Hart Health Strategies

E&C Schedule Hearing on Change Healthcare Cyberattack-Bipartisan leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a letter to UnitedHealth Group, Inc. last week seeking information about the Change Healthcare cyberattack. “The health care system is rapidly consolidating at virtually every level, creating fewer redundancies and more vulnerability to the entire system if an entity with significant market share at any level of the system is compromised,” the committee leaders wrote. “In order to understand better the steps UnitedHealth has taken to address this situation, we request information about the impact of the cyberattack, the actions the company is taking to secure its systems, and the outreach to the health care community in the aftermath.” UnitedHealth’s CEO Andrew Witty will testify before Energy and Commerce’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee in a hearing scheduled for May 1 to discuss the cyberattack and how it has impacted patients and providers.

 

Cassidy Questions FDA Oversight of Clinical Decision Support Software-Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criticizing the agency’s decision in a September 2022 guidance to classify clinical decision support (CDS) software as a medical device and to subject software developers to the FDA’s regulatory process. Cassidy argues that the move is not aligned with the agency’s statutory authority, highlighting that Congress excluded CDS software from being categorized as a medical device in the 21^st Century Cures Act. He expresses concerns about the implications of increased oversight of CDS on patient access to innovative medical technology, and notes that the FDA made the change without providing stakeholders an opportunity to submit feedback on the potential impacts of the policy. “This guidance unnecessarily calls into question the safety of these tools and expands the universe of entities regulated by FDA, many of which are small provider practices who have developed their own CDS tools…FDA’s guidance not only runs contrary to an explicit congressional directive but may jeopardize access to advanced tools that improve patient care,” the letter argues.

 

Buchanan Asks MedPAC to Rethink Approach to Digital Health Tools-Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, has sent a letter to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) encouraging the commission to rethink its approach to evaluating digital health tools and the use of artificial intelligence in the Medicare program. Buchanan expresses concerns that MedPAC’s current approach could punish providers for using, and innovators for developing, digital health tools that improve health outcomes and control costs. Buchanan argues that “for Medicare to meaningfully transition to value-based care, payment policies need to maximize efficiencies in care delivery and enhance patient safety using digital health tools.” The letter highlights the “quadruple aim” of digital health tools, and strongly encourages MedPAC to “incorporate digital health tools into future evaluations of Medicare policy recommendations and, in partnership with all stakeholders impacted by Medicare policy, ensure that its evaluations and recommendations related to digital health are inclusive of each of the quadruple aims.”

 

Democratic Senators Raise Concerns With Levemir Discontinuation-Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have sent a letter to the President and CEO of Novo Nordisk regarding the company’s recent decision to discontinue production of Levemir, one of three long-acting insulin products on the market. The letter highlights that access to affordable, in-demand biosimilar insulins will be further restricted by the discontinuation and the creation of significant barriers to demonstrating biosimilarity without a reference sample. The lawmakers ask Novo Nordisk about the supply chain constraints and issues related to formulary placement that led to the discontinuation of Levemir, and about how the company plans to ensure patient access to similar long-acting insulin products at similar cost-sharing without gaps in coverage.

 

GAO Releases New Report on State PBM Regulations-The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report last week examining five states’ regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Each of the five states selected for review-Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Maine, and New York-have enacted a variety of laws to regulate PBMs, including fiduciary or duty of care requirements, drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement requirements, transparency requirements, and pharmacy network and access requirements. The regulators interviewed by GAO generally agreed that broad regulatory authority was more effective than enacting specific statutory provisions, and also stressed the need for robust enforcement of PBM laws and effective penalties to enforce them.

 

CBO Releases Analysis of Medicare ACOs’ Past Performance and Future Directions-The Congressional Budget Office has released a new report summarizing recent research findings about accountable care organizations (ACOs) and the factors that have contributed to or limited their ability to achieve net budgetary savings for the Medicare program. The analysis found that certain types of ACOs are associated with greater savings, including ACOs led by independent physician groups, ACOs with a larger proportion of primary care providers, and ACOs whose initial baseline spending was higher than the regional average. CBO also outlines the factors that limit the savings from Medicare ACOs, including weak incentives for ACOs to reduce spending, a lack of the resources necessary for providers to participate in ACO models, and providers’ ability to selectively enter and exit the program on the basis of the financial benefits or losses they anticipate from participating.

 

PAs in Oregon to Rebrand as Physician Associates–Oregon has become the first state in the nation to legally allow physician assistants to use the title physician associate on their license. Other states, including Michigan and South Carolina, are considering similar measures. The change is opposed by the American Medical Association and other physician groups, who have expressed concerns about patient confusion around scope of practice. Oregon’s new law will take effect on June 6, 2024.

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.) has announced that he will not seek re-election this November. LaTurner has served in Congress since 2021 and currently sits on the Homeland Security, Oversight and Reform, and Science, Space, and Technology committees.

 

A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Buck (R), CO (effective March 22, 2024)
Trone (D), MD	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Napolitano (D), CA	McHenry (R), NC
Wexton (D), VA	McCarthy (R), CA (effective Dec. 31, 2023)
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Johnson (R), OH (effective Jan. 21, 2024)
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Sarbanes (D), MD	Curtis (R), UT
Blumenauer (D), OR	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Kilmer (D), WA	Lamborn (R), CO
Spanberger (D), VA	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Kildee (D), MI	Pence (R), IN
Phillips (D), MN	Duncan (R), SC
Cardenas (D), CA	Armstrong (R), ND
Eshoo (D), CA	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Manning (D), NC	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Higgins (D), NY (effective Feb. 2, 2024)	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC
Ruppersberger (D), MD
Sablan (D), MP
Kuster (D), NH

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Member Day Hearing; 10:30 a.m.; April 30

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation and Subcommittee on Health hearing to discuss gain-of-function research with EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak; time TBD; May 1

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing to discuss the Change Healthcare Cyberattack with Andrew Witty, CEO, UnitedHealth Group Inc.; 2:00 p.m.; May 1

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7974-To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require labeling of food products containing insects, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller, Mary E. [Rep.-R-IL-15]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7994-To support the direct care professional workforce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and the Workforce; Ways and Means; Judiciary; House Administration; Oversight and Accountability

 

H.R.7996-To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure Medicaid coverage of mental health services and primary care services furnished on the same day; Sponsor: Dunn, Neal P. [Rep.-R-FL-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.647-A resolution recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2024, as the seventh annual “Black Maternal Health Week”; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4131-A bill to reform Federal firearms laws, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.4137-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of receipt of outpatient observation services in a hospital toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare; Sponsor: Brown, Sherrod [Sen.-D-OH]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.4147-A bill to continue to fund the IMPROVE initiative through the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Butler, Laphonza R. [Sen.-D-CA]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.654-A resolution expressing concern about the elevated levels of lead in one-third of the world’s children and the global causes of lead exposure, and calling for the inclusion of lead exposure prevention in global health, education, and environment programs abroad; Sponsor: Cardin, Benjamin L. [Sen.-D-MD]; Committees: Senate-Foreign Relations

 

S.4159-A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to encourage qualified individuals to enter the forensic pathology workforce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4169-A bill to establish and support primary care team education centers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4174-A bill to amend title IV of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a clearinghouse on intellectual disabilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schmitt, Eric [Sen.-R-MO]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4178-A bill to establish artificial intelligence standards, metrics, and evaluation tools, to support artificial intelligence research, development, and capacity building activities, to promote innovation in the artificial intelligence industry by ensuring companies of all sizes can succeed and thrive, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cantwell, Maria [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate-Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

