What’s Ahead: This Week
Hearings and Markups –
- Wednesday, March 22
- Senate Appropriations Committee, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, “A Review of the President’s FY 2024 Funding Request and Budget Justification for the Department of Health and Human Services.” Additional information
- Senate Finance Committee, “The President’s Fiscal Year 2024 Health and Human Services Budget.” Additional Information
- Senate HELP Committee, “Taxpayers Paid Billions For It: So Why Would Moderna Consider Quadrupling the Price of the COVID Vaccine?” Additional information
- Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, “Drug Shortage Health and National Security Risks: Underlying Causes and Needed Reforms.” Additional information
- Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, “Strengthening Methods of Recruitment and Retention for VA’s Workforce.” Additional information
- Thursday, March 23
- House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, “Unpacking the White House National Cybersecurity Strategy.” Additional information
- House Energy & Commerce Committee, “TikTok: How Congress Can Safeguard American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms.” Additional information
- House Ways & Means Committee, Health Subcommittee, “Why Health Care is Unaffordable: The Fallout of Democrats’ Inflation on Patients and Small Businesses.” Additional information
Notable Policy Events –
- Monday, March 20
- STAT, “Can Tech Fix Primary Care?” Additional information
- Tuesday, March 21
- CMS, “2023 Pre-Rulemaking Kick-off Webinar.” Additional information
- Kaiser Family Foundation, “Unpacking the Controversy Over Medicare Advantage.” Additional Information
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE), “Monthly Informational Call.” Additional Information
- Primary Care Collaborative, “How ACOs and Payers Can Support the Primary Care Safety Net.” Additional information
- Urban Institute, “Unequal Treatment at 20: Accelerating Progress toward Health Care Equity.” Additional information
- White House, “Health Community Engagement Call.” Additional information
- Wednesday, March 22
- CMS, “Medicaid and CHIP Continuous Enrollment Unwinding: What to Know and How to Prepare, A Partner Education Monthly Series.” Additional Information
- HIMSS, “Case study: Sanford Health’s broadband-enabled telehealth innovations.” Additional information
- Thursday, March 23
- Axios, “Improving American Public Health Preparedness.” Additional information
- HHS, “March ASPR Health Care Readiness Partner Community Meeting.” Additional information
- HIMSS, “2023 HIMSS State of Connected Care and Interoperability.” Additional information
- Progressive Policy Institute, “Women’s History Month Forum: Privacy in a Post-Roe World.” Additional information
- White House, “Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health Livestream Update.” Additional information
Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week
Medicare & Medicaid –
- On March 13, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report which found that Medicare did not always pay physicians for epidural steroid injection sessions in accordance with requirements. Report in Brief Report
- Also on March 13, HHS OIG conducted audits on Michigan Medicaid Management Information Systems (MMISs) and Eligibility and Enrollment System security controls. HHS OIG found that some of those security controls could be further enhanced to better prevent cyberattacks and that the level of sophistication required to compromise the systems were significant. Report in Brief Report
- Also on March 13, 22 Senate Democrats sent a letter to CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure urging CMS to provide Medicare beneficiaries a list of the common names of Medicare Part B medications that will be subject to a coinsurance reduction on April 1, 2023, and the percentage and amount of the coinsurance reduction for each Part B drug. Letter Press Release
- Also on March 13, HHS OIG released a report which found that Georgia did not always comply with Federal Medicaid requirements for invoicing manufacturers for rebates for pharmacy and physician-administered drugs. Report in Brief Report
- On March 14, CMS released a notice on Medicare Advantage Part C reporting requirements, which will provide CMS with data on the utilization and cost of supplemental benefits. Comments are due by May 15, 2023. Notice
- Also on March 14, HHS OIG conducted a study finding that CMS was unable to calculate average sales price (ASP)-based payment amounts in the first quarter of 2023 for 30 of 68 skin substitute billing codes because their manufacturers did not report the required ASP data. Report
- On March 15, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released its March 2023 Report to Congress on Medicaid and CHIP, recommending a series of measures aimed at improving race and ethnicity data collection and reporting, nursing facility payment programs, and prescription drug coverage, in addition to a statutorily required review of payment policy for safety-net hospitals. Report
- Also on March 15, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) released its March 2023 Report to Congress, evaluating payment adequacy and making recommendations concerning Medicare fee-for-service, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D. Report
- Also on March 15, Senate Finance Committee Republicans sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure requesting additional information on the decision-making processes underlying the CY 2024 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice. Press Release Letter
- Also on March 15, Reps. Doggett (D-TX) and Schakowsky (D-IL) led a group of 113 House Democrats in a letter to CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure urging CMS to establish robust nursing home staffing standards to ensure residents receive quality care and workers are not overburdened. Press Release Letter
