Why It Matters
Tenet Healthcare Corp. is lobbying on issues that will directly impact its bottom line amid unprecedented financial pressure on hospitals. The company faces $24 billion in Medicaid DSH cuts over three years and growing uncompensated care obligations as millions lose coverage. Congressional action on site-neutral payments, the 340B drug pricing program, and price transparency rules could significantly alter hospital reimbursement and operational flexibility.
By the Numbers
Tenet Healthcare Corp. reported $1,170,000 in in-house lobbying expenditures for Q3 2025, managed by two internal lobbyists. Beyond its internal team, Tenet has retained multiple external firms over the years, including Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP ($3.84 million) and Carmen Group Inc. ($4.5 million).
Tenet has maintained a consistent lobbying presence for two decades with 73 in-house disclosures totaling $30.7 million since 2006. Its Q3 2025 spending of $1,170,000 reflects continued reliance on an experienced in-house team, signaling confidence in internal capacity.
Its team includes:
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Brock G. Phillips: In-house since April 2013, listed on 51 disclosures totaling over $25.5 million. Previously served as Legislative Correspondent for Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM-1).
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Cecil Z. Swamidoss: Former counsel with approximately 6 years Senate experience, including Investigative Counsel at the Senate Finance Committee and Senior Counsel at the Senate Special Committee on Aging.
The Agenda
Tenet Healthcare Corp. is focusing its Q3 2025 lobbying efforts on federal healthcare payment policies. The company’s primary targets include hospital and physician payment rates, site-neutral payment policies, Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funding, the 340B drug pricing program, and price transparency rules.
Tenet is also engaged on Graduate Medical Education funding, telehealth regulations, and bundled payment models.
The company has maintained remarkably consistent lobbying priorities over nearly two decades, with historical filings showing repeated focus on Medicare and Medicaid issues and budget appropriations affecting healthcare programs.
The financial pressure is acute. Nearly 760 rural hospitals are now at risk of closure. Hospitals expect to provide an additional $63 billion in uncompensated care even as government support shrinks.
Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced legislation to restore the previous DSH payment calculation. The Bipartisan Health Care Act also includes DSH modifications.
Site-neutral payment policies pose another revenue threat. The CBO estimates site-neutral payments could save Medicare $157 billion. Congress is also reforming the 340B drug pricing program and advancing price transparency bills like the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act.
Tenet is not alone in this fight. UPMC, NewYork-Presbyterian, and other major hospital systems are lobbying on identical issues.
Between The Lines
Congressional activity on healthcare payment policy has intensified significantly in Q3 2025. The Patients Deserve Price Tags Act and Health Care PRICE Transparency Act continue advancing with bipartisan support. On site-neutral payments, Rep. Tim Kennedy introduced the Same Care, Lower Cost Act, while Senators Hassan and Marshall advanced the Fair Billing Act. The 340B ACCESS Act seeks comprehensive program reforms including new oversight requirements.
The Bottom Line
Tenet Healthcare Corp.’s advocacy priorities—including hospital payment rates, site-neutral payments, 340B drug pricing protections, and DSH funding—align closely with those of other major hospital systems as Congress actively debates these critical reimbursement issues.
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