H.Res.1153-Recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2024, as the seventh annual “Black Maternal Health Week”; Sponsor: Adams, Alma S. [Rep.-D-NC-12]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8018-To require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Cammack, Kat [Rep.-R-FL-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8025-To amend title 10, United States Code, to clarify roles and responsibilities within the Department of Defense relating to subconcussive and concussive brain injuries and to improve brain health initiatives of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Khanna, Ro [Rep.-D-CA-17]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.R.8037-To continue to fund the IMPROVE initiative through the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8042-To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to qualified entities to support community paramedicine programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cleaver, Emanuel [Rep.-D-MO-5]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8049-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit treatment of certain distributions and reimbursements for certain abortions as qualified medical expenses; Sponsor: Mooney, Alexander X. [Rep.-R-WV-2]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.J.Res.129-Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Departments of Labor, the Treasury, and Health and Human Services relating to “Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance and Independent, Noncoordinated Excepted Benefits Coverage”; Sponsor: Self, Keith [Rep.-R-TX-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Education and the Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8064-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under the Medicare program of hearing aids and related hearing services; Sponsor: Cartwright, Matt [Rep.-D-PA-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8065-To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, to carry out a program under which the Secretary requires each regulated seller of a highly infectious agent to comply with certain logbook requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Costa, Jim [Rep.-D-CA-21]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8069-To amend the Public Health Service Act to encourage qualified individuals to enter the forensic pathology workforce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Guest, Michael [Rep.-R-MS-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8075-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of staff-assisted home dialysis for certain hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients and to ensure all patients are educated on modality options and receive the resources, information, and support to succeed on the modality of their choice, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8078-To authorize Federal support of States in piloting interoperable State-based repositories of sepsis cases, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sherrill, Mikie [Rep.-D-NJ-11]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8080-To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and implement a department-wide after-action program and a risk communication strategy, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Torres, Ritchie [Rep.-D-NY-15]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

Oklahoma Republican Tom Cole Selected to Chair Appropriations Committee–The Republican Steering Committee selected Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) to serve as the chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Cole succeeds retiring Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas.). As chairman, Cole will lead the committee with Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.). The two spent years alongside each other at the head of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, where they worked together to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and biomedical research. Cole has spoken about his personal experience with close family members having Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. He has also been a champion of the Indian Health Service and efforts to address the fentanyl and opioid crisis during his time in Congress. The Steering Committee’s recommendation was ratified by the full Republican conference on Wednesday.

 

 

 

E&C Announces Subcommittee Assignment Changes-House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) announced several changes to the panel’s subcommittee assignments last week. Of note, Rep. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) will leave the Communications and Technology Subcommittee to join the Health Subcommittee. A full list of the membership changes can be found here.

 

 

 

GAO Releases Report on Community Health Center Revenue-The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report updating data on community health center revenue for the first time since 2017. The report found that community health center total revenue has grown significantly in recent years, increasing from approximately $12 billion in 2010, to $26 billion in 2017, to $42.9 billion in 2022. The GAO analysis was requested by Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.). The lawmakers stated that the updated information will help inform future conversations on the reauthorization of community health center funding, which is set to expire at the end of this year.

 

 

Sanders Proposes Long-COVID Moonshot-Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has proposed a moonshot approach to long-COVID research. Sanders released a draft legislative proposal in a letter to long-COVID stakeholders last week which would provide $10 billion in mandatory funding over the next decade for the NIH “to respond to the long COVID crisis with the sense of urgency that it demands.” The proposal would also:

• Create a centralized coordinating entity for long COVID research activities at NIH;
• Require NIH to establish a new grant process for clinical trials related to long COVID;
• Establish an NIH research advisory board comprised of individuals who have lived experience with long COVID;
• Require NIH to establish a long COVID database for the storage and dissemination of de-identified patient data; and
• Provide continued education and support to patients, providers, and the public about the ongoing risks of long COVID.

Sanders requests feedback on his proposal by April 23.

 

 

Grassley Calls on HHS to Strengthen Cybersecurity Efforts-Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and six other federal agencies regarding their implementation of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) recommendations on cybersecurity risk management strategies. Grassley accuses the agencies of “dragging their feet” on improving the cybersecurity of U.S. critical infrastructure, and asks what steps HHS has taken to close GAO’s recommendations. GAO recommended that HHS determine the extent to which the health care and public health sector is adopting leading cybersecurity practices to reduce ransomware attacks, and that HHS develop and implement routine evaluation procedures to measure the effectiveness of federal support in assisting the health care and public health sector reduce the risk of ransomware.

 

 

Becerra Considering CA Gubernatorial Bid-Politico reported last week HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra may leave the Biden administration after the November elections to run for governor of California in 2026. While Becerra has sidestepped the question when asked directly, he has reportedly had conversations in recent weeks about leaving Washington to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in two years. Becerra has set aside nearly $1.55 million in leftover campaign contributions from when he was California attorney general in an account to run for California Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2030, which would be usable in the 2026 governor’s race.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Buck (R), CO (effective March 22, 2024)
Trone (D), MD	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Napolitano (D), CA	McHenry (R), NC
Wexton (D), VA	McCarthy (R), CA (effective Dec. 31, 2023)
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Johnson (R), OH (effective Jan. 21, 2024)
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Sarbanes (D), MD	Curtis (R), UT
Blumenauer (D), OR	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Kilmer (D), WA	Lamborn (R), CO
Spanberger (D), VA	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Kildee (D), MI	Pence (R), IN
Phillips (D), MN	Duncan (R), SC
Cardenas (D), CA	Armstrong (R), ND
Eshoo (D), CA	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Manning (D), NC	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Higgins (D), NY (effective Feb. 2, 2024)
Nickel (D), NC
Ruppersberger (D), MD
Sablan (D), MP
Kuster (D), NH

 

 

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of Health and Human Services;” 10:00 a.m.; April 16

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on health hearing “Examining Health Sector Cybersecurity in the Wake of the Change Healthcare Attack;” 10:00 a.m.; April 16

 

House Education & the Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions hearing “ERISA’s 50th Anniversary: The Path to Higher Quality, Lower Cost Health Care;” 10:15 a.m.; April 16

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing “Examining How Improper Payments Cost Taxpayers Billions and Weaken Medicare and Medicaid;” 10:30 a.m.; April 16

 

House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing “Academic Malpractice: Examining the Relationship Between Scientific Journals, the Government, and Peer Review;” 2:00 p.m.; April 16

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health markup on pending legislation; 3:00 p.m.; April 16

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation Data, and Commerce hearing “Legislative Solutions to Protect Kids Online and Ensure Americans’ Data Privacy Rights;” 10:00 a.m.; April 17

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Health and Human Services Budget;” 2:00 p.m.; April 17

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies hearing “Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Food and Drug Administration;” 9:00 a.m.; April 18

 

House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing with EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak; time TBD; May 1

 

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7868-To require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to take certain actions with respect to the health insurance program carried out under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Waltz, Michael [Rep.-R-FL-6]; Committees: House-Oversight and Accountability

 

H.R.7876-To support programs for mosquito-borne and other vector-borne disease surveillance and control; Sponsor: Neguse, Joe [Rep.-D-CO-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

S. 4078-To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a model to improve access to specialty health services for certain Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries; Sponsor: Mullin, Markwayne [Sen.-R-OK]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S. 4079-To improve obstetric emergency care; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

 

S. 4083-To amend the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act to modernize the verification of contact lens prescriptions, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Duckworth, Tammy [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

 

S. 4087-To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities from using pre-dispute arbitration agreements with respect to residents of those facilities under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate Finance

 

S. 4088-To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for career support for a skilled, internationally educated health care workforce; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S. 4089-To enhance fraud prevention, improve recovery of improper payments, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Peters, Gary [Sen.-D-MI]; Committees: Senate Judiciary.