- Also on March 15, CMS released a press release, “Inflation Reduction Act Tamps Down on Prescription Drug Price Increases Above Inflation,” announcing 27 prescription drugs for which Part B beneficiary coinsurances may be lower for the time period of April 1 – June 30, 2023. Press Release Announcement
- Also on March 15, HHS released a report estimating Inflation Reduction Act savings. The report states that 3.4 million Medicare beneficiaries could save an average of $70 per year, reducing out-of-pocket costs by $234 million, because of the elimination of cost-sharing for recommended vaccines. Fact Sheet Press Release Report
- Also on March 15, CMS released initial guidance for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and a notice announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the guidance. Comments are due by April 14, 2023. Guidance Notice Fact Sheet Press Release
- On March 16, CMS announced that Oklahoma requested to amend its Medicaid section 1115 demonstration “SoonerCare,” including adding certain pregnant women to the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model and extending the retroactive eligibility waiver for pregnant women. The comment period is March 16 through April 16, 2023. Comments Application
- On March 17, CMS released a notice on proposed revisions to the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. The revisions would add new measures to existing questionnaire sections and remove COVID-19-related content that is no longer relevant. Comments are due May 19, 2023. Notice
- Also on March 17, CMS released a notice on the Consumer Experience Survey Data Collection. CMS is seeking approval to remove the flu vaccine question and revise the race and ethnicity questions. Comments are due May 19, 2023. Notice
- Also on March 17, HHS OIG released a report which found that Georgia did not fully comply with Federal waiver and State requirements in overseeing providers that serve vulnerable adults receiving adult day health care services through the Georgia Home and Community-Based Services Waiver program. Report in Brief Report
- Also on March 17, CMS implemented the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) settings regulation that set forth new requirements for several Medicaid authorities under which states may provide home and community-based long-term services and supports. Regulation
- Also on March 17, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) sent a letter to Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI) regarding the accuracy of its projections of federal health care spending between 2010 and 2020. CBO overestimated mandatory spending for health care in its projections for this period, with mandatory outlays for budget categories covering Medicare and Medicaid being nine percent lower than CBO projected in 2010. Press Release Letter
Public Health Preparedness, Prevention, Surveillance, & Data –
- COVID-19 Data: To date, there are 103,801,821 total COVID-19 cases and 1,212,512 COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Also, 969,633,6455 COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered and 6173,012,265 individual COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. Data
- FDA Action Update: To date, FDA has authorized 438 tests under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs), including 307 molecular tests, 84 antibody tests and 60 antigen tests. FDA also continues to update COVID-19 FAQs.
- On March 14, FDA amended the EUA of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent to provide for a single booster dose of the vaccine in children six months through four years of age, at least two months after completion of primary vaccination with three doses of the monovalent (single strain) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Press Release
- Also on March 14, CDC published a new analysis revealing the number of people receiving lifesaving HIV treatment through PEPFAR has increased 300 times in under 20 years, from 2004 to 2022. Press Release
- On March 15, the Senate HELP Committee released a request for information seeking input on the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) reauthorization. Comments are due on March 29, 2023. Press Release RFI
- Also on March 15, CDC published a notice seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases (BSC, DDID). Nominations are due April 14, 2023. Notice
- On March 17, CDC released a report on school-based interventions to increase COVID vaccine coverage for students in public schools. Report
Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –
- On March 13, ONC published a blog on key takeaways from the February 13, 2023 TEFCA Recognition Event in which six applicant organizations were approved for onboarding as Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs). Blog
- On March 16, FDA announced the availability of draft guidance entitled “Electronic Systems, Electronic Records, and Electronic Signatures in Clinical Investigations: Questions and Answers.” The draft guidance provides information on the use of these electronic tools in clinical investigations of foods, medical products, tobacco products, and new animal drugs under FDA regulations. Comments on the draft guidance are due May 15, 2023. Press Release Notice Draft Guidance
- Also on March 16, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a blog in support of boosting the federal research and development (R&D) enterprise to meet aspirations for science, technology, and innovation. Blog
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –
- On March 13, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released its congressional justification on the President’s Budget request. SAMHSA’s FY 2024 budget proposal includes investments for the behavioral health crisis care system, with the expansion of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and a mandatory proposal for Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) to increase access to high-quality, comprehensive mental health services in communities across the nation, among others. Congressional Justification Press Release
