“Every policy decision has real-life consequences for our patients and staff,” said Dr. Megerian. “We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines — we have to stay at the table.”
Newswise — CLEVELAND -- University Hospitals CEO Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, attended a high-level roundtable Thursday, April 17, hosted by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Megerian was one of just four healthcare CEOs from across the country invited to participate in this important dialogue. The discussion focused on defining hospitals’ role in Making America Healthy Again, reducing burden to unleash the power of caregivers, leveraging AI/digital health to unleash 21st Century Care, and modernizing incentives.
“We are operating in uncertain times, but that only strengthens our responsibility to advocate for the policies and programs that allow us to deliver the best care possible,” Dr. Megerian said. “That means speaking up for our patients, our caregivers, and our communities.”
During the roundtable, Dr. Megerian championed several key priorities:
Reinforcing NIH-hospital research partnerships: He stressed the vital role that hospitals and health systems play in NIH-sponsored clinical trials and translational research. He called for increased federal investment and greater collaboration with academic medical centers to drive medical breakthroughs and improve patient outcomes.
Strengthening Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement stability: He urged HHS leaders to continue predictable, sustainable payment policies that allow hospitals—particularly rural and safety-net institutions—to plan effectively and remain financially viable.
Preserving and expanding the 340B drug pricing program: Dr. Megerian highlighted how 340B enables hospitals like ours to provide discounted medications and reinvest savings directly into community care programs that serve our most vulnerable populations.
Bolstering the health workforce pipeline: Addressing widespread workforce shortages, Dr. Megerian advocated for expanded support for Graduate Medical Education slots, National Health Service Corps placements, and rural training programs that grow and strengthen the future healthcare workforce.
Advancing health IT interoperability: He encouraged further investment in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology that helps hospitals exchange data securely, support clinical decision-making, and reduce time-consuming administrative tasks.
Protecting value-based and rural innovation models: He called on HHS to protect and expand successful models developed through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, including Accountable Care Organizations and rural hospital transformation efforts that drive better outcomes at lower costs.
Investing in behavioral health integration: He underscored the need for continued funding through SAMHSA and HRSA for hospitals working to embed behavioral health into primary and emergency care settings — especially for underserved and high-risk communities.
Addressing uncompensated care and safety-net funding: Dr. Megerian reinforced the critical importance of programs like DSH (Disproportionate Share Hospital), the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and HRSA funding, which enable hospitals to care for the uninsured and underinsured.
Expanding telehealth access and flexibility: He advocated for permanent telehealth policies that give hospitals the ability to deliver care remotely — particularly in rural and underserved areas where access remains a challenge.
“Every policy decision has real-life consequences for our patients and staff,” said Dr. Megerian. “We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines — we have to stay at the table.”
Dr. Megerian’s participation in this national conversation is just one example of how University Hospitals is working to lead, influence, and advocate on behalf of those who depend on us most.
Dr. Megerian was joined by Heidi L. Gartland, MHA, FACHE, CDM, UH’s Chief Government & Community Relations Officer.
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About University Hospitals / Cleveland, Ohio Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of more than 20 hospitals (including five joint ventures), more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices in 16 counties throughout northern Ohio. The system’s flagship quaternary care, academic medical center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Oxford University, Taiwan National University College of Medicine and the Technion Israel Institute of Technology. The main campus also includes the UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation; UH MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and UH Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. UH is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research programs in the nation, with more than 3,000 active clinical trials and research studies underway. UH Cleveland Medical Center is perennially among the highest performers in national ranking surveys, including “America’s Best Hospitals” from U.S. News & World Report. UH is also home to 19 Clinical Care Delivery and Research Institutes. UH is one of the largest employers in Northeast Ohio with more than 30,000 employees. Follow UH on , and . For more information, visit .
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