 

H.Res. 1124-A resolution expressing support for the designation of the last Tuesday of April each year as “APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day;” Sponsor: Plaskett, Stacey [Rep.-D-VI-At Large]; Committees: House Energy and Commerce

 

H.R. 7899-To direct the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to promulgate the final regulations relating to special registration for telemedicine; Sponsor: Ezell, Mike [Rep.-R-MS-04]; Committees: House Energy and Commerce, Judiciary.

 

H.R. 7907-To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for career support for a skilled, internationally educated health care workforce; Sponsor: Krishnamoorthi, Raja [Rep.-D-IL-08]; Committees: House Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.632-A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week; Sponsor: Lujan, Ben Ray [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.635-A resolution designating the first week of April 2024 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”; Sponsor: Tester, Jon [Sen.-D-MT]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.Res.636-A resolution designating February 29, 2024, as “Rare Disease Day”; Sponsor: Brown, Sherrod [Sen.-D-OH]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.4094-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Tim [Sen.-R-SC]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.4101-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the continued designation of hospitals that met mountainous terrain or secondary roads distance requirement as critical access hospitals and to modify distance requirements for ambulance services furnished by critical access hospitals; Sponsor: Manchin, Joe, III [Sen.-D-WV]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

H.R.7924-To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to support graduate programs in mental and behavioral health professions at minority-serving institutions, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bowman, Jamaal [Rep.-D-NY-16]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.7931-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to update the fee schedule for ambulance services provided by critical access hospitals; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.639-A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2024 as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Stabenow, Debbie [Sen.-D-MI]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4108-A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide a process to lock and suspend domain names used to facilitate the online sale of drugs illegally, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rubio, Marco [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4109-A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to clarify roles and responsibilities within the Department of Defense relating to subconcussive and concussive brain injuries and to improve brain health initiatives of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate-Armed Services

 

S.4111-A bill to provide for a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on the prevalence and mortality of cancer among individuals who served as active-duty aircrew in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kelly, Mark [Sen.-D-AZ]; Committees: Senate-Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.4112-A bill to provide protections from prosecution for drug possession to individuals who seek medical assistance when witnessing or experiencing an overdose, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.4115-A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit graduate medical schools from receiving Federal financial assistance if such schools adopt certain policies and requirements relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion; Sponsor: Kennedy, John [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.1136-Expressing support for designation of the month of April 2024 as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Wexton, Jennifer [Rep.-D-VA-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7939-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve Medicare beneficiary access to new medical technologies that improve health care quality and outcomes by ensuring that breakthrough devices are eligible for conditional approval under the Medicare New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) Program, enabling these medical breakthroughs to be provided to Medicare beneficiaries without unnecessary delay; Sponsor: Carey, Mike [Rep.-R-OH-15]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7958-To amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Director of the National Institutes of Health from conducting or funding research that causes significant pain or distress to a dog or cat, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mace, Nancy [Rep.-R-SC-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7964-To prohibit the use of Federal funds to establish, implement, or enforce any COVID-19 mask mandate; Sponsor: Ogles, Andrew [Rep.-R-TN-5]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7970-To require direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription drugs and biological products to include truthful and not misleading pricing information; Sponsor: Williams, Nikema [Rep.-D-GA-5]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

Bipartisan Privacy Rights Draft Released-House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) jointlyreleaseda discussion draft for the American Privacy Rights Act. The legislation would set a national standard and minimize the data that companies can collect, keep, and use. It also would provide individuals with the right to opt out of targeted advertising and other data practices. The discussion draft provides enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission, State attorneys general, and consumers. Small businesses that are not selling customers’ personal information would be exempt. The discussion draft includes “health information” under the definition of “sensitive covered data.” Upon release of the draft, House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) said “This is a very strong discussion draft, built on the foundation of years of hard work by the Energy and Commerce Committee to strengthen our nation’s data privacy laws.”

 

Aderholt Presses for Budget Reforms Before Vote on New Appropriations Leader-Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) sent a Dear Colleague letter last week asking the House GOP to delay a vote to select the next chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Aderholt currently leads the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-Health and Human Services-Education. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) is widely considered the frontrunner to replace outgoing Appropriations Committee Chair Kay Granger (R-Texas). The GOP Steering Committee is scheduled to meet April 9 to select a new chair, but Aderholt urges his conference to first conduct an overhaul of the budget process before selecting a new leader. His letter recommends a focus on restoring regular order, strengthening bipartisanship, and promoting fiscal responsibility. “Instead of hastily selecting a new Appropriations chair, I believe that now is the time to focus on correcting the process and developing our theory of government on how we will manage our responsibilities,” Aderholt wrote.

 

CMS Finalizes 2025 MA Payment Update-The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the calendar year 2025 rate announcement for the Medicare Advantage (MA) program last week in line with the agency’s January proposal. Payments to MA plans are projected to increase an average of 3.7%-totaling over $16 billion-from 2024 to 2025. The agency estimates that the federal government will pay between $500 and $600 billion in MA payments to private health plans in 2025. The rate announcement also finalizes updates to MA payment growth rates and changes to the MA payment methodology to improve payment accuracy. CMS also finalized concurrent changes to the structure of the Medicare Part D drug benefit to implement the Inflation Reduction Act’s $2,000 cap on annual out-of-pocket costs for people with Part D in 2025.

 

HHS Releases Drug Shortages White Paper-The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a white paper last week outlining steps the administration has taken to prevent and mitigate drug shortages and proposing additional solutions for policymakers to consider. The paper focuses specifically on generic sterile injectables used in inpatient settings, though HHS acknowledges that the solutions considered in the paper may be applicable to other markets. HHS recommends further collaboration with the private sector to develop and implement a Manufacturer Resiliency Assessment Program and a Hospital Resilient Supply Program. The new programs would be aimed at increasing transparency in the market, linking purchasing and payment decisions to supply chain resilience practices, and incentivizing investments in supply chain resilience and diversification of the supply chain-including domestic manufacturing-to drive impactful change.

 

HSGAC Chairman Seeks Information on Private Equity Impact on ER Care-Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman Gary Peters (D-Mich.) is requesting information from private equity firms about their impact on emergency department operations. Peters cites patient safety issues raised by emergency physicians about private-equity owned staffing companies and hospitals, highlighting that in some cases “physicians reportedly have been responsible for over 20 beds at a given time and patients routinely had a 16-hour wait time in the emergency department.” Peters also expresses concerns that companies “previously engaged in surprise billing may now consider other cost cutting efforts that more directly risk negatively impacting patient safety and care.” Peters sent letters to Team Health, Envision Healthcare, Apollo Global Management, US Acute Care Solutions, and Lifepoint Health.

 

E&C GOP Requests GAO Report on NIH Handling of National Security Concerns–Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are requesting that the Government Accountability Office “examine the extent to which the National Institutes of Health (NIH) adequately safeguards research funds from national security concerns related to the Chinese military or over the unethical use of human beings in research studies, especially from entities of concern in China.” The lawmakers highlight recent reports about the agency’s ability to screen for national security issues and vet foreign collaborators. They pose a series of questions aimed at better understanding the extent of current vulnerabilities and NIH’s ability to safeguard federal funding.

 

Grijalva Announces Cancer Diagnosis–Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) announced last week that he has been diagnosed with cancer. Grijalva had sought treatment several weeks ago for a persistent cough, which was initially diagnosed as pneumonia. “This diagnosis has been difficult to process, but I am confident in the vigorous course of treatment that my medical team has developed, and I’ve begun my journey to fight this cancer,” he stated. Grijalva does not plan to resign from Congress and will continue to work and run for reelection as he undergoes treatment.

 

Democratic Physicians on the Ballot This November-At least six Democratic doctors are running for the House of Representatives this election cycle, with many of their platforms focused on access to reproductive health and bringing down the cost of health care.