- On March 15, SAMHSA announced a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. The program would implement suicide prevention and intervention programs for adults that help implement the 2021 Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Implement the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Applications are due May 15, 2023. Surgeon General’s Call to Action NOFO
- On March 16, SAMHSA awarded 15 states $1 million, one-year Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) planning grants each. Funding for the CCBHC state planning grants was authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 to address the country’s mental health crisis. Press Release
- Also on March 16, SAMHSA released a notice of intent to award supplemental funding to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Cooperative Agreement recipient, Mental Health Association of New York City, Inc. (DBA Vibrant Emotional Health). Notice
- Also on March 16, SAMHSA released updated Certified Community Behavioral Clinic criteria, which seeks to strengthen and update the criteria without significantly adding to state or clinic burden. Updated Criteria
- On March 17, the CDC released data on age-adjusted drug overdose death rates by state. In 2021, the U.S. age-adjusted drug overdose death rate was 32.4 per 100,000 population. Data
- Also on March 17, the CDC released data on the sleep duration, mental health, and increased difficulty doing schoolwork among high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data
Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices, & Biomedical Research & Health Innovation–
- On March 14, Sen. Warnock (D-GA) sent letters to multiple insulin manufacturers and insurance companies requesting these companies cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 per month or less for both uninsured and privately-insured Americans. Press Release Novo Nordisk Letter Sanofi Letter Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Letter Centene Letter Cigna Letter CVS Letter Kaiser Permanente Letter Molina Letter
- On March 15, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the stakeholder views of Orange Book, a list of FDA-approved drugs, and how Orange Book patent listings affect the entry of generic drug-device combination products into the market, FDA’s role overseeing the Orange Book, and proposals for improving Orange Book patent listings. Report in Brief Report
- Also on March 15, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announced its first funding opportunities through an Agency-wide Open Broad Agency Announcement (Open BAA) and an idea competition called the “ARPA-H Dash,” in addition to releasing its site selection strategy. Press Release Open BAA Site Selection RFP ARPA-H Dash
- Also on March 15, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released a blog highlighting the work the agency is doing to advance safe, high-quality care for all patients, with a particular focus on diagnostic safety. Blog
- On March 16, FDA announced the availability of a final guidance entitled “Definitions of Suspect Product and Illegitimate Product for Verification Obligations Under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.” The purpose of the guidance is to help industry understand the definitions of “suspect” and “illegitimate” product as defined in the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). Press Release Notice Guidance
- Also on March 16, FDA announced the availability of draft guidance entitled “Development of Local Anesthetic Drug Products With Prolonged Duration of Effect.” The draft guidance reflects the Agency’s current recommendations regarding drug development and trial design issues relevant to the study of local anesthetic drug products. Press Release Notice Draft Guidance
- Also on March 16, FDA announced the issuance of a priority review voucher to LAMZEDE, the sponsor of a rare pediatric disease product application. Notice
- Also on March 16, President Biden released a statement on the agreement of three leading insulin producers in America to substantially reduce their prices. Statement
Veterans Health and Military Health –
- On March 14, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) OIG released a report that pertains to the current federal law barring the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) from employing individuals that are excluded from having a paid position in a federal health care program. The report found that VHA was employing four former nursing professionals excluded from having VHA positions. Report in Brief Report
- Also on March 14, the VHA and Eisai Co., Ltd. announced the VHA will provide coverage of LEQEMBI, to veterans living with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. VHA health care professionals who meet the criteria set forth by the VHA can prescribe the drug to veterans who fit the VHA’s criteria and the FDA’s current label. Press Release
- On March 15, GAO published a report on the VA’s organizational change management activities for the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. GAO made 10 recommendations to VA to address change management, user satisfaction, system trouble tickets, and independent operational assessment deficiencies. Report in Brief Report
- Also on March 15, the VA announced its 2023 goals for preventing and ending veteran homelessness. Press Release
- Also on March 15, VA OIG released a report that describes the results of a focused evaluation of the inpatient and outpatient care provided at the Amarillo Health Care System in Texas. The VA OIG issued three recommendations in the Medical Staff Privileging area of review. Report in Brief Report
- On March 16, the VA announced an updated version of its 1959 mission statement. The new mission statement is: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” Press Release
- Also on March 16, VA OIG released a report on if Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) staff correctly followed procedures when requesting medical reexamination to ensure veterans’ monthly compensation benefits are consistent with their levels of disability. The VA OIG found VBA can reduce unwarranted reexaminations. Report in Brief Report
