When is Congress in session? House 2024 Calendar Senate 2024 Calendar
What’s Ahead: This Week
Hearings and Markups –
- Wednesday, June 26
- House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Health Subcommittee, “The Continuity of Care: Assessing the Structure of VA’s Healthcare Network.” Additional Information
- House Ways & Means Committee, Health Subcommittee, “Hearing on Improving Value-Based Care for Patients and Providers.” Additional Information
- Thursday, June 27
- House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, “Markup of Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill.” Additional Information
- House Education & Workforce Committee, Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.” Additional Information
Notable Policy Events –
- Tuesday, June 25
- ATI Advisory, “The Hospital Discharge Crisis: Defining the Challenge.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- R Street Institute, “Balancing Innovation and Accessibility: Reforming Patent Policy for Patient Benefit.” Free, In-Person. Additional Information
- The Hill, “Keeping Pharmacy Shelves Filled: Solutions to Address Drug Shortages.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Wednesday, June 26
- Accountable for Health, “Alternative Payment Models: The Cure for Our Fragmented Delivery System.” Free, In-Person. Additional Information
- National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, “Bridging the Gap Between Rural Homelessness and Health Care.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Thursday, June 27
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)/Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI), “Value of Virtual Musculoskeletal Solutions.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Capital Link, “Empowering Communities: The Role of Health Centers in Addressing SDOH and Advancing Health Equity.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- HIMSS, “Physicians’ Burden: Is AI the Only Path Forward?” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- NEJM Group, “Patient-Centered Innovation: Key Steps for Clinicians, Purchasers & Payers.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- The Hill, “Medicare and Drug Pricing: Time to Think Differently.” Hybrid, Virtual. Additional Information
- Friday, June 28
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), “Maternal Health Disparities: The Women Behind the Data.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week
Medicare & Medicaid –
- On June 17, HHS released an issue brief describing the experiences of state agencies and home- and community-based services (HCBS) groups with the selection, implementation, evaluation, and continuation of Appendix K policy flexibilities during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Issue Brief
- Also on June 17, CMS announced that payments under the Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Program for the Change Healthcare/Optum Payment Disruption (CHOPD) will conclude on July 12, 2024. Press Release
- On June 18, CMS released the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program; Health Information Technology Standards and Implementation Specifications final rule, which would revise the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) and ONC regulations to implement changes related to required standards for electronic prescribing and adoption of health information technology (IT) standards for HHS use. These regulations are effective July 17, 2024. Final Rule
- On June 21, CMS approved Nevada’s section 1115 demonstration to provide dental benefits for adult Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes. CMS Approval Letter
Marketplaces – On June 17, House Education & Workforce Committee Ranking Member Scott (D-VA) and Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Ranking Member DeSaulnier (D-CA) sent a letter to the Department of Labor (DOL) requesting stronger disclosure requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for group health plans. Letter Press Release
Payment & Delivery System Models –
- On June 17, CMS issued a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model. Applications are due September 9, 2024. IBH Model NOFO
- Also on June 17, CMS published the third annual evaluation report of the Maternal Opioid Misuse (MOM) Model. Evaluation Report MOM Model
- On June 21, the CMS Innovation Center announced it will host the 2024 Rural Health Hackathon, which is a series of sessions designed to address rural health challenges. 2024 Rural Health Hackathon
Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –
- On June 17, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) published a blog detailing its efforts to improve hospital and physician data interoperability. Blog
- Also on June 17, the FDA published a blog on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) across the health care ecosystem. Blog
- On June 18, the FDA requested input on patient safety associated with medical software functions that are excluded from the medical device definition by the 21st Century Cures Act. Comments are due July 18, 2024. Request for Input
- On June 20, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $56 million to adopt a modernized Uniform Data System (UDS+) for health centers. Press Release QIA-UDS+ Awards
- Also on June 20, ONC announced the Approved Standards for 2024, which will be used in the ONC Health IT Certification Program. Blog
Prescription Drugs & Health Innovation – On June 21, the FDA published guidance that defines the types of behaviors it considers to constitute delaying, denying, or limiting a drug or device inspection. Federal Register Notice Guidance Document
Misc. –
- On June 18, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Murray (D-WA) released a fact sheet on the fiscal year (FY) 2025 spending caps, which would impact biomedical research, substance use disorder (SUD), and mental health funding. Fact Sheet Press Release
- Also on June 18, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published projections related to health insurance for 2024 to 2034. Baseline Projections Press Release
Legislative Activity –
Introduced Legislation –
- On June 18, Sens. Casey (D-PA), Mullin (R-OK), Brown (D-OH), and Collins (R-ME) introduced the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act (S. 4583), which would extend the authority of the HHS Secretary to issue priority review vouchers to encourage treatments for rare pediatric diseases. Bill Summary Press Release
- Also on June 18, Sens. Gillibrand (D-NY), Butler (D-CA), and Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Health Equity Innovation Act (S. 4592), which would authorize the HHS Secretary to award grants to faith- or community-based organizations to address persistent health inequities and chronic disease challenges. Press Release
- On June 20, Sen. Markey (D-MA) introduced the Social Media and AI Resilience Toolkits (SMART) in Schools Act (S. 4614), which would coordinate and distribute educational materials and resources regarding artificial intelligence and social media platform impact. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on June 20, Sen. Bennet (D-CO) and eight cosponsors reintroduced the Medicare-X Choice Act (S. 4616), which would establish a public health plan. Bill Summary Bill Text Press Release
- On June 21, Reps. Nunn (R-IA) and Davis (D-NC) introduced the Safeguarding Social Security and Medicare Act (H.R. 8806), which would carry out a study relating to the resiliency of Social Security and Medicare. Bill Text Press Release