Community Benefit
Corresponding with enrollment is the U.S. rate of uninsured, which HHS says hit an all-time low this year.
Gaps in the availability, completeness and quality of health equity data remain across CMS programs, the agency says.
Racial and ethnic minority groups often have lower levels of use, meaning hospitals in largely Black counties are at a disadvantage.
The letter was spurred in part by a flood of respiratory illnesses, mental health crises and other needs that have strained resources and capacity.
Concerns about a recession and runaway inflation only exacerbate the issue, impacting the ability to hire and retain top talent.
Extending Medicaid and CHIP coverage in Georgia and Pennsylvania is expected to impact about 57,000 people.
Metropolitan Anchor Hospitals, as the AHA has labeled them, serve large numbers of urban, low-income and historically marginalized individuals.
The lawmakers describe the future of audio-only telehealth coverage as "unpredictable" and say a consistent policy should be established.
The platform seeks to improve care equity and healthcare literacy and confidence, while reducing care avoidance.
The initiative will focus on housing insecurity and will also offer case management, outreach and education.