What’s Ahead: This Week
Hearings and Markups –
- Tuesday, May 23
- House Oversight & Accountability Committee, “The Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in Prescription Drug Markets Part I: Self-Interest or Health Care?” Additional Information
- House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, “COVID-19 Supplemental Funding: Did It Protect and Improve Veteran Care?” Additional Information
- Wednesday, May 24
- House Ways & Means Committee, Subcommittee on Social Security, “The Social Security Administration’s Role in Combatting Identity Fraud.” Additional Information
Notable Policy Events –
- Monday, May 22 – Wednesday, May 24
- Modern Healthcare, Digital Health Transformation Summit. Additional Information
- Monday, May 22
- Cato Institute, “Expanding Access to Primary Care by Removing Barriers to Assistant Physicians.” Additional Information
- CDC, “Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics Notice of Funding Opportunity Webinar #1.” Additional Information
- Tuesday, May 23
- Center for American Progress, “Shining a Light on Older Women.” Additional Information
- Primary Care Collaborative, “The Commercial Market: Alternative Payment Models for Primary Care.” Additional Information
- Sandy Hook Promise, “Congressional Briefing: Keeping Kids Mentally & Physically Safe in Schools.” Additional Information
- Wednesday, May 24
- Alliance for Health Policy, “What’s Next on Mental Health: Making the System Work for People Living With Schizophrenia.” Additional Information
- White House, “Health Community Engagement Call.” Additional Information
Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week
Medicare & Medicaid –
- On May 15, CMS announced it had approved Delaware’s state plan amendment (SPA) to provide 12 months of continuous postpartum coverage to individuals enrolled in its Medicaid program. Approval Document
- Also on May 15, the White House released a statement following a meeting with stakeholders to discuss how CMS, states, insurers, and community stakeholders are working together to ensure people remain connected to coverage as Medicaid redeterminations resume. Statement
- Also on May 15, CMS released a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document describing flexibilities for individuals and Marketplaces regarding Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Condition unwinding operations for plan years 2023 and 2024. FAQ Document
- On May 16, CMS updated its Strategic Plan page, adding oral health as a new cross cutting initiative (CCI), providing updates to its health equity activities, and releasing a new fact sheet with updates to the Integrating the 3Ms (Medicare, Medicaid and Marketplace) CCI. Strategic Plan Page Health Equity Fact Sheet Integration Fact Sheet
- On May 18, Sens. Warren (D-MA) and Grassley (R-IA), and Senate Special Committee on Aging Chair Casey (D-PA), sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure urging CMS to strengthen and finalize its proposed rule to make nursing home ownership more transparent. Letter Press Release
- Also on May 18, Senate Special Committee on Aging Chair Casey (D-PA) released a report on nursing home inspection agencies, finding that severe staffing shortages hinder nursing home oversight and put residents at risk. Press Release Report Summary
- Also on May 18, Senate Finance Committee Chair Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure requesting information on how Medicare will administer coverage for new Alzheimer’s medications. Press Release Letter
- On May 19, CMS announced its decision to approve the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality as a national accrediting organization for critical access hospitals that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs from June 1, 2023 to June 1, 2027. Notice
Payment & Delivery System Models –
- On May 15, CMS announced it was accepting applications for Performance Year 2024 of the Maryland Total Cost of Care (TCOC) model. The application is open to eligible primary care practices, federal qualified health centers (FQHCs), and care transformation organizations (CTOs) in the state through July 17, 2023. Application
- On May 17, CMS released the second evaluation report of the Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Model. Findings to date indicate that the model did not markedly increase beneficiaries’ connections to community services or health-related social needs (HRSN) resolution, suggesting that navigation alone may not be sufficient to address HRSNs. Report
Public Health Preparedness, Prevention, Surveillance, & Data –
- COVID-19 Data: To date, there are 1,128,903 COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Also, 984,444,295 COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered and 676,728,782 individual COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. Data
- FDA Action Update: To date, FDA has authorized 449 tests under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs), including 302 molecular tests, 83 antibody tests and 63 antigen tests. FDA also continues to update COVID-19 FAQs.
