When is Congress in session? House 2024 Calendar Senate 2024 Calendar
What’s Ahead: This Week
Hearings and Markups –
- Tuesday, May 21
- Senate HELP Committee, Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, “Feeding a Healthier America: Current Efforts and Potential Opportunities for Food is Medicine.” Additional Information
- Senate Judiciary Committee, “Ensuring Affordable & Accessible Medications: Examining Competition in the Prescription Drug Market.” Additional Information
- Wednesday, May 22
- House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, “Nutritious Foods in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).” Additional Information
- House Energy and Commerce Committee, Health Subcommittee, “Check Up: Examining FDA Regulation of Drugs, Biologics, and Devices.” Additional Information
- Thursday, May 23
- House Appropriations Committee, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the National Institutes of Health.” Additional Information
- House Budget Committee, “Breaking Up Health Care Monopolies: Examining the Budgetary Effects of Health Care Consolidation.” Additional Information
- House Ways & Means Committee, Health Subcommittee, “Hearing on The Collapse of Private Practice: Examining the Challenges Facing Independent Medicine.” Additional Information
Notable Policy Events –
- Tuesday, May 21
- Innovation and Value Initiative (IVI), “Uncovering the True Cost of Healthcare: Prioritizing Patient Perspectives.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), “2024 TEFCA RCE Monthly Informational Call.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Wednesday, May 22 to Thursday, May 23
- Primary Care for America, “PrimaryCare24: See the Possibilities,” featuring Sarah Sugar, Sirona Strategies. Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Wednesday, May 22
- American Medical Association (AMA), “AMA Advocacy Insights Webinar Series: What’s Exacerbating the Physician Shortage Crisis—And What’s Needed to Fix It.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Thursday, May 23
- Civitas Networks for Health, “Collaboratives in Action: Building on Existing Infrastructure to Further Health Related Social Needs Screening.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Duke-Margolis Health Policy Center, “Advancing Whole-Person Health Care through North Carolina’s State Transformation Collaborative.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), “State Approaches to Addressing Health-Related Social Needs: Webinar and Discussion.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week
Medicare & Medicaid –
- On May 15, Sens. Cassidy (R-LA) and Whitehouse (D-RI) released a request for information (RFI) on hybrid payments for primary care providers. Comments are due July 15, 2024. Press Release RFI
- Also on May 15, CMS issued a statement on the misclassification of drugs, program administration, and program integrity updates under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) proposed rule. Press Release Proposed Rule
- On May 17, CMS approved Tennessee’s state plan amendment to expand eligibility for parents and caretaker relatives of dependent children up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level and enhance home and community-based services available to individuals with disabilities under the demonstration. Amendment
- Also on May 17, CMS approved a five-year extension to Delaware’s State Health Plan (DSHP), which would extend a number of longstanding authorities, including substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, adult dental services, among others. Five-Year Extension
Payment & Delivery System Models – On May 17, Senate Finance Committee Chair Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Crapo (R-ID) released a white paper outlining policy concepts related to reforming physician pay and chronic disease. Press Release White Paper
Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –
- On May 13, ONC announced a Leading-Edge Acceleration Projects (LEAP) in Health Information Technology (IT) Special Emphasis Notice (SEN) for artificial intelligence (AI) and behavioral health focused projects. Press Release SEN
- On May 14, Senate HELP Ranking Member Cassidy (R-LA) sent a letter requesting information on the cyberattack. Letter Press Release
- Also on May 14, HHS published a report on trends and disparities in pandemic telehealth use among people with disabilities. Press Release Report
- On May 16, House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Foxx (R-NC) sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Labor Su requesting additional information about the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s (EBSA) cybersecurity capabilities and procedures in response to the Change Healthcare breech. Letter Press Release
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –
- On May 14, HHS released a national strategy to address maternal mental health and substance use issues. Recommendations from the strategy were developed by the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health. National Strategy Press Release Report to Congress Task Force
- On May 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released provisional drug overdose death counts. The data show a decrease in drug overdoses over the 12-month period through December 2023. Data
- On May 16, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced behavioral health integration resources for states, tribes, territories and local early childhood programs. Behavioral Health Resources Press Release Resources for Children and Families
- Also on May 16, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report, which reviewed the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory (Policy Lab). Press Release Report
Prescription Drugs & Health Innovation – On May 15, Senate HELP Chair Sanders (I-VT) released a report on weight loss drugs and the impact on the U.S. health care system. Press Release Report
SDOH & Health Equity –
- On May 14, HHS released a tool, which describe indicators for measuring the progress and success of efforts to advance equity in policies, practices, and programs. Guide Press Release
- On May 17, CDC released data, which found the uninsurance rate holding steady at 7.7 percent. Data
Legislative Activity –
Votes and Committee Activity –
- On May 16, the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Health Subcommittee advanced several notable bills.
