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The ASHHRA PodcastAuthor: Robert "Bo" Brabo and Luke Carignan
The ASHHRA Podcast is the ultimate resource for HR Leaders. Featuring weekly episodes with top healthcare professionals from around the country, Co-hosts Bo Brabo & Luke Carignan from The Bo & Luke Show bring you the latest insights and trends in the world of human resources. Whether you're looking to stay up to date on the latest news and legislation or gain valuable insights into building a better workplace, The ASHHRA Podcast has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and join Bo and Luke every week for fresh episodes as they explore everything Healthcare HR! Language: en Genres: Business, Business News, Management, News Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#219 - Medicaid Cuts Threaten 446 Hospitals Now
Episode 21
Monday, 6 April, 2026
April 6th, 2026. Three separate policy shocks, all landing at the same time. Bo, Luke, and ASHHRA Executive Director Jeremy Sadlier break down what may be the most consequential week of news healthcare HR has faced all year.🏥 446 Hospitals at High Risk of Closure A Public Citizen analysis of CMS data identified 446 hospitals at high risk of closing or cutting services due to roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts under HR 1. Criteria: at least 20% Medicaid revenue and currently operating at a loss. Trinity Health has already cut 10.5% of its billing staff. St. Mary's Sacred Heart in Georgia has closed its maternity unit. The deepest HR 1 cuts don't land until 2027 and 2028 — making 446 the floor, not the ceiling. Action: Pull your Medicaid revenue percentage. If you're at or above 20% with thin margins, model workforce implications of 10%, 20%, and 30% revenue reductions and bring that to your CFO this week.🩺 The $100,000 Visa Fee Is Hollowing Your Physician Pipeline The AHA surveyed more than 1,000 health systems on the new $100,000 H-1B visa petition fee — up from $3,500. 64% of hospitals have already paused or limited recruitment. More than 70% expect direct patient care impact. 57% of H-1B roles in healthcare are clinical. Pain is sharpest in rural and underserved markets where foreign-trained physicians fill gaps domestic pipelines cannot reach. Action: Audit your H-1B-dependent clinical roles by specialty and geography. For each, identify your contingency — J-1 waiver programs, GME partnerships, rural scholarships, grow-your-own pipelines. Lawsuits are pending. The pipeline gap is not waiting.📦 Tariffs Hit the Supply Chain — Hospitals Can't Pass the Cost Along A 10% baseline tariff took effect April 5th. China supplies 94% of US hospital plastic gloves, most N95s, and the majority of anesthesia instruments. 82% of healthcare experts expect costs to spike 15% within six months. Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement is fixed. Hospitals at 3-4% margins have no room. Action: Meet with your CFO and supply chain leadership. Know your tariff exposure by category. Model what a one- and two-point margin compression does to your workforce budget before Q3 forces that conversation.When revenue is cut, the physician pipeline narrows, and supply costs spike simultaneously — HR leaders not at the table will find out about the decisions in a memo.Enjoying the show? Subscribe to The ASHHRA Podcast on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. From Our Sponsor(s)...Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefitsElevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital’s own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN HealthCare Associates Credit Union partners with healthcare organizations to offer a no-cost financial wellness benefit for employees. Built specifically for healthcare professionals, HACU provides everyday banking, loans, mortgages, and financial education - all with no added administrative burden for HR teams. Learn more at HACU's Human Resource Benefit or email directly at busdev@hacu.org and we are happy to take you through the process whether it's opening a membership for yourself or bringing us on as your employee benefits partner. HealthCare Associates Credit Union — a healthier benefit for healthcare HR leaders and their teams. Support the show
