White House Domestic Policy Council Director Neera Tanden spoke to Annual Meeting attendees about the environment hospitals and health systems are facing and the Biden Harris Administration’s efforts to strengthen the health care system so that it works for everyone.  

Noting the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Tanden heralded the Administration’s success in increasing coverage and protecting Americans from inferior health insurance plans.  

“There is nothing that gets the President angrier than when people are getting ripped off,” Tanden said. “Just this month we finalized a rule that puts a stop to junk insurance. … Short-term, limited-duration insurance plans don’t provide comprehensive coverage. … When you have insurance, it should cover you when you get sick — and if it doesn’t, that’s not real insurance.”  

Tanden also spoke about the importance of lowering prescriptions drug costs through Medicare-negotiated drug prices and increased generic drug availability. In addition, she noted the Administration’s support of the health care workforce, including student loan debt relief for providers who work in historically underserved communities.  

She said the Administration considers it a priority to work with the hospital field on issues to ensure that all Americans have access to “a health care system that makes it easier for people to get the care they need when they need it.”