What is AHCA?

WHAT IS AHCA?

What is AHCA? The American Health Care Association (AHCA) was founded in 1941. It’s a national association that represents thousands of health care facilities in the United States. AHCA works with the government, federal policymakers, the business community and the public to improve the lives of millions of Americans in long-term care facilities by advocating for improved quality. As an organization, AHCA distributes resources, education and health information about long-term care to member facilities and the public at large. 

AHCA is the voice for millions of individuals who need care due to illness, disability, mental disorders, and trauma. Keep reading to learn more about AHCA’s purpose and the services they provide. 

WHAT IS AHCA’S PURPOSE?

AHCA’s purpose is to act as an advocate for long-term care services in the United States. Members of the association meet annually with the U.S. government and congressional representatives to discuss important issues surrounding long-term and post-acute care. AHCA also holds an annual Quality Summit that focuses on discussing quality improvements with health care facility professionals.

More than 14,000 nonprofit and for-profit health care facilities are members of AHCA. Members include:

• Nursing homes
• Assisted living facilities
• Sub-acute centers
• Facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities 

Both small and large facilities can apply for AHCA membership. 

WHAT DOES AHCA DO?

AHCA provides numerous services in the legislative, regulatory and public sectors. 

• Medicaid and Medicare advocacy. AHCA advocates for and against policy issues relating to Medicare and Medicaid funding for states. Medicaid is the primary payer for post-acute and long-term care services. The program ensures that millions of low-income, working class, seniors and disabled Americans receive the health care services they need. Boradly, AHCA supports policies that connect Medicaid reimbursements to quality and efficiency standards. The association opposes policies that place an increased funding burden on state governments, local governments or health care providers.

• Quality improvement. In 2012, AHCA launched The Quality Initiative, a national effort that sets specific, measurable targets to improve the quality of care in health care facilities. The Quality Initiative helps facilities promote and track person-centered care based on national health care priorities and key indicators of quality care. 

• Research and education. AHCA performs ongoing research and data collection about the post-acute and long-term care community. The association uses its vast research data to inform and educate the public and policymakers about that state of long-term care facilities and issues that need to be addressed. AHCA distributes several regular publications with the latest research, legislative and policy changes, Medicaid funding changes and other issues affecting the community.

• Resources and networking. AHCA provides resources, educational opportunities, and networking opportunities to member facilities and their employees. Additionally, AHCA provides a wealth of resources about Medicaid, Medicare, long-term and post-acute care facilities, health information and more to patients and their families. 

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