When is Congress in session? House 2024 Calendar Senate 2024 Calendar
What’s Ahead: This Week
Hearings and Markups –
- Tuesday, September 24
- House Ways & Means Committee, “Reforming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): States’ Misuse of Welfare Funds Leaves Poor Families Behind.” Additional Information
- Senate Finance Committee, “Chaos and Control: How Trump Criminalized Women’s Health Care.” Additional Information
- Senate HELP Committee, “Why Is Novo Nordisk Charging Americans with Diabetes and Obesity Outrageously High Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy?” Additional Information
- Wednesday, September 25
- House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, “Everyday Heroes: Supporting the Veteran Caregiver Community.” Additional Details
- Thursday, September 26
- House Oversight and Accountability Committee, Health Care and Financial Services Subcommittee, “Meddling with Medicare: The Biden-Harris Cover-Up.” Additional Information
- Senate HELP Committee, “Legislative Hearing on Medical Graduate and FDA Foods Accountability, and Other Bills.” Additional Information
Notable Policy Events –
- Monday, September 23
- CMS, “Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies Education Session.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Tuesday, September 24 to Thursday, September 26
- Tuesday, September 24
- Duke Margolis Institute for Health Policy, “The Second Annual Future of Prescription Drug Promotion and Digital Marketing Meeting.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Health Affairs, “The Future of Telehealth and Its Impact on Primary Care.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Health Affairs, “What Older Adults Want: Emerging Breakthroughs and Opportunities for Age-Friendly Care.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- The Century Foundation, “How States Can Advance Health Equity While Lowering Costs.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
- Wednesday, September 25
- Thursday, September 26
- Bipartisan Policy Center, “Opioid Crisis in Focus: Election Year Insights and Solutions.” Free, Hybrid. Additional Information
- STAT News, “The Policy Prescription.” Paid, In-Person. Additional Information
- The John A. Hartford Foundation, “National Healthy Aging Symposium: Innovation Across the Age-Friendly Ecosystem.” Free, Virtual. Additional Information
Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week
Government Funding – On September 22, House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) unveiled a short-term government funding bill which would fund the government through December 20, 2024. The House is expected to vote on the bill this week. Bill Text Bill Summary
Medicare & Medicaid –
- On September 17, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report on the impact of price substitutions for Medicare Part B drug payments. Report Report In Brief
- On September 19, HHS OIG issued a report finding that CMS recovered Medicare payments to providers under the COVID-19 Accelerated and Advance Payments Program in compliance with federal requirements. Report Report In Brief
- On September 20, CMS launched the Expanding Access to Women’s Health program, a grant program which would provide funding to improve women’s health coverage and access to health benefits. CMS Maternity Care Action Plan Press Release
- Also on September 20, CMS released an informational bulletin discussing state compliance with Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements. Compliance plans are due December 31, 2026. Informational Bulletin
Marketplaces – On September 17, CMS announced a partnership with Oklahoma on a directory pilot, which would help inform the design and feasibility of future efforts toward a National Directory of Healthcare (NDH). Announcement
Payment & Delivery System Models – On September 17, CMS released the first annual evaluation report and associated materials on the Kidney Care Choices (KCC) model. In the first performance year of the KCC Model, home dialysis increased and there was no impact on overall Medicare payments. Findings at a Glance KCC Model Report
Public Health Prevention, Preparedness, Surveillance –
- On September 18, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report which recommends that HHS needs to identify duplicative pandemic IT systems and implement privacy requirements. Full Report Highlights
- On September 20, HHS released a study identifying promising practices aimed at reducing disparities in COVID-19 vaccination and testing, and policy options to promote equitable and routine vaccination. Report Report Summary
Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –
- On September 17, CMS released a request for information (RFI) on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for improving health care outcomes and service delivery. RFI responses are due October 7, 2024. RFI
- Also on September 17, the FDA released final guidance regarding the implementation of decentralized elements, such as telehealth visits and in-home visits with remote health care providers, in clinical trials. Guidance Notice
- Also on September 17, the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) announced the 2024 Leading Edge Acceleration Projects (LEAP) in Health Information Technology (IT) awardees, which focus on data quality for AI and behavioral health IT. Announcement LEAP in Health IT
- On September 19, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a staff report examining the data practices of social media and video streaming services. Staff Report
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –
- On September 17, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released the Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) Evidence Based Telehealth Network Program (EB-TNP) awards, which aim to integrate behavioral health services into primary care using telehealth. BHI EB-TNP Awardees
- On September 19, HHS announced $240 million in awards to initiate and expand mental health and substance use disorder services in Community Health Centers. Awardee List Press Release
Prescription Drugs & Health Innovation –
- On September 16, Senate HELP Committee Chair Sanders (I-VT) announced that more than 250 clinicians sent a letter to the HELP Committee requesting action to reduce prices for novel diabetes and obesity treatments. Letter Press Release
- On September 20, FDA approved an influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration at home. Announcement
SDOH & Health Equity – On September 19, HRSA announced multi-vendor contract awards for the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), transitioning from a single vendor to multiple vendors to improve quality and patient safety, modernize IT, among others. OPTN Press Release
Health Systems & Health Care Workforce –
- On September 17, HHS announced nearly $100 million in awards to expand the number of nurses and primary care physicians and grow the community-based workforce. Awards List Health Workforce Initiative Press Release
- Also on September 17, the CDC announced the Core Elements of Hospital Diagnostic Excellence (DxEx), which describes the elements and actions of programs to improve diagnosis in hospitals. Core Elements of Hospital DxEx
- Also on September 17, HHS sent a progress report to Congress on federal implementation of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. Press Release Progress Report
Legislative Activity –
Votes and Committee Activity –
- On September 17, the House passed several notable health bills. The bills now head to the Senate for consideration.
