Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Federal Healthcare Policy and Ascension’s Major Ambulatory Expansion with Alan Condon
Nov 12, 2025
Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, dives into pressing healthcare issues and trends. He discusses the implications of the ACA subsidy extension and the federal spending package, revealing how they will affect federal employees and agency funding. Alan also analyzes Ascension's ambitious $3.9 billion acquisition of AMSURG, emphasizing its potential to reshape the outpatient surgery landscape. He touches on the strategic realignment within Ascension and the future of ambulatory care, providing insights into industry consolidation.
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Short-Term Funding With ACA Decision Delay
- The Senate passed a spending package funding the government through Jan 30, 2026 but deferred a decision on extending ACA enhanced premium tax credits until December.
- The agreement would reimburse providers for Medicare telehealth claims retroactive to Oct 1 and may reprocess claims affected by geographic rate changes.
ACA Extension Faces Separate Vote
- The spending deal moves the ACA subsidy extension to a separate December vote and still needs House approval before reaching the president.
- Hospitals should note the plan includes retroactive telehealth reimbursement and potential reprocessing of reduced-rate claims.
Ascension’s Big Ambulatory Move
- Alan described Ascension's planned $3.9 billion acquisition of Amsurg to gain operational control of 250 ASCs across 34 states.
- Ascension plans to keep AmSurg somewhat separate while using its leadership to drive further ASC expansion and M&A.