Pelosi Gets Hospital Lobbyists’ Award After Blocking Reforms

The American Hospital Association feted the former House speaker for “advancing health care” following her years-long effort to obstruct Medicare for All.

By Andrew Perez, The Lever

A top lobbying group for hospitals on Monday gave Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) an award for “her incredible efforts in advancing health care,” after the former House Speaker spent the past four years fulfilling the industry’s top legislative priority: blocking consideration of Medicare for All or any other major reforms to the insurance-based health care system.

While the American Hospital Association says it’s “dedicated to providing high-quality care to all patients,” the lobbying group actually serves the financial interests of its hospital chain members — which profit immensely from the country’s private insurance system.

“Throughout her career, Speaker Emerita Pelosi has been a friend to America’s hospitals and health systems,” said Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA), in a press release announcing Pelosi’s award. “She is a champion for better health care, an advocate for patients, and she continues to work hard to expand opportunities for children, seniors, students, veterans, and the poor.”