• Minnesota state senator Kelly Morrison, an OB-GYN, is running to replace retiring Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.).
• Arizona state representative Amish Shah, an emergency physician, is running to flip Rep. David Schweikert’s (R-Ariz.) seat.
• Maxine Dexter, a pulmonary and critical care doctor, is running in the Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D).
• Tim Peck, an emergency physician, is running to flip Rep. Erin Houchin’s (R-Ind.) seat.
• Bob Lorinser, a family physician, is running in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s 1^st congressional district, a seat currently held by Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.).
• Kristin Lyerly, an OB-GYN, is unopposed in the Democratic primary in the race to represent Wisconsin’s 8^th congressional district, a seat opened by the retirement of Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.).

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Buck (R), CO (effective March 22, 2024)
Trone (D), MD	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Napolitano (D), CA	McHenry (R), NC
Wexton (D), VA	McCarthy (R), CA (effective Dec. 31, 2023)
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Johnson (R), OH (effective Jan. 21, 2024)
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Sarbanes (D), MD	Curtis (R), UT
Blumenauer (D), OR	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Kilmer (D), WA	Lamborn (R), CO
Spanberger (D), VA	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Kildee (D), MI	Pence (R), IN
Phillips (D), MN	Duncan (R), SC
Cardenas (D), CA	Armstrong (R), ND
Eshoo (D), CA	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Manning (D), NC	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Higgins (D), NY (effective Feb. 2, 2024)
Nickel (D), NC
Ruppersberger (D), MD
Sablan (D), MP
Kuster (D), NH

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the U.S. Agency for International Development;” 2:30 p.m.; April 9

 

Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care hearing “Closing Gaps in the Care Continuum: Opportunities to Improve Substance Use Disorder Care in the Federal Health Programs;” 2:30 p.m.; April 9

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization oversight hearing “VA Supply Chain Modernization: Ready for Prime Time?” 3:00 p.m.; April 9

 

Senate Judiciary Committee hearing “Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property: Part III-IP Protection for AI-Assisted Inventions and Creative Works;” 10:00 a.m.; April 10

 

Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works hearing “Examining the State of Air Quality Monitoring Technology;” 10:00 a.m.; April 10

 

Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing “FY 2025 United States Agency for International Development Budget Request;” 10::00 a.m.; April 10

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Telehealth Services;” 10:00 a.m.; April 10

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security budget hearing “Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the Department of Homeland Security;” 10:00 a.m.; April 10

 

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security;” 2:30 p.m.; April 10

 

Senate Finance Committee hearing “Bolstering Chronic Care through Medicare Physician Payment;” 10:00 a.m.; April 11

 

House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing “Oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration;” 1:00 p.m.; April 11

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs budget hearing “Fiscal Year 2025 Request for the United States Agency for International Development;” 1:30 p.m.; April 11

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security Member Day hearing; 2:00 p.m.; April 11

 

House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing with EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak; time TBD; May 1

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7848-To update the National Action Plan for Adverse Drug Event Prevention to consider advances in pharmacogenomic research and testing, to improve electronic health records for pharmacogenomic information, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Swalwell, Eric [Rep.-D-CA-14]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7834-To improve the licensing requirements for the retail sale of firearms, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Frost, Maxwell [Rep.-D-FL-10]; Committees: House-Judiciary

 

H.R.7855-To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize rural residency planning and development grant programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Caraveo, Yadira [Rep.-D-CO-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7856-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeGette, Diana [Rep.-D-CO-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7858-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Medicare incident to modifier for mental health services furnished through telehealth; Sponsor: James, John [Rep.-R-MI-10]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7863-To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on furnishing behavioral health services via telehealth to individuals with limited English proficiency under Medicare program; Sponsor: Steel, Michelle [Rep.-R-CA-45]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

GAO Releases Report on Federal Improper Payments-The Government Accountability Office has released a new report on government-wide improper payments made in fiscal year 2023, finding that total improper payments declined by $11 billion from the prior fiscal year. According to the report, programs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services accounted for an estimated $100 billion of $236 billion in improper payments across all federal agencies. The Medicare program saw $51.1 billion in improper payments, while the Medicaid program saw $50.3 billion.

 

Wyden, Grassley Seek Details on UNOS Data Breach-Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) last week regarding a November 2023 data breach that gave unauthorized access to at least 1.5 million patient records to Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and DonorNet system users. The lawmakers outline the multiple prior concerns that they have raised regarding UNOS’ data security and its ability to operate critical information technology. Wyden and Grassley criticize UNOS’ “apparent inability to efficiently and effectively operate the OPTN” and request details about the November data breach by April 10.

 

Markey, Warren Push for Field Hearing on For-Profit Health Companies-Massachusetts Senators Ed Markey (D) and Elizabeth Warren (D) are once again calling on the head of a for-profit health system to testify at a field hearing on April 3^rd in their state about the impact of for-profit companies on patient access to health care. The lawmakers sent a letter to the CEO of Steward Health Care Systems following up on their initial invitation to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security last month. “Investing in and operating a health care system includes a responsibility to the public,” the letter states. “You must answer for Steward’s current financial insecurity and its impact on access to health care.”

 

Democrats Comment on Abortion, EMTALA in Amicus Brief-More than 250 congressional Democrats have filed an amicus brief ahead of a case in which Supreme Court justices will consider whether Idaho’s near-total abortion ban is subject to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act’s (EMTALA) requirements that abortion be offered when it constitutes the necessary stabilizing treatment for a pregnant patient experiencing a medical emergency. “If this Court allows Idaho’s near-total abortion ban to supersede federal law, pregnant patients in Idaho will continue to be denied appropriate medical treatment, placing them at heightened risk for medical complications and severe adverse health outcomes,” the brief states. The lawmakers also caution that “health care providers, forced to let Idaho’s abortion law take precedence over their medical judgment about their patients’ best interests, will continue their exile from Idaho, creating maternity-care “deserts” all over the state.” The brief was led by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.); and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.).

 

 

 

White House Releases Memo on Use of AI-The White House released the first government-wide memo for federal departments and agencies on the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The memorandum directs agencies to advance AI governance and innovation while managing risks from the use of AI, particularly those affecting the rights and safety of the public, and follows President Joe Biden’s October 2023 Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. Agencies will be required to designate a chief AI officer within 60 days to coordinate the use of AI with existing officials and organizations within the agency. The memo also outlines requirements for the creation of publicly reported, annual AI use case inventories, including an identification of which use cases are safety-impacting and rights-impacting, and how agencies are working to manage those risks.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) will not seek re-election this year. Kuster has served in Congress since 2013 and currently sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Health Subcommittee. She also chairs the centrist New Democrat Coalition. House Democratic leadership touted Kuster’s leadership in addressing the opioid crisis and lending a voice to survivors of sexual assault following her retirement announcement.

