'We need to have as many Americans covered as possible'

Unable to influence debate in the House of Representatives on the American Health Care Act, lobbyists and trade group executives are hoping for a more receptive ear in the Senate. "It really is a new day," said Chip Kahn, CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, alluding to the fact that key Senate leaders have said they are writing their own bill. Among the federation's top priorities, Kahn said, is addressing Medicare cuts enacted in the Affordable Care Act, especially if a new law results in dramatic increases in the uninsured. Kahn recently spoke with Modern Healthcare Managing Editor Matthew Weinstock about the health reform debate, as well as Kahn's call to streamline quality measures. The following is an edited transcript.