Washington, D.C. (April 28, 2026) – Charlene MacDonald, President and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, released the following statement following the House Committee on Ways and Means hearing focused on the role of health systems: 

“There is no replacement for a local hospital when you need it most. Taxpaying hospitals show up for patients in communities across the country – beyond the coasts and major cities – keeping hospital doors open while providing significant levels of charity care, investing directly in cities and towns, anchoring local economies as leading employers, and training the next generation of the health care workforce. 

“For our hospitals, affordability is not an abstract policy debate – it is a daily reality. Our members face external cost pressures as they also help their patients navigate affordability concerns, connecting patients with resources, educating them about coverage options, and helping them understand their out-of-pocket costs. Our hospitals will continue to lead the way in providing access to care and ensuring patients have the tools needed to make informed decisions about their care. For the system to work for the patients we serve, that same level of accountability and transparency must extend across the entire health care landscape.”