Washington Watch: Medicaid Cut Pressures, Employer Health Benefit Strategies, Site-of-Care Shifts

Join hosts Chad Mulvany and Shawn Stack as they share the latest healthcare policy and legislative updates for the week of September 16, 2026. First, they look at how looming Medicaid cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are putting pressure on states, healthcare providers, and patients. Key discussion points include:

• Projected decreases in state Medicaid spending related to new limits on Medicaid state-directed payments.
• The ongoing trend of hospital maternity ward closures and how Medicaid cuts may accelerate the trajectory.

Later in the episode, they explore employer strategies to manage health benefit costs, growing demand for value-based arrangements, and opportunities for direct-to-employer contracting.

Finally, they discuss how healthcare organizations can prepare for impending site-of-service shifts as CMS continues to phase out the Inpatient Only list and implement other site-neutral policies.

Learn more about the show at forvismazars.us/AchievingHealthPodcast. Subscribe to Healthcare FORsights™ to receive tailored insights on the healthcare sector directly to your inbox.

Related content:

• CMS Rule Signals Shift in Medicaid State-Directed Payments
• Medicaid Provider Tax Threshold Reform: How to Prepare
• Medicaid Community Engagement: How Hospitals Can Prepare
• Payor & Hospital Price Transparency Data-Driven Strategy
• A Strategic Approach to Maintain Medicare DSH Eligibility
• Key Signs of Success for Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs)
• A Guide to Value-Based Enterprises for Health System Executives
• CMS’ 2027 OPPS Rule: Key Takeaways for Healthcare Providers
• How Does Site Neutrality Affect Your Facility Master Plan?

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Healthcare Practice at Forvis Mazars

Chad Mulvany

Shawn Stack