 

A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Buck (R), CO (effective March 22, 2024)
Trone (D), MD	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Napolitano (D), CA	McHenry (R), NC
Wexton (D), VA	McCarthy (R), CA (effective Dec. 31, 2023)
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Johnson (R), OH (effective Jan. 21, 2024)
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Sarbanes (D), MD	Curtis (R), UT
Blumenauer (D), OR	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Kilmer (D), WA	Lamborn (R), CO
Spanberger (D), VA	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Kildee (D), MI	Pence (R), IN
Phillips (D), MN	Duncan (R), SC
Cardenas (D), CA	Armstrong (R), ND
Eshoo (D), CA	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Manning (D), NC	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Higgins (D), NY (effective Feb. 2, 2024)
Nickel (D), NC
Ruppersberger (D), MD
Sablan (D), MP
Kuster (D), NH

 

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee field hearing “When Health Care Becomes Wealth Care: How Corporate Greed Puts Patient Care and Health Workers at Risk;” 11:00 a.m.; April 3

 

Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing “FY 2025 United States Agency for International Development Budget Request;” 10::00 a.m.; April 10 

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

S.Res.625-A resolution recognizing the week of March 17 through March 23, 2024, as “National Poison Prevention Week” and encouraging communities across the United States to raise awareness of the dangers of poisoning and promote poison prevention; Sponsor: Brown, Sherrod [Sen.-D-OH]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.4054-A bill to require entities to meet minimum cybersecurity standards to be eligible for Medicare accelerated and advance payment programs if the reason for the need for such payments is due to a cybersecurity incident; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Cosponsors: (0) Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.4060-A bill to improve maternal health policies in correctional facilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.4063-A bill to establish a State public option through Medicaid to provide Americans with the choice of a high-quality, low-cost health insurance plan; Sponsor: Schatz, Brian [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.4065-A bill to prohibit discrimination in health care and require the provision of equitable health care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Padilla, Alex [Sen.-D-CA]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.7808-To amend title XIX of the Public Health Service Act to provide for prevention and early intervention services under the Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pfluger, August [Rep.-R-TX-11]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7809-To establish a State public option through Medicaid to provide Americans with the choice of a high-quality, low-cost health insurance plan; Sponsor: Schrier, Kim [Rep.-D-WA-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7812-To Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a grant program to support the establishment of a national, toll-free telephone helpline to provide information and assistance to parents, caregivers, and youth to prevent child abuse and strengthen families; Sponsor: Torres, Norma J. [Rep.-D-CA-35]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.7814-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income certain federally subsidized loan repayments for dental school faculty; Sponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7815-To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants to expand and improve maternal health care services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Waters, Maxine [Rep.-D-CA-43]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7820-To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a public health education, awareness, and outreach campaign to enhance access to abortion and related health services. Sponsor: Crockett, Jasmine [Rep.-D-TX-30]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7823-To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a warning label advising that the effects of mifepristone can be counteracted, to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a hotline to provide information to women seeking to counteract the effects of mifepristone, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Miller, Mary E. [Rep.-R-IL-15]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7827-To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to encourage the development of vaccines to prevent, treat, or mitigate opioid, cocaine, methamphetamine, or alcohol use disorder, to establish an x-prize for the development of such a vaccine, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Schweikert, David [Rep.-R-AZ-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7829-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the payment method for oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, to increase beneficiary access to oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Valadao, David G. [Rep.-R-CA-22]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

 

Congress Wraps Up FY2024 Appropriations-Congress has completed work on fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations, passing a $1.2 trillion deal that includes funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and five other spending bills on Friday. The House of Representatives passed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024under suspension of the rules by a vote of 286-134. Early Saturday morning, the bill passed the Senate in a 74-24 vote. The measure increases HHS funding by $955 million over FY 2023 for a total of $117.4 billion. The National Institutes of Health would receive a $300 million increase in base funding for a total of $48.6 billion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would receive $9.2 billion, a $4.5 million increase. The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) maintains its current $1.5 billion funding level. The legislation reauthorizes the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for one year, instead of the traditional five-year reauthorization. The PEPFAR reauthorization does not include the anti-abortion language pushed for by Republicans in the lengthy negotiations that caused the program’s authorization to lapse in October. The spending package includes more than 100 pages of earmarked project funding requested by lawmakers.

 

Shortly following House passage of the government funding bill, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) filed a motion to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). It remains unclear whether her motion to vacate has the support of any additional House Republicans. Greene could demand a vote on the motion at any point the House is in session, and if activated, a vote would have to be called within two legislative days. She has signaled that any effort to bring a Ukraine funding bill to the floor for a vote would cause her to act on her motion. The House and Senate currently stand in recess until the week of April 7.

 

House Passes Preventive Health Savings Act-The House of Representatives passed a bill (H.R. 766) last week that would require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), when requested by Congress, to consider whether legislative proposals would produce savings over a 30-year budget window instead of 10 years in calculating its cost estimates. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Reps. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), aims to ensure that the benefits of preventive care are sufficiently accounted for. Rep. Burgess noted that he has worked on this legislation for over 12 years and that the bill “will provide CBO with a mechanism to analyze the long-term benefits of preventive health care measures while ensuring that we make informed decisions on future health care policy.” It was passed by voice vote. It remains unclear whether the legislation will be taken up for consideration by the Senate.

 

E&C Advances 17 Health Bills-The House Energy and Commerce Committee favorably reported out the following 17 health bills last week.

• R. 619, the NAPA Reauthorization Act was advanced by a vote of 43- 0.
• R. 620, the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act was advanced by vote of 43-0.
• R. 7218, the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act of 2024 was advanced by a vote of 44-0.
• R. 4581, the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024 was advanced by a vote of 44-0.
• R. 2706, the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act was advanced by a vote of 46-0.
• R. 4646, the SIREN Reauthorization Act was advanced by a vote of 46-0.
• R. 6160, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a lifespan respite care program, was advanced by a vote of 46-0.
• R. 6960, the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024 was advanced by a vote of 48-0.
• R. 7153, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act was advanced by a vote of 48-0.
• R. 7251, the Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 was advanced by a vote of 47-0.
• R. 7224, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program, was advanced by a vote of 45-0.
• R. 7208, the Dennis John Beningo Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024 was advanced by a vote of 44-0.
• R. 6829, the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, and Research, and AED Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2024 was advanced by a vote of 42-0.
• R. 7189, the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 was advanced by a vote of 43-0.
• R. 7406, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 was advanced by a vote of 45-0.
• R. 3916, the SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2024 was advanced by a vote of 46-0.
• R. 5074, the Kidney PATIENT Act was the only bill to not receive unanimous support, advancing by a vote of 36-10. Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) expressed concerns that the legislation, which would delay implementation of the inclusion of oral-only end-stage renal disease (ESRD) related drugs in the Medicare ESRD prospective payment system, would negatively impact access to care and increase costs.

 

 

Democrats Push CFPB to Revise Handling of Medical Debt-A group of Democrats in the Senate have sent a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) urging the agency to move forward with proposals to protect Americans from predatory medical debt collection practices. “Medical debt does not reflect spending habits or help lenders predict risk; instead, it is evidence of either health issues or a medical emergency,” the letter states. “We ask the CFPB to take concrete steps towards tackling the problems surrounding medical debt through proposing rules to further protect patients’ finances, dignity, and health.” CFPB proposed in September 2023 to remove medical debt from consumer credit reports. The senators also express support for eliminating deferred interest in medical credit products, and prohibiting unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices that target patients who either hold medical debt or need financing for medical care. The letter was signed by Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Chair Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.).

 

 

 

Warren, Rubio Press DoD on Pharmaceutical Supply Chain-Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) sent a letter to Pentagon leadership last week expressing concerns about the nation’s reliance on foreign countries for essential medicines. The lawmakers cite a new report finding that more than one in four U.S.-designated essential medicines are considered very high risk by the military because they are dependent on key ingredients made in China or by unknown sources. Warren and Rubio ask for information about what drug shortages the Department of Defense (DoD) has experienced and efforts to evaluate risks to the supply chain.

 

Bipartisan Investigation into High-Risk Research Announced-The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) is launching a bipartisan investigation into the national security threats posed by high-risk biological research and technology in the U.S. and abroad. The panel plans to hold hearings and conduct government-wide oversight on high-risk life science research, biodefense, synthetic biology, biosafety and biosecurity lapses, early warning capabilities for emerging outbreaks or possible attacks, and the potential origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Rand Paul (R-Ky.) aim to identify measures to mitigate existing and emerging risks that could cause serious incidents, whether intentional, accidental, or natural.

