When President John F. Kennedy made a once-in-a-generation commitment to put an American on the moon, his words were simple and unmistakable. The moon shot, he said, was a challenge that “we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win.”
America would choose its destiny rather than have it chosen for us.
That framing aligns with Opportunity, a core element of my HFMA Chair theme, Lead Now (Learn, Embrace, Aspire, Deliver, Network, Opportunity and Will). In the context of today’s healthcare finance system, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address foundational issues. The challenges before us are real, complex and urgent — presenting an extraordinary opportunity to drive meaningful change. This is our industry’s moon-shot moment!
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, MBA, joined the HFMA co-sponsored 2025 Annual Not-for-Profit Healthcare Investor Conference to ask for our help, saying: “The magnitude of the challenge we’re facing is scary, but you never want to waste a crisis. This is a generational opportunity for people to come and help play a role in whatever way possible.”
As healthcare finance leaders, we understand the factors creating the looming crisis: rising consumer expectations, government funding reductions, limited capital access, staffing shortages, increased costs, an aging population with greater care needs, rising Medicare expenditures, per-capita spending higher than other countries but yielding worse health outcomes and a Medicare Trust Fund projected to become insolvent in 2033 — triggering an 11% cut to Part A reimbursement.
Many organizations will struggle or fail to absorb even a short-term reduction of that magnitude, and our industry cannot sustain it long term. While we embrace automation, innovation, AI and value-based care models, more than 55% of reimbursement still flows through fee-for-service — a model fraught with unnecessary denials, payment delays, coding complexity and fragmented payer and regulatory rules.
This is precisely why healthcare finance’s moon-shot opportunity exists. After all, as the leaders of healthcare financial management, who is better informed, better positioned and better prepared to lead this transformation than us?
Let’s be crystal clear: If we do not actively lead this transformation, external forces will dictate change without our voice at the table.
Fortunately, HFMA staff and members are the respected industry thought leaders, providing legislators and regulators with the insight needed to enact a profound and lasting impact across our industry.
Our Association’s voice is strong, growing and ready to be harnessed for change. HFMA represents more than 140,000 professionals positioned to seize this generational opportunity and shape the future of healthcare for the better. HFMA offers members countless ways to engage in this effort — volunteer with your local chapter, share your expertise at regional meetings, learn and network at in-person HFMA events or mentor an emerging leader. In doing so, you will strengthen the healthcare finance community while advancing your own leadership journey.
As President Kennedy reminded us,“…. we must think and act not only for the moment but for our time.”
This transformation is our generational opportunity. This is our generation’s moon shot.