- On May 15, the CDC released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) titled, “Centers for Outbreak Analytics and Disease Modeling.” This cooperative agreement will develop a network of innovators to design, prototype, test, and scale innovative capabilities for improving analytics, modeling and forecasting to support decision makers during outbreaks of infectious diseases in the United States. Applications are due July 14, 2023. Funding Opportunity
- Also on May 15, CDC posted a health update that there is a potential risk for new mpox cases in the Chicago area. Health Update
- On May 17, Sen. Rubio (R-FL) released a report on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Press Release Report
- Also on May 17, CMS updated its Coverage to Care (C2C) resources to reflect the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) and help consumers better understand their health care coverage. Updated Resources
- On May 18, HHS released a fact sheet with resources to stay protected from mpox, noting that it is focused on increasing vaccine uptake. Fact Sheet
- Also on May 18, the President declared it to be National Hepatitis Testing Day, encouraging all Americans to join in activities that will increase awareness about viral hepatitis and what can be done to prevent and treat it. Proclamation
- On May 19, CDC released a study finding that the U.S. is at risk for future mpox outbreaks and ongoing surveillance, vaccination, and communication are important prevention tools, especially for Black and Hispanic persons in groups at risk. Study
- Also on May 19, CDC released a study finding that persons at high risk for mpox exposure should be vaccinated with the recommended two-dose JYNNEOS series. Study
- Also on May 19, House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chair Wenstrup (R-OH) and Rep. Malliotakis (R-NY) sent a letter to former New York Governor Cuomo requesting additional information on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York’s nursing homes. Press Release Letter
Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –
- On May 16, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a settlement of potential violations of the HIPAA Rules with MedEvolve, Inc. MedEvolve has paid a $350,000 monetary settlement to OCR and agreed to implement a corrective action plan to resolve these potential violations and protect the security of electronic patient health information. Press Release
- On May 17, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a press release on enforcement actions against the ovulation tracking app, Premom. FTC charged that the company disclosed user health data to third parties, deceived users about its data sharing practices, and violated the Health Breach Notification Rule. Press Release
- On May 18, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) announced the release of the draft United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI)+ Quality data element list for public comment. Comments on the data element list are due by June 16, 2023. Announcement Data Element List
- Also on May 18, the FTC announced a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the FTC’s Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR), including clarifying the rule’s applicability to health apps and other similar technologies. Comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Press Release NPRM
- Also on May 18, the FTC issued a policy statement that warned about the increasing use of consumers’ biometric information and related technologies, including those powered by machine learning. In the statement, the FTC raised concerns about consumer privacy, data security, and potential for bias and discrimination. Press Release Policy Statement
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –
- On May 14, President Biden published an op-ed announcing new actions the Administration is taking to implement the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) to reduce gun violence, including steps to ensure BSCA’s mental health funding. Fact Sheet Op-Ed
- On May 15, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a blog on heat health awareness and the impacts on mental health and substance use. Blog
- On May 16, SAMHSA announced a NOFO which would provide support for 988 tribal response cooperative agreements. Applications are due by July 18, 2023. NOFO
- Also on May 16, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report on the risk of misuse and diversion of buprenorphine in Medicare Part D in 2021, prior to the repeal of the DATA waiver. Report
- On May 17, SAMHSA announced more than $200 million in new funding for states, territories, and tribes to build local capacity for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and related crisis services. Press Release
- Also on May 17, the CDC released provisional data that found 109,680 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses in 2022. Data
- On May 18, CMS announced a suite of actions to make it easier for schools to provide mental health services. The actions include a proposed rule which would streamline consent provisions when billing for Medicaid services provided through a student’s individualized education program (IEP), a guide for Medicaid school-based services to make it easier for schools to deliver and receive payment for health care services, and the approval of state plan amendments (SPAs) for both New Mexico and Oregon that will allow Medicaid to pay for health care services schools delivered to more of their Medicaid-enrolled students. Comments on the proposed rule are due August 1, 2023. Press Release Proposed Rule Medicaid Guide Informational Bulletin New Mexico SPA Oregon SPA
Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices, & Biomedical Research & Health Innovation–
