Maintaining the financial viability of hospitals, health systems and other types of providers is a priority issue for MHA members.

Financial viability is threatened by declining reimbursements for care, cost-shifting to keep hospitals financially solvent, increased drug costs, workforce shortages and burdensome regulation. Additionally, more for-profit competitors are “cherry picking” profitable service lines while leaving hospitals to provide the essential but loss-generating services such as 24/7 emergency rooms, ambulance services, labor and delivery, psychiatric services and more.

MHA’s Five-Year Strategic Plan identifies financial viability as a key area of focus for the association. The State Budget and the Federal Budget present additional issues and opportunities for the association to pursue in strengthening the financial position of MHA members.