The Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) regularly recognizes state legislators who have exhibited exemplary service to the hospitals of Kentucky and the patients they serve. KHA honored Kentucky Senator Max Wise today as a KHA Legislative Hero and Representative Amy Neighbors as a Legislative Champion for 2024 during a meeting T.J. Health Columbia.
After the success of Senator Wise’s SB 50 in 2020 resulted in an estimated savings of $283 million by excluding outside pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from Medicaid in Kentucky, he introduced SB 188 this year to address PBMs in commercial insurance plans. The bill, which passed and was signed into law, protects Kentuckians from the higher prices and delays in care caused by PBMs.
Representative Neighbors introduced HB 477 in the Kentucky General Assembly to ensure Medicaid covers early Sepsis diagnoses. The bill passed both chambers and was signed into law after her campaign to protect patients throughout Kentucky. Kentucky hospitals are making great strides in the improvement of Sepsis treatment, and early treatment is critical in saving lives and preventing complications.
Neil Thornbury, chief executive officer of T.J. Regional Health stated, “We sincerely appreciate the tireless efforts and dedication of both Senator Max Wise and Representative Amy Neighbors to improving health care in our state. The commitment to these critical initiatives will make a significant impact on the well-being of our community.”
Kentucky hospitals appreciate Senator Wise and Representative Neighbors for their leadership in the General Assembly and their support of quality health care in the Commonwealth.
Pictured (left to right): KHA Associate Vice President of Government Relations Travis Burton, KHA President & CEO Nancy Galvagni, Senator Wise, T.J. Regional Health Board Chair Rich Alexander, Rep. Neighbors, T.J. Regional Health Chief Quality Officer/Chief of Hospital Operations Brandon Dickey, and T.J. Regional Health CEO Neil Thornbury, DSc.