- On May 18, the White House launched the first program under the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) agency titled, “Novel Innovations for Tissue Regeneration in Osteoarthritis” (NITRO). NITRO seeks to develop new ways of helping the human body repair its own joints, with the goal of revolutionizing treatment for osteoarthritis. Abstracts are due by June 23, 2023. Press Release NITRO
Veterans Health and Military Health –
- On May 16, the VA announced a modified contract agreement with Oracle Cerner on the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. Press Release
- On May 17, the VA OIG released a report on an evaluation of the VA’s information security program for FY 2022. It was concluded that the VA continues to face significant challenges meeting Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) requirements. Report in Brief Report
- Also on May 17, Reps. Bilirakis (R-FL) and DeGette (D-CO) sent a letter to VA Secretary McDonough asking the agency to revise its current coverage criteria for Continuous Glucose Monitors. Press Release
- Also on May 17, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that made several recommendations to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to help address certain staffing challenges and help the agency meet veterans’ health care needs. Report in Brief Report
- On May 18, the VA announced it is working with local community coalitions engaged in ending Veteran suicide. These coalitions, established through VA’s Public Health Model for Suicide Prevention, now reach more than 7.5 million Veterans nationwide. Press Release
- Also on May 18, GAO released a report that found that the VA has not fully implemented leading practices for change management activities in its Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program, which poses risks for future deployment. Report in Brief Report
Population Health, Public Health & Health Equity –
- On May 15, CDC released early estimates of health insurance coverage from the National Health Interview Survey in 2022. At the time of the interview, 27.6 million people (8.4 percent) were uninsured, a decrease from 9.2 percent in 2021. Estimates
- Also on May 15, President Biden announced his intent to nominate Dr. Monica Bertagnolli as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). White House Fact Sheet HHS Statement
- On May 16, the FDA updated its new Rumor Control page to provide the facts and inform the public on the growing spread of rumors, misinformation and disinformation about science. Rumor Control Page
- Also on May 16, Reps. Budzinski (D-IL) and Jackson (D-IL) sent a letter to Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack advocating that additional resources be made available to communities struggling to maintain access to healthy and affordable food options. Press Release Letter
- Also on May 16, the CMS Office of Minority Health announced a NOFO for researchers at minority-serving institutions who are investigating or addressing health care disparities. CMS will award up to three grants, totaling up to $333,000 each. Applications are due by July 12, 2023. Minority Research Grant Program
- Also on May 16, NIH released a press release highlighting a recent study which found that racial and ethnic health disparities cost the U.S. economy $451 billion in 2018. Press Release
- Also on May 16, GAO released a report, “Health Care Capsule: Accessing Health Care in Rural America,” recommending that federal agencies learn more about the needs of rural residents and their health outcomes to better ensure that rural residents get the care that they need. Report
- On May 18, the Administration for Daily Living (ACL) released a report on key ideas and recommendations for the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) Counts Initiative, following a stakeholder summit. The reports highlights health data as a key equity issue. Press Release Report
- Also on May 18, ACL announced that 12 Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services (INNU) grants were awarded for the 2023 grant year to support the Older American Act (OAA) Title III-C Nutrition Services program, working to reduce food insecurity, enhance socialization, and promote health and well-being of older adults. Press Release
- On May 19, HHS awarded more than $65 million to 35 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health centers to address the maternal mortality crisis. Press Release
- Also on May 19, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released a blog post, “The End of the Public Health Emergency Refocuses the Urgency to Improve Healthcare Quality,” highlighting the need to rebuild health care delivery systems and improve patient safety and workforce well-being in hospitals and nursing home. Blog Post
Misc. –
- On May 17, HHS Secretary Becerra met with European Union health leadership to discuss global health priorities, including ongoing efforts to end cancer, prepare for future global health threats, and strengthen the global health architecture. Press Release
- On May 19, the President proclaimed May 21 through May 27, 2023, as National Emergency Medical Services Week. Proclamation
Legislative Activity –
Debt Ceiling Negotiations –
- On May 16, the Senate Special Committee on Aging released state-level fact sheets on the perceived impact of Republican budget proposals. Press Release
- On May 18, Senate Finance Committee Chair Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to President Biden encouraging him to reject any debt ceiling limit proposals that would implement work requirements in federal programs. Press Release Letter
Votes and Committee Activity –
- On May 17, the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Health Subcommittee held a markup and advanced several health care bills. The bills now go to the full Committee for consideration. Markup Details Markup Memo