Population Health, Public Health & Health Equity –
- On March 13, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that researchers have uncovered a potential new approach against liver cancer that could lead to the development of a new class of anticancer drugs. Press Release
- Also on March 13, CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) announced the next phase of the Assessment of Chemical Exposure investigation in East Palestine, Ohio. Press Release
- Also on March 13, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Rodgers (R-WA) and Reps. Guthrie (R-KY) and Griffith (R-VA) sent a letter to the NIH raising concerns regarding misallocated grants or grants with perceived low value. Press Release Letter
- On March 14, NIH announced that researchers compared a new genetic animal model of Down syndrome to the standard model and found the updated version to be more similar to the changes seen in humans. Press Release
- On March 15, CDC announced Year 1 funding of $1.5 million to the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology, and STDS (NCHADS), which will support HIV prevention, monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment systems; emergency preparedness and response; and reduced infectious disease burden in Cambodia. Notice
- Also on March 15, SAMHSA released a notice announcing that it is conducting the federally mandated evaluation of the Projects for Assistance in Transition From Homelessness (PATH) Program. Notice
- Also on March 15, HHS released a notice on the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Fiscal Year 2023 performance measures. Comments are due by March 15, 2023. Notice
- On March 16, the HHS Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) released a notice requesting a three-year approval on the HHS Subpart C Certification Form, which provides a procedure for institutions to obtain authorization to include prisoners in HHS-conducted or supported human subjects research. Notice
- Also on March 16, HHS announced that an additional $1 billion had been awarded through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income households with their energy costs. Press Release
- Also on March 16, Sen. Durbin sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FDA expressing concern that the Administration has not taken more aggressive enforcement action to stop thousands of illegal e-cigarettes from flooding the market and addicting children. Press Release Letter
- On March 17, CDC released a report on the prevalence of nonfatal injury-related emergency department visits by incarcerated adults compared to nonincarcerated adults. Report
- Also on March 17, HHS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the General Services Administration (GSA) issued a proposed rule on the use of federal property to assist the homeless. The rule would incorporate required statutory changes and current practices, update references and terminology, and revise procedures for more efficient program administration. Proposed Rule
- Also on March 17, CDC published a notice seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH). Nominations must be submitted no later than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Notice
Health Systems & Health Care Workforce –
- On March 16, CMS released a blog post, “First, Do No Harm,” which outlines CMS’ regulatory and oversight authorities to ensure health care providers focus on patient safety, including transparency in quality reporting and a network of Quality Improvement Organizations. Blog
Reproductive, Maternal, & Infant Health –
- On March 13, Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member Cassidy (R-LA) spoke out against HHS for promoting the website AbortionFinder.org, a third-party website that promotes abortion providers and provides minors as young as “15 and younger” with information about how to obtain an abortion without parental knowledge. Press Release
- On March 14, Sens. Padilla (D-CA), Murray (D-WA), Stabenow (D-MI), and 15 other colleagues sent letters to the nation’s largest pharmacies urging them to ensure their policies provide the strongest possible legal access to mifepristone, an FDA-approved abortion medication. Press Release
- Also on March 14, NIH announced the development of a new imaging tool, called electromyometrial imaging (EMMI), to create real-time, three-dimensional images and maps of contractions during labor. Press Release
- On March 16, CDC released a report presenting maternal mortality rates for 2021 based on data from the National Vital Statistics System. The report found that 205 people died of maternal causes in the U.S. in 2021, a 40 percent increase from the previous year and a nearly 60 percent increase since 2019. Report
- Also on March 16, the Congressional Maternity Care Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps. Kelly (D-IL) and Kim (R-CA), issued a statement acknowledging the CDC report showing an increase in the maternal mortality rate in 2021, urging Congress to take the maternal health crisis seriously. Press Release
- Also on March 16, Vice President Harris gave remarks in support of essential principles of reproductive health care at a roundtable on reproductive rights. Remarks Readout Press Call
Misc. –
- On March 13, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Health Chair Guthrie (R-KY), and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Griffith (R-VA) sent a letter to NIH Director Tabak requesting information about the NIH’s failure to convene the Scientific Management Review Board (SMRB) as required under the NIH Reform Act of 2006. Press Release Letter
- On March 14, the Biden Administration announced the first-ever national drinking water standard for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to ensure every community has access to clean drinking water, free of chemicals and pollutants that harm the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities. Press Release Fact Sheet
