A Maryland District Court halting key provisions of the CMS marketplace rule.
The early bird deadline for the 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference.
CMS launching an initiative to tighten Medicaid immigration status checks.
Maryland District Court halts key provisions of CMS marketplace rule
A federal district court in Maryland has issued a nationwide stayhalting implementation of several core provisions of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) “Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule,” which was set to take effect on Monday, Aug. 25. 2025.
The suit was brought by the cities of Baltimore, Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, along with Doctors for America and Main Street Alliance. Judge Brendan Hurson found that the plaintiffs had shown a strong likelihood of success in their claims against several provisions of the rule.
The provisions on pause include:
The $5 “junk” fee on low-income auto‑enrollees who fail to verify their eligibility.
Stricter income verification processes.
Changes to actuarial value requirements for marketplace plans.
Heightened documentation requirements for certain special enrollment periods.
Permitting coverage denials for past-due premiums.
Similarly, a coalition of 21 states including Arizona hasfiled a lawsuit in a U.S. District Court in Massachusetts.
This challenge contests the same Affordable Care Act marketplace rule, asserting that it is arbitrary and capricious, contravenes the Administrative Procedure Act and threatens coverage for up to 1.8 million Americans.
The coalition is seeking a preliminary injunction or stay to block many of the same provisions challenged in the Maryland case.
As of yesterday morning, the court has not yet issued a ruling.
Don’t forget! Early bird deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025
The bottom line: The early bird deadline for the 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference is fast approaching.
Remember, the 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference is taking place Oct. 29-31, 2025, at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz.
The big picture: View the 2-and-a-half-day conference agenda here, including breakout session tracks with best practices in innovation, leadership, and policy and advocacy.
Don’t delay!Register by Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, to take advantage of the early bird discount.
CMS launches initiative to tighten Medicaid immigration status checks
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a nationwide initiative aimed at ensuring Medicaid and CHIP enrollees are U.S. citizens, nationals or have verifiable immigration status.
Beginning immediately, CMS will provide states with monthly reports flagging individuals whose eligibility cannot be confirmed via federal databases, including the Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, requiring states to verify or remove such enrollees in the name of program integrity.
Why it matters: This action takes place in the broader context of the recently-enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which significantly tightened eligibility rules for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies.
Among other changes, the bill eliminated Medicaid eligibility for certain groups of lawfully present immigrants, such as refugees, asylees and humanitarian parolees. This verification initiative is being implemented pursuant to the bill andis mandatory for states to implement.
Federal judge finalizes Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement after 12-year legal battle
A federal judge in Alabama has officially approved the long-awaited settlement in the antitrust case against Blue Cross Blue Shield, bringing closure to litigation that spanned more than a decade.
Why it matters: The settlement includes a $2.8 billion payout to healthcare providers and introduces a series of significant reforms aimed at improving operational transparency and efficiency. Key changes include:
Revamping the BlueCard Program to accelerate claims processing and ensure timely payments.
Enhancing provider contracting options, particularly in value-based care and neighboring service areas, giving providers more flexibility in negotiations.
Upgrading Blue Cross Blue Shield’s digital claims infrastructure to streamline workflows and improve data transparency.
Providers were given until the end of July to decide whether to participate. Those who chose to opt out will not receive any financial compensation or benefit from the reforms but retain the right to pursue separate legal action.
Preventing caregiver burnout
Caregiving is rewarding but without the right support, it can also be exhausting.
Burnout is one of the most common challenges caregivers face, leading to stress, fatigue and reduced quality of care.
Why it matters: According to Dr. Tom Lenz, faculty expert in Integrative Care at Creighton University, prevention starts with strong institutional leadership as well as recognizing the signs early and building sustainable self-care strategies.
“The scientific research supports Integrative Care as an effective strategy for preventing and managing work-related stress and fatigue. When we move beyond our siloed structures and work collaboratively as healthcare professionals, we find enhanced job satisfaction, an increase in our own health and quality of life, and that of our patients.” -Dr. Lenz
Integrative approaches—such as fostering strong relationships,stress management strategies and boundary setting—help caregivers maintain balance while improving outcomes for those they serve. Continuing education is another powerful tool, equipping caregivers with evidence-based practices to strengthen resilience and prevent burnout.
A Suicide Prevention Week Gathering and Vigil will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7 at the Chandler Community Center.
This is a free event designed to provide a safe space for the community to gather to connect with resources, engage in healing and connecting activities, and remember those we have lost to suicide. Learn more.
AzHHA releases DataGen reports
In relationship with DataGen, AzHHA distributes reports to hospitals based on information submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. DataGen generates hospital-specific reports which are sent to AzHHA hospital members as part of their membership.
Why it matters: This data helps hospitals understand the financial impact of proposed changes and annual updates.
The reports can also assist in preparing budgets or benchmarking results with other similar organizations.
The below reports were recently sent to members:
CY 2026 Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule Analysis (sent Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025)
Medicare IPPS Final Rule Payment Brief (sent Friday, Aug. 15, 2025)
FFY 2026 IRF PPS Final Rule Brief (sent Friday, Aug. 22, 2025)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept. 7-12 - National Tribal Health Conference This is a week-long event that serves American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in the space of health - behavioral and public health. The conference will showcase the interconnectedness of policy, advocacy and Indian health best practices. Register now.
Wednesday, Sept. 24 - 12th Annual Tribal Summit Join Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice for an in-person event in Flagstaff, Ariz., focused on understanding tribal health, building stronger partnerships and supporting culturally informed care across Arizona. This one-day, free summit will bring together Tribal and non-Tribal healthcare providers, Tribal leaders and community organizations to discuss pressing health topics. Register here.
Friday, Sept. 26 - Arizona Bioethics Network 13th Annual Conference This hybrid event will bring together scholars from various disciplines to explore the ethical questions that shape health in a global context. This year’s conference theme is “The Interconnected World: The Ethics of Global Health Policy.” Learn more and register.
Wednesday, Oct. 1 - Introduction to POLST Join physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) paradigm for their one-hour virtual workshops equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and resources to begin using POLST in Arizona. Register here.
Oct. 29-31 – 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference The 2025 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference will be held at the exquisite Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson on Oct. 29-31. This will be an inspirational gathering of more than 200 hospital and healthcare executives seeking opportunities for continuing education, meaningful discussion and relationship building. Registerby Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, to receive an early bird discount.
Friday, Nov. 7 - Peer support training for health professionals The Wellbeing Collaborative is offering a powerful in-person training for healthcare professionals interested in building or strengthening peer support programs in their organizations. This interactive training includes real-world strategies, hands-on practice and expert guidance to promote connection, resilience and psychological safety across teams. Learn more and register.