- The Animal Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023 (H.R. 1418) passed, as amended, by a vote of 29-0. The bill would reauthorize user fee programs relating to new animal drugs and generic new animal drugs. Bill Text
- The Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act (H.R. 2544) passed, without amendment, by a vote of 28-0. The bill would improve the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Bill Text
- The Medicaid VBPs for Patients (MVP) Act (H.R. 2666) passed, as amended, by a vote of 16-11. The bill would codify value-based purchasing arrangements under the Medicaid program and reforms related to price reporting under such arrangements. Bill Text
- The Transparent PRICE Act (H.R. 3281) passed, as amended, by a vote of 27-0. The bill would promote hospital and insurer price transparency. Bill Text
- The Providers and Payers COMPETE Act (H.R. 3284) passed, without amendment, by a vote of 27-0. The bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report on the impact of certain Medicare regulations on provider and payer consolidation. Bill Text
- The Fairness for Patient Medications Act (H.R. 3285) passed, without amendment, by voice vote. The bill would establish patient protections with respect to highly rebated drugs. Bill Text
- H.R. 3290 passed, without amendment, by a vote of 16-12. The bill would ensure transparency and oversight of the 340B drug discount program. Bill Text
- On May 18, the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies held a markup of the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill. The bill was passed without amendment. Markup Bill Text Bill Summary
Introduced Legislation –
- On May 15, Reps. Underwood (D-IL) and Adams (D-NC) and Sen. Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Momnibus Act, a package of legislation to address maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States. Press Release Bill Text Bill Summary
- Rep. Underwood (D-IL) and 181 cosponsors introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 3305), which would end preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health disparities in the United States. Sen. Booker (D-NJ) and 27 cosponsors introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1606). House Bill Text Senate Bill Text
- Rep. Sewell (D-AL) and 96 cosponsors introduced the Maternal Vaccination Act (H.R. 3348), which would amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to maternal vaccination awareness and equity. Sen. Kane (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1603), which would increase vaccination rates of pregnant and postpartum individuals. House Bill Text Senate Bill Text Press Release
- Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL) and 94 cosponsors introduced the Innovative Maternal Payment And Coverage To (IMPACT To) Save Moms Act (H.R. 3346), which would implement the Perinatal Care Alternative Payment Model Demonstration Project to test various payment models with respect to maternity care provided to pregnant and postpartum individuals. House Bill Text Press Release
- Rep. Hayes (D-CT) and 95 cosponsors introduced the Social Determinants for Moms Act (H.R. 3322), which would address social determinants of maternal health to eliminate maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health disparities. Sens. Blumenthal (D-CT) and Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1594), which would convene a task force to develop strategies and coordinate efforts to eliminate preventable maternal mortality. House Bill Text Senate Bill Text Press Release
- Rep. Davids (D-KS) and 97 cosponsors introduced the Data to Save Moms Act (H.R. 3320), which would improve maternal health data collection processes and quality measures. Sen. Smith (D-MN) and Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1599), which would provide for grants to promote representative community engagement in maternal mortality review committees. House Bill Text Senate Bill Text Press Release
- Reps. Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Underwood (D-IL) introduced the Moms Matter Act (H.R. 3312), which would address maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Sens. Gillibrand (D-NY) and Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1602). House Bill Text Senate Bill Text Press Release
- Rep. Adams (D-NC) and 98 cosponsors introduced the Kira Johnson Act (H.R. 3310), which would end preventable maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the United States and close disparities in maternal health outcomes. Bill Text
- Rep. Underwood (D-IL) and 96 cosponsors introduced the Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act (H.R. 3304), which would authorize appropriations for data collection, surveillance, and research on maternal health outcomes during public health emergencies. Sens. Warren (D-MA), Booker (D-NJ), and Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1605). House Bill Text Senate Bill Text
- Reps. Underwood (D-IL), Bilirakis (R-FL), Brownley (D-CA), and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Maternal Health for Veterans Act (H.R. 3303), which would provide support for programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to the coordination of maternity health care. Bill Text
- Reps. Underwood (D-IL) and 96 cosponsors introduced the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act (H.R. 3302), which would protect moms and babies against climate change. Sens. Markey (D-MA), Booker (D-NJ), Blumenthal (D-CT), and Sanders (I-VT) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1601). House Bill Text Senate Bill Text Press Release
- Rep. McBath (D-GA) and 97 cosponsors introduced the Extending WIC for New Moms Act (H.R. 3332), which would extend eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for new moms. Sens. Blumenthal (D-CT) and Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1593). House Bill Text Senate Bill Text Press Release
