They visited the offices of all 12 of the state’s members of the U.S. House of Representatives and both Senators in Washington, D.C., Tuesday — sometimes as a group, occasionally divided, due to scheduling issues.
This much was clear: A group of more than a dozen health care officials, organized by the N.J. Hospital Association, was unified on their central message: Protect Medicaid.
NJHA CEO Cathy Bennett said the message needed to be delivered in person, due to the gravity of the situation.
“NJHA is proud to stand with our members to explain the consequences of these proposals,” she said. “These proposals would reduce federal funding for Medicaid and threaten to access to care for thousands.”
Bennett was joined by NJHA Chief Government Relations Officer Christine Stearns, Vice President of Policy Neil Eicher, and a broad coalition of hospital and health system leaders representing institutions across the state, including representatives from:
- Atlantic Health System
- AtlantiCare
- Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
- Capital Health
- Deborah Heart and Lung Center
- Englewood Health
- Hackensack Meridian Health
- Inspira Health
- Jefferson Health East Region,
- Matheny Medical and Educational Center
- RWJBarnabas Health
- Saint Joseph’s Health
- University Hospital.
- Virtua Health
Many members of the group already were in town for a convention — and took advantage of the proximity to visit Capitol Hill, which they do throughout the year (this is their third trip of 2025).
The group met with the elected official and/or their staffs of every Representative (including Gubernatorial candidates Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill) and both Senators (it met with Cory Booker). Congress was in session.
During the meetings, the NJHA team emphasized the potential consequences of proposed federal Medicaid cuts, which could have a devastating impact on access to care for the 1.8 million New Jersey residents who rely on the program. The group advocated strongly against reconciliation proposals that would undermine federal funding for New Jersey’s Medicaid program.
Bennett said NJHA’s position is clear: Proposed cuts threaten care for vulnerable populations and would have far-reaching consequences for hospitals already operating under financial strain. She said the NJHA will continue to advocate for Medicaid as a critical lifeline for patients, providers and communities across New Jersey.
“We thank the entire New Jersey delegation for their strong advocacy on behalf of New Jersey’s Medicaid program,” Bennett said. “We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure access to high-quality care for all New Jerseyans.”
