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Connection Newsletter
By AzHHA Communications ● Oct.16, 2025
Smart Brevity® count: 4 mins...1052 words
This week, read about:
- The health policy standoff deepening as federal shutdown enters third week.
- The 2024/2025 AzCHER Annual Report.
- The importance of the AzHHA PAC.
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Health policy standoff deepens as federal shutdown enters third week
The federal government shutdown has entered its 16th day with no resolution in sight, as partisan divisions over healthcare funding continue to stall negotiations.
- GOP leadership publicly maintains that Republicans will not negotiate until Democrats drop their demand to tie a continuing resolution to healthcare provisions, while Senate Democrats are blocking the bill to press for an extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits ahead of open enrollment beginning on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
- Senate Republicans are advancing a three-bill “minibus” package that would fund operations of several agencies including the Food and Drug Administration as well as congressional operations.
- Behind the scenes, some members of the House GOP leadership are reportedly in quiet talks with White House officials to craft a framework for compromise.
Within the GOP, divisions persist over whether to extend the ACA subsidies.
- Some lawmakers argue the enhanced credits fuel waste, fraud and abuse, while others warn of political fallout if millions lose health coverage.
- Options under discussion include imposing new income limits, requiring minimum out-of-pocket premium payments, grandfathering existing enrollees or pairing the measure with abortion restrictions.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration reports 4,108 federal employees have been dismissed since the shutdown began, including about 600 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff still facing termination after 1,300 layoff notices, roughly half of which were later rescinded.
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What’s next: With no bipartisan progress in sight, the shutdown could soon become the longest in U.S. history, deepening operational instability across federal health agencies.
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Now available: AzCHER 2024/2025 Annual Report
The Arizona Coalition for Healthcare Emergency Response (AzCHER) has published its 2024-2025 Annual Report.
Why it matters: The report reflects a year of collaboration, dedication and real-world preparedness across Arizona’s healthcare coalition.
- From hospital evacuations to supply shortages, wildfires and floods, AzCHER members demonstrated resilience and readiness at every turn.
Go deeper: Read the report to see how the coalition contributed to a stronger, more prepared healthcare system across Arizona.
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Be the voice for Arizona hospitals
The AzHHA Political Action Committee (PAC) exists to ensure that Arizona's hospitals and patients have a strong and united voice where it matters most.
Why it matters: Every day, decisions made at the Arizona Capitol and on Capitol Hill shape the future of healthcare in our state. From how hospitals are funded to the policies that determine patient access, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
How your support helps
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Protect access: Ensuring hospitals can care for patients in rural and urban communities.
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Influence policy: Making sure that Arizona hospitals are included in all key discussions.
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Strengthen communities: Creating healthier families, a more robust economy and a safer Arizona by having strong healthcare throughout the state.
The bottom line: Every dollar you contribute is an investment in ensuring quality healthcare for both today and in the future.
- Whether you make a one-time gift or a recurring contribution, you are directly influencing the future of healthcare in Arizona.
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Know the facts about Medicare Advantage
Medicare Open Enrollment is now open and runs until Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.
Why it matters: It’s important to understand how provider networks, referrals and authorizations may affect care.
Know the facts about Medicare Advantage:
- Pros:
- May include extra services like vision, hearing and dental.
- Has an annual out-of-pocket maximum ($9,350 in-network/$14,000 combined in 2025).
- Often combines drug and medical coverage into one plan.
- Cons:
- Limited provider networks (average plan only includes ~50% of U.S. physicians).
- Requires approval for specialists, treatments and many services.
- Hidden costs and denied coverages may lead to higher expenses than Original Medicare.
- Higher costs may result from coverage denials and hidden fees under Medicare Advantage.
AzHHA members seeking more information or resources on Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare can contact [email protected].
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Member spotlight: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson
A story published last week in Tucson Weekly shared the story of 68-year-old Deena Hadley who was left paralyzed from the chest down after contracting sepsis.
Why it matters: Deena credits Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson for having a monumental impact on her life.
- She had two different stays at the facility during her journey and continued occupational therapy there after she was discharged.
The therapy taught her how to get in and out of a car—which she accesses with a smaller electric wheelchair and got a large van that she can navigate with her regular wheelchair.
- Deena can also stand on her own long enough for simple tasks, such as bushing her teeth and putting her pants on.
- She can also walk short distances and managed to complete a session where she covered 330 feet.
What they’re saying:
I owe everything I have now to my wonderful husband, my good friends and the wonderful therapist at Encompass.
-Deena Hadley
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Oct. 28-29 - Medical Leadership in Disaster Preparedness and Response Conference
This free, virtual event will bring together individuals who have a medical direction role during disasters to discuss the spectrum of medical leadership responsibilities and some of the specific challenges of the role. This conference is co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, Technical Resources, Assistance Center and Information Exchange, and the American College of Emergency Physicians. Register now.
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.
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