 

Senate Democrats Comment on Pandemic Accord Negotiations-Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) led a group of 12 Democrats in sending a letter to the Biden administration requesting that the White House prioritize equitable access to vaccines, tests, and treatments as a part of ongoing negotiations of the Pandemic Accord at the World Health Organization. The lawmakers express support for the inclusion of pricing-related provisions to apply to any products developed with public funding during a pandemic, and the sharing of intellectual property and technology with other countries during future public health emergencies. “A fairer, more equitable response to the next public health outbreak is in everyone’s interest,” the letter states.

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) seat in the House of Representatives will remain vacant for another two months. CA state Rep. Vince Fong (R) failed to receive 50% of the votes in Tuesday’s special election and will face a runoff election in May.

 

Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) announced that she is stepping down as chair of the House Appropriations Committee. She has requested that the House GOP Steering Committee and Conference choose a new chair for the remainder of the 118^th Congress. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) has said he is seeking to replace Granger as the next committee chair. Reportedly, Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), current LHHS Subcommittee chairman, is also expected to run for the position. Rep. Granger will remain on the committee as Chair Emeritus.

 

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) plans to resign from Congress effective April 19. Gallagher had previously announced that he would not be seeking reelection in November, but his decision to leave the chamber before his term is up further shrinks Republicans’ already narrow majority in the House.

 

A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Buck (R), CO (effective March 22, 2024)
Trone (D), MD	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Napolitano (D), CA	McHenry (R), NC
Wexton (D), VA	McCarthy (R), CA (effective Dec. 31, 2023)
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Johnson (R), OH (effective Jan. 21, 2024)
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Sarbanes (D), MD	Curtis (R), UT
Blumenauer (D), OR	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Kilmer (D), WA	Lamborn (R), CO
Spanberger (D), VA	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Kildee (D), MI	Pence (R), IN
Phillips (D), MN	Duncan (R), SC
Cardenas (D), CA	Armstrong (R), ND
Eshoo (D), CA	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Manning (D), NC	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Higgins (D), NY (effective Feb. 2, 2024)
Nickel (D), NC
Ruppersberger (D), MD
Sablan (D), MP

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7709-To establish a strategic active pharmaceutical ingredient reserve to maintain a domestic supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients and key starting materials needed for the manufacturing of essential generic medicines, and to build a pipeline for domestic active pharmaceutical ingredient production. Sponsor: Spanberger, Abigail Davis [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7708-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require MA organizations offering network-based plans to maintain an accurate provider directory, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Panetta, Jimmy [Rep.-D-CA-19]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7693-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat distributions from health savings accounts for funeral expenses of the account beneficiary as qualified distributions. Sponsor: Hern, Kevin [Rep.-R-OK-1]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.R.7688-To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Project ECHO Grant Program, to establish grants under such program to disseminate knowledge and build capacity to address Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1083-Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States. Sponsor: Moore, Gwen [Rep.-D-WI-4]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Armed Services

 

H.Res.1081-Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a Committee on Health as a standing committee of the House. Sponsor: Davidson, Warren [Rep.-R-OH-8]; Committees: House-Rules

 

S.Res.594-A resolution designating April 17, 2024, as “National Assistive Technology Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Casey, Robert P., Jr. [Sen.-D-PA]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.3967-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Scott, Tim [Sen.-R-SC]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3968-A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide community-based training opportunities for medical students in rural areas and medically under-served communities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wicker, Roger F. [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3975-A bill to require companies to receive consent from consumers to having their data used to train an artificial intelligence system; Sponsor: Welch, Peter [Sen.-D-VT]; Committees: Senate-Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.3977-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect beneficiaries with limb loss and other orthopedic conditions by providing access to appropriate, safe, effective, patient-centered orthotic and prosthetic care; to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse with respect to orthotics and prosthetics, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3979-A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate-Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3981-A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a program of research, training, and investigation related to Down syndrome, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hickenlooper, John W. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.1089-Recognizing the seriousness of widespread health care worker burnout in the United States and the need to strengthen health workforce well-being, and expressing support for the designation of March 18, 2024, as the inaugural “Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness”; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1090-Supporting the designation of the first week of April as “Adolescent Immunization Action Week” and recognizing the importance of encouraging vaccination for adolescents and young adults to protect against serious illness; Sponsor: Espaillat, Adriano [Rep.-D-NY-13]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1094-Recognizing the significance of Sjogren’s as a serious and systemic autoimmune disease and designating April as “Sjogren’s Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Morelle, Joseph D. [Rep.-D-NY-25]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7711-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7714-To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to make grants to States to increase awareness and education for colorectal cancer and improve early detection of colorectal cancer in young individuals, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Caraveo, Yadira [Rep.-D-CO-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7715-To authorize additional funding for Food and Drug Administration monitoring and prevention of illicit nicotine products at ports of entry, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gallego, Ruben [Rep.-D-AZ-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7716-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for enforcement of standards for reasonable and relevant contract terms and conditions and essential retail pharmacy protections under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Gallego, Ruben [Rep.-D-AZ-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7717-To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to enhance pharmacy benefit manager transparency requirements; Sponsor: Gallego, Ruben [Rep.-D-AZ-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7718-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assure pharmacy access and choice for Medicare beneficiaries; Sponsor: Gallego, Ruben [Rep.-D-AZ-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7720-To permit the Byrne JAG grant to be used for the purchase of fentanyl testing kits and opioid reversal agents; Sponsor: Kean, Thomas H. [Rep.-R-NJ-7]; Committees: House-Judiciary

 

H.R.7725-To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit graduate medical schools from receiving Federal financial assistance if such schools adopt certain policies and requirements relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

S.Res.605-A resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and its critical role in improving the dental, oral, and craniofacial health of the United States through research, training, and the dissemination of health information; Sponsor: Cardin, Benjamin L. [Sen.-D-MD]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.3983-A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a grant program to increase capacity for providing abortion services and other sexual and reproductive health care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hirono, Mazie K. [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3997-A bill to prioritize funding for an expanded and sustained national investment in basic science research; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.7738-To establish the Toxic Exposure Fund of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bost, Mike [Rep.-R-IL-12]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs; Rules; Budget

 

H.R.7742-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a 2-year demonstration program for hospitals to provide outpatient observation services to Medicare beneficiaries at home; Sponsor: Castor, Kathy [Rep.-D-FL-14]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7745-To prioritize funding for an expanded and sustained national investment in basic science research, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Foster, Bill [Rep.-D-IL-11]; Committees: House-Science, Space, and Technology; Armed Services; Budget

 

S.4009-A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to offer annual preventative health evaluations to veterans with a spinal cord injury or disorder and increase access to assistive technologies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate-Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.4013-A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.4023-A bill to further protect patients and improve the accuracy of provider directory information by eliminating ghost networks; Sponsor: Smith, Tina [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4031-A bill to authorize the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to award grants to expand or create health care provider pipeline programs; Sponsor: Heinrich, Martin [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4035-A bill to require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to take certain actions with respect to the health insurance program carried out under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate-Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

S.4041-A bill to support local educational agencies in addressing the student mental health crisis; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4045-A bill to require a study on public health impacts as a consequence of the February 3, 2023, train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio; Sponsor: Vance, J. D. [Sen.-R-OH]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4046-A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify authorities relating to the collective bargaining of employees in the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Brown, Sherrod [Sen.-D-OH]; Committees: Senate-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.7765-To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to use weapon screening technology at medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Williams, Brandon [Rep.-R-NY-22]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.7788-To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Soto, Darren [Rep.-D-FL-9]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce; Budget

President Releases FY 2025 Budget Proposal-The Biden administration released its fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget proposal last week. The $7.3 trillion budget calls for more than $1.6 trillion in base discretionary spending, including $621 billion for non-defense related programs, and would reduce the deficit by $3 trillion over the next decade. The budget request would increase discretionary spending at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by $5 billion over FY 2023 for a total of $133.8 billion. The budget keeps in place for FY 2025 the discretionary spending caps agreed to with Congress in last year’s debt ceiling deal.

