AHA chair urges health care to innovate for a smarter future

On September 16, 2025, Tina Freese Decker, the American Hospital Association (AHA) Board Chair and president and CEO of Corewell Health in Michigan, delivered the opening remarks at Newsweek’s Digital Health Care Forum in New York City.

What happened 

In her address, she emphasized the urgency of innovation in health care, pointing to both opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Freese Decker discussed the impact of recent regulatory and policy changes, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and the pressures created by an aging population and a shrinking workforce. 

She told attendees that “health care needs to transform and innovate to care for people in a different way that requires less funding and fewer people,” adding that creating an environment where difficult challenges can spark new opportunities is key to success. The event brought together health care leaders from across the country to share strategies, discuss the impacts of technological innovations, and explore solutions for building a stronger and more sustainable health care system.

What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, is a sweeping budget reconciliation package that makes major changes to health care, taxes, and federal spending. In health care, the law reshapes Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act marketplace in ways that reduce federal costs by over $1 trillion across ten years. 

For Medicaid, it adds new work or community engagement requirements, increases the frequency of eligibility reviews, requires some cost-sharing by recipients, and cuts federal funding when states report high levels of payment errors. It also limits how states can use certain financing tools, like provider taxes, to fund their programs.

The bigger picture

Older adults are increasingly utilizing digital health tools, such as telehealth and wearable devices, to manage chronic conditions and maintain health independence. For instance, a study published in the Frontiers in Aging found that digital health interventions can improve health outcomes in older adults by improving disease management and reducing hospital readmissions.

Decker's call for innovation suggests embracing digital health. By using technology, healthcare systems can assist with efficiency and address the growing demands of an aging population.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide (2025 Update)

FAQs

How does the OBBBA affect patient data privacy?

By expanding eligibility verification requirements for Medicaid and marketplace subsidies, OBBBA increases the amount of personal information collected, such as income, employment, and documentation for lawful immigration status.

Are hospitals and providers required to share more patient data under OBBBA?

Yes, in certain cases. States may need to share data with federal agencies to confirm eligibility for Medicaid, premium tax credits, or subsidies.

Could patients’ health information be combined with non-health data under OBBBA?

Potentially. For eligibility verification, systems may link health data with income, employment, or social service records.