Healthcare lobbying spending by Hackensack Meridian totaled $180,000 in Q3, focused on artificial intelligence, telehealth and hospital-at-home models as the system eyes reimbursement and workforce policy.
Why it Matters
Hackensack (N.J.) Meridian Health Inc., the New Jersey health giant continues its decade-long federal advocacy push. has now spent $8.024 million on lobbying since 2016. This latest quarter shows sustained investment in emerging tech issues.
By the Numbers
The Q3 2025 filing reveals $180,000 in spending. All lobbying was conducted in-house by Sarah Lechner.
Lechner has handled 21 disclosures since March 2021, totaling $3.22 million. The health system’s in-house arm has filed 38 disclosures for $3.865 million overall.
External firms previously used include Daschle Group LLC ($1.03 million) and Strategic Health Care ($1.091 million).
Broader Context
Teaching hospitals face mounting pressure on multiple fronts: Medicare reimbursement cuts, persistent physician shortages, and evolving regulatory frameworks for digital care. The post-pandemic telehealth boom created new regulatory questions, and AI adoption in healthcare accelerated but lacks clear federal guidelines.
The Agenda
Hackensack lobbied on artificial intelligence, telehealth, and hospital-at-home models. Traditional priorities included Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement and graduate medical education funding. The filing also shows engagement on broader issues like H.R.1 and continuing resolutions, and interest in food-as-medicine initiatives.
Competitive Landscape
Other major systems are pursuing similar priorities: Mass General Brigham is pushing AI healthcare regulations, while the American Hospital Association lobbies on tax-exempt hospital policies in H.R.1. Multiple systems including UPMC oppose Medicare provider cuts; Ascension Health System advocates for permanent telehealth flexibilities.
Between the Lines
Pending bills such as H.R.3890 – Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 and H.R.3032 – Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act underline congressional interest in workforce and telehealth data rules. Price transparency proposals like H.R.267 – Health Care PRICE Transparency Act could also affect hospital operations.
The Bottom Line
Hackensack maintains steady lobbying investment while healthcare policy battles intensify. The focus on emerging technologies signals adaptation to industry trends and aligns with sector-wide priorities on workforce and reimbursement challenges.
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