 

The President’s budget represents the White House’s current priorities and a vision for a potential second term, with most proposals standing little chance of becoming law in the currently divided Congress. Notable health-related proposals contained in the budget include:

• Raising the Medicare tax rate on those earning more than $400,000 from 3.8% to 5% to extend the solvency of the Medicare program;
• Expanding the number of drugs subject to Medicare price negotiation, and speeding the price negotiation process;
• Extending Medicare’s $2,000 per year out of pocket cap on drug spending and the $35 insulin cap to commercial insurance;
• Limiting Medicare Part D cost-sharing for expensive generic drugs to $2;
• Expanding domestic manufacturing capacity of medical countermeasures;
• Expanding end-to-end supply chain visibility to prepare for and mitigate potential drug shortages;
• Permanently expanding the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits;
• Providing “Medicaid-like” coverage for eligible individuals in the 10 states that have yet to expand their programs;
• Allowing states to expand continuous Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility from 12 months to 36 months, and prohibiting premiums and enrollment fees in CHIP;
• Providing new funding to support states in enforcing current mental health parity requirements;
• Mandating that insurers cover three behavioral health visits and three primary care visits annually without cost-sharing;
• Expanding access to the HIV prevention drug PrEP for uninsured individuals and those on Medicaid;
• Prohibiting facility fees for telehealth services;
• Penalizing hospitals that do not adopt minimum cybersecurity standards, while providing incentives for cybersecurity upgrades and support for low-resourced hospitals to increase their cybersecurity;
• Recategorizing funding for nursing home surveys from discretionary to mandatory beginning in 2026 and increasing funding to cover the full cost of statutorily mandated surveys; and
• Expanding the Title X family planning program.

 

HHS FY 2024 Funding Deadline Approaches-Congress has through Friday, March 22 to pass the remaining six appropriations bills for FY 2024. Funding for the departments of Homeland Security, Defense, State, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Education, and Labor was not included in the $460 billion appropriations package passed by Congress earlier this month. The most recent reports indicate that the next government funding package will not include health care policy riders addressing issues likes pharmacy benefit manager reform or hospital transparency. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) stated its prediction last week that nondefense discretionary spending will not be subject to sequestration even if lawmakers fail to pass the six remaining appropriations bills for FY 2024 by the end of April because nondefense funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 and the continuing resolution is $3 billion below the section 102 nondefense cap. Defense programs could still face a 1% spending cut, which could amount to a reduction totaling $11 billion. The debt limit agreement reached between the President and House Republican leadership last year included a provision to subject defense and nondefense programs to a 1% across-the-board cut to all discretionary spending if Congress did not complete FY 2024 appropriations by an April 30 deadline. Lawmakers have successfully passed six of the annual 12 government funding bills. CBO predicts that those funding bills, along with the specifics of the current stopgap spending measure funding the remaining parts of the federal government, equate to more than a 1% cut to base nondefense discretionary spending, which could shield nondefense programs from sequestration. The agency qualified that the authority to determine whether sequestration is required ultimately lies with the Office of Management and Budget.

 

Lankford Blocks VA IVF Legislation-Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) blocked legislation that would expand veterans’ access to in vitro fertilization last week. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) sought to pass her bill (S. 2801), which would have removed a requirement that veterans must have a service-related injury or illness to access the procedure, by unanimous consent. Lankford expressed concerns about the legislation’s “overly broad definitions,” including its definition of infertility, and noted his support for moving the bill through the committee process. The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that it would lift a requirement that veterans be married to receive in vitro fertilization.

 

E&C Health Subcommittee Advances 19 Bills-The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health advanced 19 bipartisan bills during a markup on Tuesday.

• H.R. 619, theNAPA Reauthorization Act was advanced, as amended, by a roll call vote of 26-0.
• H.R. 620, theAlzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act was advanced by a roll call vote of 26-0.
• H.R. 7218, theBuilding Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act of 2024 was advanced by a roll call vote of 25-0.
• H.R. 4581, theMaternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023 was advanced by a roll call vote of 25-0.
• H.R. 4646, theSIREN Reauthorization Act was advanced by a roll call vote of 24-0.
• H.R. 6160, to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a lifespan respite care program, was advanced by a roll call vote of 25-0.
• H.R. 6960, theEmergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024 was advanced by a roll call vote of 23-0.
• H.R. 7153, theDr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act was advanced by a roll call vote of 25-0.
• H.R. 7251, thePoison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 was advanced by a roll call vote of 23-0.
• H.R. 7224, to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program, was advanced by a roll call vote of 24-0.
• H.R. 6829, theCardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in the Schools Act of 2023 was advanced by a roll call vote of 24-0.
• H.R. 7189, theCongenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 was advanced by a roll call vote of 24-0.
• H.R. 3916, theSCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023 was advanced by a roll call vote of 24-0.
• H.R. 2706, theCharlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act was advanced by voice vote.
• H.R. 5012, theSHINE for Autumn Act of 2023 was advanced by voice vote.
• H.R. 7208, theTraumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024 was advanced by voice vote.
• H.R. 7406, theDeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 was advanced by voice vote.

• R. 5074, theKidney PATIENT Act, was advanced by a roll call vote of 16-10. Full committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) expressed concerns that the legislation, which would delay implementation of the inclusion of oral-only end-stage renal disease (ESRD) related drugs in the Medicare ESRD prospective payment system, would negatively impact access to care and increase costs.
• R. 5526, theSeniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2023, was advanced by a roll call vote of 19-6. Ranking Member Pallone was joined by several other panel Democrats in voting against the bill, which would permanently allow independent doctors to send prescriptions via mail, due to concerns about the risk of fraud.

 

Hassan Urges UnitedHealth to Better Support Providers Impacted by Cyberattack-Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) has sent a letter urging UnitedHealth Group and Optum to take immediate steps to better support health care providers impacted by the February 21 cyberattack on Change Healthcare. She asserts that the structure of the current funding assistance program in place has discouraged providers from applying, and makes recommendations to address the Temporary Funding Assistance Program’s (TFAP) calculation for financial assistance and loan agreement. “As this weeks-long disruption continues, many providers are approaching a financial cliff that could endanger the availability of care,” the letter states. “In order to fulfill its obligation to its clients and the patients they serve, I urge UnitedHealth Group to immediately expand and revise its TFAP.”

 

Finance, HELP Leadership Push Agencies to Address Surprise Costs Related to Preventive Services-Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have sent a letter to federal agencies urging them to issue guidance for insurers to protect patients against surprise cost-sharing. The letter follows reports of individuals with private health insurance plans receiving surprise bills for equipment and facility fees for certain preventive services that should be, under law, covered by their insurance. The lawmakers urge the U.S. departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor to issue clarifying guidance to protect patients from being charged cost-sharing when they receive recommended preventive services and to address inappropriate charges for services that are integral to their care. “Health plans should be accountable for ensuring that preventive services are covered without cost sharing in accordance with the law,” Wyden and Sanders wrote. “Patients should not have to appeal these charges and be deterred from seeking preventive services.” The lawmakers also encourage the Biden administration to investigate and audit health insurers participating in the federal marketplace and employer-sponsored plans to ensure that the appropriate preventive services are covered without cost-sharing.

 

Cassidy Issues RFI on Regulation of Clinical Tests-Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has requested information from stakeholders on ways to improve the regulation of clinical tests in the United States. Cassidy poses a series of 20 questions covering both the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed regulatory framework for diagnostics and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments regulatory framework for laboratory developed tests. The feedback received will be used to determine how Congress can modernize current regulations to support innovation while ensuring clinical tests are safe and effective to use. Responses should be submitted to [email protected] by April 3, 2024.

