Hospitals face billions in losses this year, report shows

An American Hospital Association (AHA) report released last week projected more than half of hospitals will have negative margins through 2022. The analysis, prepared by Kaufman Hall, said hospitals are struggling to manage the aftermath and aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic against the backdrop of historic workforce shortages, broken supply chains and inflation that has increased the cost of providing care. During a media briefing, three hospital and health system leaders shared how the shortfalls are threatening access to care and services. Among many actions, AHA urges Congress to extend COVID-19 emergency waivers, including flexibilities for telehealth and hospital-at-home programs that have led to improvements in care.