- The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (H.R. 3800) passed by voice vote. The bill would codify Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance relating to employers who offer high-deductible health plan coverage for their employees the option of including pre-deductible coverage for certain health care services that treat common chronic illnesses. Bill Text One-Pager Press Release
- The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (H.R. 4758) passed by voice vote. The bill would streamline enrollment under the Medicaid program of certain providers across state lines and prevent the use of abusive spread pricing in Medicaid. Bill Text Press Release
- The Medicaid Program Improvement Act (H.R. 8111) passed by voice vote. The bill would ensure the reliability of address information provided under the Medicaid program. Bill Text
- H.R. 8112 passed by voice vote. The bill would require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program. Bill Text
- The Supporting Patient Education and Knowledge (SPEAK) Act of 2024 (H.R. 6033) passed by voice vote. 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 Press Release
- The Telehealth Enhancement for Mental Health (TELEMH) Act of 2024 (H.R. 7858) passed by voice vote. The bill would establish a Medicare incident to modifier for mental health services furnished through telehealth and other telehealth services. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on September 17, the House passed the Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Reauthorization Act (S.265) by voice vote. The bill would reauthorize the rural emergency medical service training and equipment assistance program. The bill now heads to the President to sign into law. Bill Text
- On September 18, the House Energy & Commerce Committee advanced 15 bills. The bills now head to the full House for consideration. Press Release
- The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 7890) advanced, as amended, by a voice vote. The bill would strengthen protections relating to the online collection, use, and disclosure of personal information of children and teens. Bill Text
- The Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act of 2024 (H.R. 8107) advanced, as amended, by a vote of 43-0. The bill would remove certain age restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with disabilities. Bill Text
- H.R. 8108 advanced, as amended, by a vote of 42-0. The bill would add a Medicaid State plan requirement with respect to the determination of residency of certain individuals serving in the Armed Forces. Bill Text
- The Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 (H.R. 7623) advanced, as amended, by a vote of 41-0. The bill would extend Medicare telehealth pandemic flexibilities for two years and extend the Hospital at Home waiver program by five years. Bill Text
- The Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 3227) advanced, as amended, by a vote of 20-18. The bill would address nursing facility requirements. Bill Text
- The Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act (H.R. 9067) advanced, as amended, by a vote of 23-17. The bill would establish a waiver of certain training and certification requirements for specified skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities. Bill Text
Introduced Legislation –
- On September 17, Rep. Barragán (D-CA) introduced the Prompt Approval of Safe Generic Drugs Act (H.R. 9616), which would provide for the prompt approval of drugs when safety information is added to labeling. Press Release
- Also on September 17, Rep. Dingell (D-MI) introduced the Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024 (H.R. 9622), which would improve access to oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations. Sens. Sanders (I-VT) and Brown (D-OH) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S.4357) on May 16, 2024. Bill Summary Press Release
- Also on September 17, Rep. Lee (D-CA) introduced the National Food as Medicine Act (H.R. 9631), which would establish and expand Food as Medicine programs. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on September 17, Sens. Casey (D-PA) and Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-In Programs Act (S. 5070), which would remove certain age restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with disabilities. One Pager Press Release
- On September 18, Reps. Bean (R-FL), Allen (R-GA), and Grothman (R-WI) introduced the We Want Our Healthcare Money Back Act of 2024 (H.R. 9645), which would require HHS OIG to submit a report on Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Press Release
- On September 19, Reps. Beyer (D-VA) and Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act (H.R. 9684), which would establish a grant program to facilitate peer-to-peer mental health support programs for secondary school students. Bill Text Press Release
- Also on September 19, Reps. Castor (D-FL) and Caraveo (D-CO) introduced the Keep Kids Covered Act (H.R. 9688), which would provide for continuous eligibility for certain children under Medicaid and CHIP. Bill Text One-Pager Press Release
- Also on September 19, Sens. Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Crisis Care Access Act (S. 5112), which would expand access to crisis stabilization services for Americans experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Bill Text Press Release
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