- Also on March 14, President Biden signed an executive order to reduce gun violence and promote safer communities. Executive Order Fact Sheet
- On March 16, the FDA authorized U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company’s Copenhagen Classic Snuff, a loose moist snuff smokeless tobacco product, to be marketed as a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP). Press Release
- Also on March 16, Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member Cassidy (R-LA) and House Education and the Workforce Committee Chair Foxx (R-NC) sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Young and Department of Labor Acting Secretary Su expressing concern regarding the Biden Administration’s policy that assists labor unions in the acquisition of federal contracts. Press Release Letter
- Also on March 16, House Energy & Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health Chair Guthrie (R-KY) published an op-ed in the Washington Examination on empowering patients through price transparency. Op-Ed Press Release
- On March 17, FDA issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) for two menthol e-cigarette products currently marketed by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company under the Vuse Solo brand. Press Release
Legislative Activity –
Introduced Legislation –
- On March 14, Rep. Johnson (R-LA) introduced the Continuous and Enduring Action to Stop Every (CEASE) Overdose Act of 2023 (H.R. 1580), which would amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances. Bill text Press release
- Also on March 14, Rep. Johnson (R-SD) and 24 cosponsors introduced the America Works Act (H.R. 1581), which would standardize work requirements for able-bodied adults enrolled in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Bill text Press release
- Also on March 14, Rep. Kelly (R-PA) and six bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act (H.R. 1582), which would treat certain amounts paid for physical activity, fitness, and exercise as amounts paid for medical care. Sen. Thune (R-SD) and 10 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 786). Bill text Press release
- Also on March 14, Rep. Landsman (D-OH) introduced the Making Insulin Affordable for All Children Act (H.R. 1587), which would provide for appropriate cost-sharing for individuals 26 years of age or younger for insulin products covered under private health plans and Medicaid. Bill text Press release
- Also on March 14, Reps. Newhouse (R-WA) and Moore (R-AL) introduced the William and James Wonacott Act (H.R. 1597), which would amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to a penalty for illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances. Bill text Press release
- Also on March 14, Rep. Steube (R-FL) and 22 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act (H.R. 1610), which would provide Medicare coverage for all physicians’ services furnished by doctors of chiropractic within the scope of their license. Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT) and six bipartisan cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 799). Press release
- Also on March 14, Sens. Hassan (D-NH) and Paul (R-KY) introduced the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act (S. 775), which would provide for increased transparency in generic drug applications. Press release
- Also on March 14, Sen. Lujan (D-NM) and six bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (S. 793), which would add physical therapists to the list of providers allowed to utilize locum tenens arrangements under Medicare. On March 17, Reps. Bilirakis (R-FL) and Tonko (D-NY) introduced the companion legislation (H.R. 1617). Bill text Senate Press release House Press release
- On March 15, Sen. Kaine (D-VA) and 10 cosponsors introduced the Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education (CARE) For Long COVID Act (S. 801), which would address research on, and improve access to, supportive services for individuals with Long COVID. On March 17, Reps. Beyer (D-VA) and Bergman (R-MN) introduced the companion legislation (H.R. 1616). Bill text Senate Press release House Press release One-pager
- Also on March 15, Sen. Warner (D-VA) and seven bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Save Rural Hospitals Act (S. 803), which would preserve access to rural health care by ensuring fairness in Medicare hospital payments. Bill text Press release
- Also on March 15, Sens. Casey (D-PA), Blumenthal (D-CT), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Maximizing Opioid Recovery Emergency (MORE) Savings Act (S. 818), which would promote affordable access to evidence-based opioid treatments under the Medicare program and require coverage of medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorders, opioid overdose reversal medications, and recovery support services by health plans without cost-sharing requirements. Press release One pager
- On March 16, Sens. Stabenow (D-MI) and Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023 (S. 838), which would improve access to mental health services under the Medicare program. Press release
- Also on March 16, Sens. Casey (D-PA), Cardin (D-MD), Brown (D-OH), Blumenthal (D-CT), Fetterman (D-PA), and Welch (D-VT) introduced the Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act (S. 842), which would provide for coverage of dental and oral health services, vision services, and hearing services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Press release One-pager
- Also on March 16, Sens. Rosen (D-NV) and Cramer (R-ND) introduced the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act (S. 853), which would establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Press release
- Also on March 16, Sens. Durbin (D-IL) and Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Restoring America’s Health Care Workforce and Readiness Act (S. 862), which would address health workforce shortages through additional funding for the National Health Service Corps, and establish a National Health Service Corps Emergency Service demonstration project. Press release