Announcement
On August 16, Presidential candidate Harris released a document outlining a number of proposals if elected President. Notable health priorities include lowering the costs of prescription drugs, relieving medical debt, and accelerating Medicare negotiations over prescription drugs. Sirona Strategies will be sending a comprehensive document on the presidential candidates after Labor Day. Announcement
What’s Ahead: This Week
Hearings and Markups – No notable hearings this week. Congress is not in session.
Notable Policy Events –
- Monday, August 19
- Health Affairs, “What Do Recent Nursing Home Developments Mean for Residents, Families, and the Future of Long-Term Care?” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Tuesday, August 20
- Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP), Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) August Informational Call.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Duke Margolis Institute for Health Policy, “Continual Improvement of CDER BLA Submission, Assessment, and Facility Readiness/Inspection: CMC for Biologics & Biosimilars.” Free, Hybrid. Additional Information
Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week
- On August 14, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report on a Medicare Advantage compliance audit of diagnosis codes a health insurance company submitted to CMS. One-Pager Report
- Also on August 14, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment Access Commission (MACPAC) released an issue brief, which examined access to services and supports of seniors and adults with physical disabilities. Issue Brief
- Also on August 14, MACPAC released an issue brief, which reviewed demographic and health characteristics of children and youth with special health care needs. Issue Brief
- Also on August 14, MACPAC released an issue brief on the role of prior authorization within the Medicaid system, focusing on its regulatory framework and impacts. Issue Brief
- On August 15, CMS released the results of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program’s first drug price negotiations. CMS Plain Language Infographic Fact Sheet Press Release
- Also on August 15, HHS released an issue brief on how the Medicare prices negotiated for 2026 compared to list and market prices. Issue Brief
- Also on August 15, HHS OIG issued a report finding Massachusetts generally completed Medicaid eligibility actions during the unwinding period in accordance with federal and state requirements. One-Pager Report
- On August 16, CMS announced that Minnesota submitted a request to extend the Minnesota Reform 2020: Pathways to Independence demonstration to provide home and community-based services to participants aged 65 and older who meet a nursing facility level of care, have limited income and/or assets, and are not eligible for Medicaid. The federal comment period will be open from August 16, 2024 through September 16, 2024. Pending Application Submit Comments
Marketplaces –
- On August 12, the Biden Administration launched “Time is Money,” an initiative to reduce administrative burdens to access federal resources. Press Release
- Also on August 12, HHS Secretary Becerra and Department of Labor Acting Secretary Su sent a letter to health insurance companies and group health plans to improve consumers’ interactions with the health care system. Letter to CEOs
Payment & Delivery System Models – On August 15, CMS announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model, which will initially focus on gene therapies for sickle cell disease. Applications are due February 28, 2025. CGT Access Model NOFO
Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –
- On August 12, ASTP published results of various physician surveys on their experience using health information technology (health IT) in primary care. Press Release Study
- On August 14, HHS published an issue brief on barriers and opportunities for improving interstate licensure portability for behavioral health practitioners. Issue Brief Press Release
Prescription Drugs & Health Innovation –
- On August 13, HHS OIG released a report comparing average sales prices and average manufacturer prices for Medicare Part B drugs. Report
- On August 15, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report on the FDA’s medical device surveillance system. Report
- Also on August 15, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a report on the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) oversight of community care providers’ special-authorization drug prescribing. Report
SDOH & Health Equity – On August 16, HHS published a report on activities and outcomes of HHS programs addressing maternal health. Press Release Report
Misc. – On August 16, HHS released data indicating the national uninsured rate was 8.2 percent in the first quarter of 2024. Fact Sheet Press Release
Legislative Activity –
Introduced Legislation –
- On August 13, Reps. LaLota (R-NY), Clarke (D-NY), Bucshon (R-IN), Matsui (D-CA), Lawler (R-NY), and Mrvan (D-IN) introduced the Save Our Safety-Net Hospitals Act (H.R.9351), which would modify certain limitations on disproportionate share hospital payment adjustments under the Medicaid program. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on August 13, Del. Norton (D-DC) introduced the Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act (H.R. 9352), which would require all health insurers to directly reimburse a divorced parent who pays for reimbursable out-of-pocket medical expenses. Press Release
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