September 4, 2026
The President’s Message is published in the MHA Weekly News Report, a member-only publication of the Montana Hospital Association. To subscribe, click here.
As summer winds down, MHA is preparing for what’s ahead: the 2027 Montana Legislature and the second session of the 119th Congress.
This is the season when the groundwork we lay determines how effectively we can advocate for patients and providers once lawmakers are back at their desks.
Later this month, MHA’s Committee on Legislation will meet to discuss strategy for our 2027 priorities. Our Legislative Priorities Survey, reviewed by a forum of member CEOs at the Mid-Year CEO Meeting earlier this year, set the priorities. Thank you to everyone who participated. Your input ensures we are focused on the most important issues to the membership.
On the federal level, members’ top concerns include protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program, preserving nonprofit hospitals’ tax-exempt status, holding commercial insurers accountable, extending the enhanced premium tax credits, and reversing cuts to Rural Health Clinic payments. At the state level, top priorities include preserving the Medicaid Expansion program, protecting nonprofit tax-exempt status and supplemental tax payments, and effective implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program in Montana.
This summer, our advocacy team has met with Montana’s congressional delegation and their staff here at home. In-district time is some of the most valuable access we have to members of Congress: meetings are easier to schedule, hospital tours are easier to host, and conversations can be more direct away from Washington’s noise. Congressional members will return to Washington in mid-September, so if you need help scheduling a visit or conversation with our delegation members, please let us know. Time is running short.
The same urgency applies at the state level. Between now and the November election, candidates and incumbents alike are home and accessible. Once the election is over, legislators will quickly turn to caucus meetings, committee assignments, and session prep. I’d encourage every member to use these next two months to build or strengthen those relationships. Again, let us know if we can help facilitate meetings with our state policy makers.
There will be no shortage of proposed solutions to the challenges facing healthcare in Montana. Our task, as always, is to stay coordinated and to speak with one unified voice—so the solutions we advance continue to benefit patients, preserve access to care, and keep care close to home. Our strength as a field is powered by our unity. Thank you for all you do for Montana’s patients and communities.