- The Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 3227) advanced out of Subcommittee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 13-12. The bill would amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act with respect to nursing facility requirements. Bill Text
- The Telehealth Enhancement for Mental Health Act of 2024 (H.R. 7858) advanced out of Subcommittee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 22-0. The bill would establish a Medicare incident to modifier for mental health services furnished through telehealth. Bill Text
- The Medicaid Improvement Act (H.R. 8111) advanced out of Subcommittee by a roll call vote of 22-0. The bill would ensure the reliability of address information provided under the Medicaid program. Bill Text
- The Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act of 2024 (H.R. 8089) advanced out of Subcommittee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 22-0. The bill would require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program. Bill Text
- H.R. 8112 advanced out of Subcommittee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 23-0. The bill would further require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program. Bill Text
- The Supporting Patient Education and Knowledge (SPEAK) Act of 2023 (H.R. 6033) advanced out of Subcommittee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 23-0. The bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a task force to improve access to health care information technology for non-English speakers. Bill Text
- The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 (H.R. 7623) advanced out of Subcommittee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 21-0. The bill would make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program. Bill Text
- The Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act (H.R. 1406) advanced out of Subcommittee, as amended, by voice vote. The bill would permanently extend certain in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation flexibilities established in response to COVID–19. Bill Text
- The Promoting Responsible and Effective Virtual Experiences through Novel Technology (PREVENT) to Deliver Improved Access and Better Engagement with Tested and Evidence-based Strategies (DIABETES) Act (H.R. 7856) advanced out of Subcommittee, as amended, by a voice vote. The bill would provide for coverage of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention program. Bill Text
- The Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act (H.R. 5394) advanced out of Subcommittee, as amended, by voice vote. The bill would ensure appropriate access to remote monitoring services furnished under the Medicare program. Bill Text
- The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (H.R. 4758) advanced out of Subcommittee by voice vote. The bill would streamline enrollment under the Medicaid program of certain providers across State lines. Bill Text
Introduced Legislation –
- On May 14, Rep. Caraveo (D-CO) and nine bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Strengthening our Pediatric Mental Health Workforce Act (H.R. 8375), which would require the HHS Secretary to issue guidance to States on strategies under Medicaid and CHIP to increase pediatric mental and behavioral health provider education, training, recruitment, retention, and support. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 14, Rep. Caraveo (D-CO) and 17 cosponsors introduced the Latino Youth Mental Health Empowerment Act (H.R. 8376), which would provide for a national awareness and outreach campaign to improve mental health among the Hispanic and Latino youth population. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 14, Reps. Kelly (D-IL), Kim (R-CA), Meuser (R-PA), and Schrier (D-WA) introduced the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act (H.R. 8383), which would improve obstetric emergency care. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 14, Rep. Moore (D-WI) and 20 cosponsors introduced the Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable (MAMA) Act (H.R. 8390), which would require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance that provide coverage for mental health services and substance use disorder services provide such services without the imposition of cost-sharing from the diagnosis of pregnancy through the 1-year period following such pregnancy. Sens. Shaheen (D-NH) and Baldwin (D-WI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 4331). One Pager Press Release
- Also on May 14, Rep. Sherrill (D-NJ) introduced the Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act (H.R. 8397), which would provide funding to the Bureau of Prisons, States, and localities to carry out mental health screenings and provide referrals to mental healthcare providers for individuals in prison or jail. Press Release
- Also on May 14, Sens. Moran (R-KS) and Smith (D-MN) introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act (S. 4322), which would make improvements relating to the designation of rural emergency hospitals. Press Release
- Also on May 14, Sen. Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value-Based Program Act of 2024 (S. 4330), which would create a Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Payment Program exempt from budget neutrality adjustment requirements, and create a new statutory exception for the provision of free or discounted transportation for radiation oncology patients to receive radiation therapy services. Reps. Fitzpatrick (R-NY), Panetta (D-CA), Joyce (R-PA), and Tonko (D-NY) introduced companion legislation in the House (H.R. 8404) on May 15. Bill Text Press Release
- On May 15, Reps. Ruiz (D-CA) and Bucshon (R-IN) introduced the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R. 8412), which would modernize clinical trials and remove barriers for participation in clinical trials. Press Release
- Also on May 15, Rep. Steel (R-CA) and six bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Strengthening Cybersecurity in Health Care Act (H.R. 8415), which would require the Inspector General of HHS to evaluate the cybersecurity practices and protocols of the Department. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 15, Sens. Whitehouse (D-RI) and Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the Pay PCPs Act (S. 4338), which would provide for the establishment of hybrid primary care payments under the Medicare program. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 15, Sens. Carper (D-DE) and Scott (R-SC) introduced the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (S. 4350), which would extend acute hospital care at home waiver flexibilities. Reps. Wenstrup (R-OH) and Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced the companion legislation in the House (H.R. 8260) on May 6. Bill Text Press Release
- On May 16, Rep. Balint (D-VT) and Del. González-Colón (R-PR) introduced the Mental Health Emergency Needs in Disasters (MEND) Act (H.R. 8422), which would establish programs for the provision of mental health services to individuals affected by a major disaster. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 16, Sens. Sanders (I-VT) and Brown (D-OH) introduced the Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024 (S. 4357), which would improve access to oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations. Bill Text One Pager Press Release
- Also on May 16, Sens. Casey (D-PA), Fetterman (D-PA), Warren (D-MA), Blumenthal (D-CT), and Gillibrand (D-NY) introduce the Preventing and Treating Substance Use Disorders Among Older Adults Act (S. 4358), which would require the Secretary to establish a grant program under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to address substance use disorders among older adults. One-Pager Press Release
On May 17, Rep. Napolitano (D-CA) and 17 cosponsors introduced the Mental Health in Schools Act of 2024 (H.R. 8444), which would establish grant programs to promote mental health in schools. Bill Text Press Release