- Rep. Pressley (D-MA) and 98 cosponsors introduced the Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act (H.R. 3344), which would end the shackling of pregnant individuals. Bill Text
- Rep. Moore (D-WI) and 95 cosponsors introduced the Perinatal Workforce Act (H.R. 3523), which would grow and diversify the perinatal workforce. Sens. Baldwin (D-WI), Merkley (D-OR), and Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1710). House Bill Text Senate Bill Text Press Release
- Sens. Menendez (D-NJ), Booker (D-NJ), and Sullivan (R-AK) introduced the Tech to Save Moms Act (S. 1699), which would support the use of technology in maternal health care. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 15, Rep. Scott (D-GA) and six bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act (H.R. 3347), which would prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from replacing physician anesthesiologists with certified registered nurse anesthetists under the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Bill Text Press Release
- On May 16, Reps. Rogers (R-KY) and Spanberger (D-VA) introduced the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program Reauthorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 3355), which would reauthorize a loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 16, Rep. Kuster (D-NH) and 11 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the STOP Fentanyl Overdoses Act (H.R. 3375), which would establish programs to address addiction and overdoses caused by illicit fentanyl and other opioids. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 16, Reps. Moulton (D-MA), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Dingell (D-MI), and Morelle (D-NY) introduced the Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally Disabled and Underserved Population (HEADs UP) Act of 2021 (H.R. 3380), which would expand and improve health care services by health centers and the National Health Service Corps for individuals with a developmental disability. Press Release
- Also on May 16, Rep. Payne (D-NJ) and 23 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act (H.R. 3382), which would eliminate the coinsurance requirement for certain colorectal cancer screening tests furnished under the Medicare program. Press Release
- Also on May 16, Rep. Porter (D-CA) and seven bipartisan cosponsors introduced the No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act (H.R. 3387), which would provide for certain health coverage of newborns. Press Release
- Also on May 16, Reps. Schneider (D-IL) and Bilirakis (R-FL) introduced the Repair Abuses of MSP Payments (RAMP) Act (H.R. 3388), which would permit a private cause of action for damages in the case of a group health plan which fails to provide for primary payment or appropriate reimbursement. Press Release
- Also on May 16, Rep. Wexton (D-VA) and 26 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Kids First Research Act 2.0 (H.R. 3391), which would extend the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program at the NIH. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 16, Sen. Shaheen (D-NH) and 29 cosponsors introduced the Protecting Service Members and Military Families’ Access to Health Care Act (S. 1610), which would authorize administrative absences and travel and transportation allowances for members of the Armed Forces to travel and obtain reproductive health care. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 16, Sens. Kelly (D-AZ) and Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Precepting Tomorrow’s (PRECEPT) Nurses Act (S. 1627), which would create a tax credit for nurse preceptors. Bill Text Press Release
- On May 17, Rep. DeLauro (D-CT) and 81 cosponsors introduced the Healthy Families Act of 2023 (HFA) (H.R. 3409), which would allow Americans to earn paid sick time so that they can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families. Sen. Sanders (I-VT) and 42 cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1664). Bill Text Press Release Fact Sheet
- Also on May 17, Rep. Foster (D-IL) introduced the Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act (H.R. 3412), which would authorize the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, acting through the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, to award grants to States to expand access to clinically appropriate services for opioid abuse, dependence, or addiction. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 17, Reps. Harder (D-CA), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), McBath (D-GA), and Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) introduced the Youth Workforce Readiness Act (H.R. 3416), which would establish a competitive grant program to support out-of-school-time youth workforce readiness programs, providing employability skills development, career exploration, employment readiness training, mentoring, work-based learning, and workforce opportunities for eligible youth. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 17, Rep. Jacobs (D-CA) and 91 cosponsors introduced the My Body, My Data Act (H.R. 3420), which would protect the privacy of personal reproductive or sexual health information. Sen. Hirono (D-HI) and 12 cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1656). Press Release
- Also on May 17, Rep. Jayapal (D-WA) and 112 cosponsors introduced the Medicare for All Act of 2023 (H.R. 3421), which would establish an improved Medicare for All national health insurance program. Sen. Sanders (I-VT) and 14 cosponsors introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1655). Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 17, Rep. Kelly (R-PA) introduced H.R. 3426, a bill to expand access to Health Care Sharing Ministries, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include expenses relating to membership in health care sharing ministries to qualify for the deduction for medical expenses. Press Release
