Resilience Survey was conducted online within the United States by YouGov on behalf of ACLI from March 11 - 16, 2026 among 3,707 adults ages 18 and older. The survey sample includes 1,476 respondents from middle-class households as well as 1,459 respondents from lower-income households and 329 respondents from upper-income households. The report and related materials only highlight comparisons between subgroups that are statistically significant. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact ACLI.
For more information about both the index and the survey please visit: Financial Resilience Index (https://www.acli.com/news-and-analysis/financial-resilience-index).
* * *
About ACLI
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is the leading trade association driving public policy and advocacy on behalf of the life insurance industry. 90 million American families rely on the life insurance industry for financial protection and retirement security. ACLI's member companies are dedicated to protecting consumers' financial wellbeing through life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance, and dental, vision and other supplemental benefits. ACLI's 275 member companies represent 94 percent of industry assets in the United States.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.acli.com/posting/nr26-028
[Category: Insurance]
NFDA Members Showed Up for the Funeral Service Profession and Stood Up for Those They Serve
BROOKFIELD, Wisconsin, April 24 -- The National Funeral Directors Association issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
* * *
NFDA Members Showed Up for the Funeral Service Profession and Stood Up for Those They Serve.
Funeral professionals advocate for families, honor the deceased and advance funeral service at NFDA's 2026 Advocacy Summit.
*
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) once again demonstrated why it is the leading voice of funeral service in the United States and around the world, bringing an unmatched show of strength, credibility and purpose to Washington,
... Show Full Article
BROOKFIELD, Wisconsin, April 24 -- The National Funeral Directors Association issued the following news release on April 23, 2026:
* * *
NFDA Members Showed Up for the Funeral Service Profession and Stood Up for Those They Serve.
Funeral professionals advocate for families, honor the deceased and advance funeral service at NFDA's 2026 Advocacy Summit.
*
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) once again demonstrated why it is the leading voice of funeral service in the United States and around the world, bringing an unmatched show of strength, credibility and purpose to Washington,D.C., for the 2026 Advocacy Summit.
"Funeral service professionals have a powerful story to tell, and our members brought that story directly to Capitol Hill in a meaningful way," said NFDA President Dan Ford, CFSP, CCSP. "They're not speaking in generalities. They're sharing real experiences from the families and communities they serve every day and that really resonated with lawmakers. What truly sets NFDA apart is that our advocacy doesn't stop when the Summit ends. Because we have a full-time lobbyist in Washington, D.C., we are advancing the profession's priorities every day. This event amplifies that work in a highly visible and impactful way."
Elevating the Voice of Funeral Service
During their meetings with members of Congress and their staff, NFDA members advocated for key legislative priorities affecting funeral homes, grieving families and communities nationwide, including:
* Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act (S.1270 / H.R.2589) - NFDA members confronted the reality of unethical body brokers by demanding dignity, transparency and accountability because the deceased deserve respect, not exploitation.
* Funeral Coverage Act (H.R. 2436) - Association members stood up for grieving families by supporting legislation that expands the use of tax free HSA funds to help pay for funeral and burial expenses.
* Death Tax Repeal Act (S.587 / H.R.1301) - NFDA fought for tax reform that will protect family owned funeral businesses so they can remain pillars of their communities and continue caring for families with compassion and stability.
* Multiple bills to improve funeral and burial benefits for veterans - NFDA members honored those who served by advocating for veterans' funerals and burial benefits that reflect our nation's gratitude.
* No IRIS Act (S.623 / H.R.1415) - NFDA pushed for sound science to be used by the EPA as the assess formaldehyde.
More than 160 NFDA members representing 36 states and Washington, D.C., conducted 205 meetings with federal lawmakers, delivering a clear message: funeral service is essential, grieving families must be protected and the funeral profession will be heard. Meetings took place across both chambers of Congress, including 69 Senate meetings and 136 House meetings, ensuring broad engagement with lawmakers and their staff on issues impacting funeral service and the families they serve. This level of access and engagement reflects NFDA's leadership in advocacy. NFDA is the only national funeral service association with a full-time lobbyist in Washington, D.C., ensuring the profession maintains a consistent, credible voice where policy decisions are made.
With comprehensive issue briefings, talking points and on-the-ground support from NFDA staff, participants were well-prepared to engage in substantive, solutions-focused conversations with policymakers.
"One of the most effective ways to educate policymakers is by connecting them directly with the professionals doing the work," said Lesley Witter, NFDA senior vice president of advocacy and federal lobbyist. "Our members bring credibility, compassion and firsthand insight to every conversation. NFDA's strength is our consistent presence in Washington. We are actively engaged year-round in the legislative and regulatory process, building relationships and ensuring funeral service is understood and making sure the voice of funeral service is heard where decisions are made. That consistency drives real results."
