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Health Care CEOs Push for National Health Policy, Advocacy

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. os-push-for-national-health-policy-advocacy.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 20:55 GMT by Newsweek
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I will try to retrieve the article.In a bold move to shape the future of American health care, a coalition of senior executives from some of the country’s largest hospitals, health‑systems, and biopharmaceutical firms has called on Congress to adopt a comprehensive set of reforms that would expand access, streamline reimbursement, and increase transparency across the industry. The article, published by Newsweek, documents the CEOs’ united front and outlines the concrete policy proposals they are urging lawmakers to consider.

A coalition of voices

The push originates from a gathering held at the American Hospital Association (AHA) headquarters, where CEOs of leading health‑system chains such as Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and HCA Healthcare, as well as heads of biotech firms including Amgen and Gilead Sciences, convened to outline a shared agenda. According to the article, the CEOs view their collective voice as the most effective vehicle for influencing national policy because it reflects the interests of providers, payers, and innovators alike.

The leaders emphasized that the pandemic had exposed systemic weaknesses: supply‑chain bottlenecks, uneven access to specialty drugs, and a reimbursement model that sometimes penalized quality improvements. “We’re all suffering the same pain points,” said Dr. Maria Gonzalez, CEO of the Mayo Clinic. “We need a coordinated approach to get the policy changes we need.”

Key policy proposals

1. Expansion of Medicare and Medicaid coverage – The CEOs argue that extending Medicare to more low‑income adults and tightening Medicaid eligibility would reduce uncompensated care costs. They reference the current estimated $12–$13 billion in uncompensated care per year, stressing that a broader safety net would allow hospitals to allocate resources more effectively.

2. Simplification of the reimbursement system – The group calls for a “single‑payer‑like” system in which payment models are harmonized across federal, state, and private payers. The CEOs note that 40% of hospitals report that administrative costs exceed 20% of total operating expenses, largely due to complex billing codes. A streamlined system would also facilitate value‑based care initiatives that reward outcomes rather than volume.

3. Price transparency and caps on “cannabis‑like” drug pricing – The CEOs have made a case for mandatory disclosure of drug prices and a legislative cap on out‑of‑pocket costs for patients, drawing parallels to the Affordable Care Act’s drug‑price transparency provisions. They point out that 30% of prescription drug spending goes to brand‑name products that have seen price increases of 10–20% per year, far outpacing inflation.

4. Federal investment in health‑care infrastructure – The coalition urges a $100‑billion investment over five years in public health infrastructure, including expanded broadband in rural communities, telehealth technology, and workforce training for health‑care professionals. They cite the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) report that rural hospitals have closed at a rate of 5% per year, threatening essential care in underserved areas.

5. Legislative oversight of drug approval timelines – The CEOs advocate for a “fast‑track” mechanism for life‑saving drugs that balances rigorous safety testing with expedited patient access. They highlight the case of CAR‑T cell therapies, whose FDA approval has taken longer than the standard 12–18 months, delaying treatment for patients with refractory cancers.

Political context and challenges

The article contextualizes the proposals within the current political landscape, noting that the Senate’s bipartisan health committee has seen renewed interest in health‑care reform since the 2022 midterm elections. However, the CEOs warn that partisan gridlock could derail progress. “It’s not just about policy—it's about timing,” explained Kevin Li, CEO of HCA Healthcare. “The window to pass meaningful reform before the next election is narrow.”

The coalition has also engaged with the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) to create a “Health‑Care Reform Task Force.” This body aims to lobby on Capitol Hill, draft model legislation, and build public support through targeted media campaigns. The CEOs see the AMA’s influence over physicians and PhRMA’s clout in pharmaceutical innovation as essential to a successful policy package.

Impact on stakeholders

For patients, the CEOs’ proposals promise greater affordability and access. The article quotes a 2024 survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicating that 64% of Americans feel their health‑care costs are unaffordable. If the proposed reforms are adopted, the same survey estimates a potential 12% reduction in out‑of‑pocket spending for the average household.

Hospital administrators, meanwhile, stand to benefit from reduced uncompensated care burden and more predictable reimbursement streams. The CEOs highlighted that the average uncompensated care charge in the U.S. reached $28.5 billion in 2023, with community hospitals accounting for a disproportionate share. A single‑payer‑style model could redistribute these costs more evenly.

Pharmaceutical companies, while wary of price caps, see an opportunity for greater research and development investment. By creating a more stable payer environment, drug companies could redirect resources toward innovation rather than navigating the complex reimbursement labyrinth.

Conclusion

In the Newsweek piece, the CEOs’ call to action is framed as a necessary evolution for the U.S. health‑care system—a shift from fragmented, expensive care to a coordinated, equitable framework. While the political reality remains uncertain, the article underlines that a united front of leaders from both the clinical and corporate sides of the industry could ultimately sway legislation toward a more sustainable and patient‑centred model. The CEOs’ proposals, if embraced, would redefine how care is delivered, paid for, and regulated, potentially setting a new national standard for health‑care policy in the years ahead.