- Also on May 17, Reps. Matsui (D-CA) and Johnson (R-OH) introduced the Telemental Health Care Access Act (H.R. 3432), which would ensure coverage of mental and behavioral health services furnished through telehealth. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 17, Rep. McCaul (R-TX) and 13 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Give Kids A Chance Act (H.R. 3433), which would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 17, Rep. Pappas (D-NH) and five bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act (H.R. 3440), which would protect access to telehealth services under the Medicare program. Sens. Manchin (D-WV), Ernst (R-IA), Shaheen (D-NH), and Moran (R-KS) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1636). Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 17, Rep. Trone (D-MD) and 10 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Higher Education Mental Health Act (H.R. 3451), which would authorize the Secretary of Education to establish an Advisory Commission on Serving and Supporting Students with Mental Health Disabilities in Institutions of Higher Education. Sen. Casey (D-PA) and 11 cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1665). Press Release Bill Text
- Also on May 17, Sens. Menendez (D-NJ) and Boozman (R-AR) introduced the Prevent Blood Loss with Emergency Equipment Devices (BLEEDing) Act (S. 1653), which would establish a program to award grants to State, local, and Tribal governments to purchase and distribute anti-blood loss supplies for use in a medical emergency. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 17, Sen. Rubio (R-FL) introduced the SNAP Education Allocation Modernization Act (S. 1660), which would modify the allocation of funding to States for the nutrition education and obesity prevention grant program under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 17, Sen. Wyden (D-OR) and seven bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act (S. 1668), which would improve the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Bill Text Press Release
- On May 18, Rep. Bonamici (D-OR) and 20 cosponsors introduced the Senior Hunger Prevention Act (H.R. 3474), which would streamline nutrition access for older adults and adults with disabilities. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 18, Reps. Cohen (D-TN) and Rutherford (R-FL) introduced the Re-Entry Support Through Opportunities for Resources and Essentials (RESTORE) Act (H.R. 3479), which would allow individuals with drug offenses to receive benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Sen. Booker (D-NJ) and six cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1753). Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 18, Reps. Higgins (D-NY) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Human Services Emergency Logistics Program (HELP) Act (H.R. 3498), which would facilitate nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services and 988 services in order to provide information and referral to all residents and visitors in the United States for mental health emergencies, homelessness needs, other social and human services needs. Sen. Casey (D-PA) and 13 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1729). Press Release
- Also on May 18, Reps. Kelly (D-IL) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act (H.R. 3503), which would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to take certain steps to increase clinical trial diversity. Sens. Menendez (D-NJ) and Collins (R-ME) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1701). Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 18, Reps. Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and seven cosponsors introduced the Veteran Care Improvement Act (H.R. 3520), which would improve the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 18, Rep. Watson Coleman (D-NJ) and 24 cosponsors introduced the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act (H.R. 3548), which would address mental health issues for youth, particularly youth of color. Sen. Menendez (D-NJ) and nine cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1700). Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 18, Reps. Wenstrup (R-OH), Blumenauer (D-OR), and Dingell (D-MI) introduced the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Part D Choice Act (H.R. 3549), which would ensure Medicare-only PACE program enrollees have a choice of prescription drug plans under Medicare part D. Sens. Carper (D-DE) and Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1703). Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 18, Rep. Zinke (R-MT) and 12 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Protecting Veteran Community Care Act (H.R. 3554), which would expand access to the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include certain veterans seeking mental health or substance-use services. Sens. Daines (R-MT), Tillis (R-NC), Lummis (R-WY), Scott (R-FL), and Grassley (R-IA) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1745). Bill Text Press Release One Pager
- Also on May 18, Sens. Cortez Masto (D-NV), Collins (R-ME), Stabenow (D-MI), and Cassidy (R-LA) Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act introduced the (S. 1673), which would protect patient access to ground ambulance services under the Medicare program. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on May 18, Sen. Murray (D-WA) and 28 cosponsors introduced the Affordability is Access Act (S. 1698), which would require group health plans and group or individual health insurance coverage to provide coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives. Bill Text Press Release