More Than Meetings, a Lasting Impact
Beyond the numbers, the Advocacy Summit created meaningful opportunities for funeral service professionals to build relationships with elected officials and serve as trusted resources on issues affecting their communities. For many attendees, the experience was both impactful and inspiring.
"It's a little overwhelming at first, but [NFDA] give[s] you all the tools you need to succeed," said Kelly Walker of Anderson's Tribute Center in Hood River, Oregon. "It makes you feel like your voice is important. It's been an empowering experience that I would recommend to anybody."
"This is how our nation works - how we make change, how we advocate for ourselves," said Logan Bryant of Smith Funeral & Cremation Service in Maryville, Tennessee. "It's an incredible chance to participate in our nation's democracy and represent the families we serve."
A Year-Round Commitment to Advocacy
While the Advocacy Summit is a cornerstone event, NFDA's work in Washington, D.C., continues every day. With a dedicated full-time lobbyist, NFDA ensures that funeral service remains visible, respected and well-represented at the federal level.
At a time when legislative and regulatory decisions increasingly impact small businesses and the families they serve, that sustained presence is critical.
Looking Ahead
NFDA will continue to build on the momentum generated at this year's Summit, strengthening relationships with policymakers and advancing priorities that support funeral service professionals and the grieving families they serve nationwide.
The 2027 NFDA Advocacy Summit will take place April 28 through 30, 2027, at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., and is open to any member who wants to make a difference in their profession and for the families they serve.
* * *
NFDA is the world's leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/10071/nfda-members-showed-up-for-the-funeral-service-profession-and-stood-up-for-those-they-serve
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
AHCA/NCAL Applauds the Introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026
WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSrpt) -- The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living posted the following news release:
* * *
AHCA/NCAL Applauds the Introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the nation's largest organization representing long term and post-acute care providers, praised lawmakers for the introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 (H.R. 8375). The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan group
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 24 (TNSrpt) -- The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living posted the following news release:
* * *
AHCA/NCAL Applauds the Introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the nation's largest organization representing long term and post-acute care providers, praised lawmakers for the introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 (H.R. 8375). The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan groupof members, many of whom are physicians.
"The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 represents a significant step towards ensuring Medicare Advantage delivers on its promise to America's seniors," said Clif Porter, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. "We commend these lawmakers for developing a better way to enable seniors to have timely access to care and hold plans accountable. We urge continued bipartisan support and swift passage through Congress."
The bipartisan Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 is led by Representatives John Joyce (PA-13), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Gregory Murphy (NC-03), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Mariannette Miller Meeks (IA-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), and Beth Van Duyne (TX-24). Upon introduction, the bill was referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce. It is the most sweeping attempt to enhance Medicare Advantage (MA) to date, including provisions to:
* Protect patients from inappropriate delays and denials;
* Standardize coverage criteria between MA and traditional Medicare;
* Increase transparency surrounding prior authorizations and compliance;
* Penalize plans that fail to meet oversight and compliance benchmarks;
* Reduce administrative burdens through real-time and automated systems;
* Promote prompt payments;
* Prevent retroactive "clawback" of payments for pre-approved, reapproved, and delivered care and services; and
* Strengthen patient access to post-acute care providers.
More seniors are enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans than traditional Medicare because it offers many perks appealing to seniors; however, large, insurer-led MA plans are too often denying or delaying beneficiaries' access to necessary skilled nursing and post-acute care. From 2019 to 2022, the top MA insurers denied prior authorization requests for post-acute care more frequently than for other services. This has contributed to a doubling of seniors leaving MA for traditional Medicare in their final year of life--shifting costs onto taxpayers.
"This bill addresses many of the obstacles driven by insurer-led Medicare Advantage plans that were making it unnecessarily difficult for seniors and their families to navigate care options and receive coverage for medically necessary care," said Nisha Hammel, Vice President of Reimbursement Policy and Population Health at AHCA/NCAL. "Coverage decisions for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries must be driven by each patient's needs and clinical necessity, with appropriate oversight that ensures compliance and patient protections."
AHCA/NCAL has been a consistent advocate on addressing MA challenges in post-acute care. AHCA/NCAL and its Post-Acute Care Coalition partners submitted recommendations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on improving MA prior authorization processes last fall. In addition, in a report based on a survey of skilled nursing care providers, AHCA found that denials or delays of medically necessary post-acute care by MA plans occur daily and/or weekly for two-thirds of providers.
The Better Way, AHCA's forward-looking policy agenda to deliver bold solutions for quality long term and post-acute care, identifies MA as one of its key priorities. Through "Reaffirming the Promise of Medicare Advantage," the organization offers several recommendations for alignment among providers, residents, policymakers and the public.
Learn more about the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 HERE (https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-miller-meeks-congressional-doctors-introduce-bipartisan-bill-restore).
* * *
REPORT: https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/FactSheets/Provider-Insights-Medicare-Advantage.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Applauds-Introduction-Medicare-Advantage-Improvement-Act-2026.aspx
[Category: Health Care]
