Why It Matters

McDermottPlus LLC terminated its representation of Stanford Health Care on August 31, marking the end of a relatively modest engagement for the firm that had been working on healthcare policy matters for the California academic medical center.

Stanford Health Care paid McDermottPlus $10,000 in the third quarter of 2025 and another $10,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025, totaling $20,000 over the engagement period. The firm represented the Rural Referral Center and Sole Community Hospital Coalition for $330,000 across multiple filings, Ascension for $280,000, and the Association for Community Affiliated Plans for $280,000, among dozens of other healthcare and policy clients.

The firm explored a linkup with a private equity-owned competitor that did not materialize, and the firm closed after being in business for approximately a dozen years.

Broader Context

McDermottPlus lobbied on Medicare and Medicaid payment for hospital services on behalf of Stanford Health Care, as well as issues affecting payment to and regulation of academic medical centers and public health preparedness.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act established payment caps on state-directed payments to hospital inpatient and outpatient services at academic medical centers.

McDermottPlus did not cite specific legislation in any of the lobbying disclosures filed on behalf of Stanford Health Care, making it difficult to trace the firm's work to particular bills or legislative initiatives.

The team working on the Stanford Health Care account included Eric Zimmerman and Debbie Curtis. She previously served on the House Ways and Means Committee during the 112th through 114th Congresses and had prior work experience with Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA-13).

The Bottom Line

With McDermottPlus closing, Stanford Health Care faces the practical necessity of finding new representation if it intends to continue its advocacy efforts on Medicare and Medicaid payment issues and academic medical center regulation.

McDermottPlus LLC terminated its representation of Stanford (Calif.) Health Care on August 31.

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