 

 

Bucshon Aims to Enact Medicare Reforms Before Year’s End-Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind.) believes reforms to the Medicare physician payment system are possible before the end of the year. In remarks made at POLITICO’s Health Care Summit last week, Bucshon stated that it was his goal to “address the reimbursement issues at CMS” before he retires at the end of this Congress. Potential reforms include changes to how physicians are reimbursed by the Medicare program and additional transparency requirements aimed at lowering prices across the health care system.

 

MedPAC, MACPAC Release March Reports to Congress-The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has released its annual March report to Congress. In addition to the Commission’s recommended provider payment updates for 2025, the report contains a recommendation on providing additional resources to Medicare safety-net hospitals and to clinicians who furnish care to fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with low incomes. The report also contains chapters describing recent trends in enrollment, plan offerings, and payments to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and discusses related MA issues such as coding intensity, favorable selection, and market concentration.

 

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) also released its March report to Congress last week containing recommendations on ways to improve Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This year’s report focuses on how state Medicaid agencies can improve beneficiary engagement on Medical Care Advisory Committees (MCACs) and actions the federal government can take to aid states, recommending the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issue guidance focused on specific state concerns related to implementation challenges. The recommendations also call on state Medicaid agencies to develop a plan to recruit beneficiary members from historically marginalized communities as well as to develop and implement policies that reduce beneficiary participation barriers. The report also focuses on the monitoring and oversight of denials and appeals in Medicaid managed care and makes recommendations to improve the transparency of denials and appeals as well as the beneficiary experience with the appeals process.

 

USPSTF Appoints New Chair, Vice Chair-The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has announced the appointments of a new chair and vice chair, Wanda Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., and John Wong, M.D., MACP, respectively. Dr. Nicholson is a senior associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion, director of the Office of Inclusive Excellence, and professor of prevention and community health at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. She is an obstetrician-gynecologist with expertise in perinatal and women’s population health and health equity. Dr. Wong is vice chair for academic affairs, chief of the Division of Clinical Decision Making, and a primary care clinician in the Department of Medicine at Tufts Medical Center. He is also director of comparative effectiveness research for the Tufts Clinical Translational Science Institute and a distinguished professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine and the Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) will retire from Congress effective March 22. Buck, who had already announced that he would not be running for reelection in November, did not give a reason for resigning early. Buck is a member of the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees. The June 25 special election to fill Buck’s vacant seat will coincide with the Republican primary for the full two-year term.

 

Rep. John James (R-Mich.) has filled the open seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee following the retirement of Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) in January. “I congratulate Rep. James on becoming the newest member of the Energy and Commerce Committee-the best Committee on Capitol Hill,” Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) stated. “I welcome his experience and perspective as a veteran and businessman as we continue working to deliver solutions to improve the lives of the American people.”

 

A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Buck (R), CO (effective March 22, 2024)
Trone (D), MD	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Napolitano (D), CA	McHenry (R), NC
Wexton (D), VA	McCarthy (R), CA (effective Dec. 31, 2023)
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Johnson (R), OH (effective Jan. 21, 2024)
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Sarbanes (D), MD	Curtis (R), UT
Blumenauer (D), OR	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Kilmer (D), WA	Lamborn (R), CO
Spanberger (D), VA	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Kildee (D), MI	Pence (R), IN
Phillips (D), MN	Duncan (R), SC
Cardenas (D), CA	Armstrong (R), ND
Eshoo (D), CA	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Manning (D), NC	Gallagher (R), WI
Higgins (D), NY (effective Feb. 2, 2024)
Nickel (D), NC
Ruppersberger (D), MD
Sablan (D), MP

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Ways and Means Committee field hearing “Access to Health Care in America: Ensuring Resilient Emergency Medical Care;” 2:00 p.m.; Denton, TX; March 18

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, hearing “Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of Health and Human Services;” 10:00 a.m.; March 20

 

House Ways and Means Committee hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra; 2:00 p.m.; March 20

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Evaluating Approaches to Diagnostic Test Regulation and the Impact of the FDA’s Proposed Rule;” 10:00 a.m.; March 21

 

House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation hearing “White House Overreach on AI;” 10:00 a.m.; March 21

 

House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing “Assessing America’s Vaccine Safety Systems, Part 2;” 2:00 p.m.; March 21

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health hearing on pending legislation; 2:00 p.m.; March 21

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7591-To establish the National Patient Safety Board; Sponsor: Barragan, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.7596-To direct the Secretaries of Defense and of Veterans Affairs to take certain steps regarding research related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life women’s health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Houlahan, Chrissy [Rep.-D-PA-6]; Committees: House-Armed Services; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.7599-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the eligibility for designation as a rural emergency hospital under the Medicare program; Sponsor: LaTurner, Jake [Rep.-R-KS-2]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.R.7605-To address the worsening long-term care workforce crisis and increase access to and affordability of long-term care; Sponsor: Trahan, Lori [Rep.-D-MA-3]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce; Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.586-A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of “Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

H.R.7618-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include physical therapists and occupational therapists as health professionals for purposes of the annual wellness visit under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7619-To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to States on strategies under Medicaid and CHIP to increase mental health and substance use disorder care provider education, training, recruitment, and retention; Sponsor: Neguse, Joe [Rep.-D-CO-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

S.3921-A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a higher Federal matching rate for increased expenditures under Medicaid for behavioral health services (including those related to mental health and substance use), and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Tina [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3932-A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the Treasury from finalizing a rule proposing restrictions on short-term limited duration insurance, and to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to define such insurance; Sponsor: Kennedy, John [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.7623-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7635-To amend title III of the Social Security Act to ensure the accessibility of drugs furnished under the 340B drug discount program; Sponsor: Matsui, Doris O. [Rep.-D-CA-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7641-To prohibit the inclusion of mandatory predispute arbitration clauses and clauses limiting class action lawsuits in health insurance contracts; Sponsor: Porter, Katie [Rep.-D-CA-47]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and the Workforce

 

H.Res.1078-Recognizing the 75th anniversary of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and its critical role in improving the dental, oral, and craniofacial health of the United States through research, training, and the dissemination of health information; Sponsor: Babin, Brian [Rep.-R-TX-36]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7647-To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide guidance to State Medicaid agencies, public housing agencies, Continuums of Care, and housing finance agencies on connecting Medicaid beneficiaries with housing-related services and supports under Medicaid and other housing resources, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barragan, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Financial Services

 

H.R.7652-To increase oversight and transparency with respect to Medicare billing codes; Sponsor: Ciscomani, Juan [Rep.-R-AZ-6]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7657-To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to revise a certain directive of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Finstad, Brad [Rep.-R-MN-1]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.7665-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the way beneficiaries are assigned under the Medicare shared savings program by also basing such assignment on primary care services furnished by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists; Sponsor: Kilmer, Derek [Rep.-D-WA-6]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7669-To make States ineligible for funding through the State Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant program if the States prohibit a licensed physician from performing in vitro fertilization for an individual experiencing medical hardship in conceiving a child, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Luna, Anna Paulina [Rep.-R-FL-13]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7677-To prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the Treasury from finalizing a rule proposing restrictions on short-term limited duration insurance, and to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to define such insurance; Sponsor: Self, Keith [Rep.-R-TX-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.7681-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the exemption for telehealth services from certain high deductible health plan rules, to establish a safe harbor for high deductible health plans with no deductible for certain primary care services, and to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effects of such safe harbor; Sponsor: Wenstrup, Brad R. [Rep.-R-OH-2]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.R.7682-To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to increase under the Medicaid program the minimum monthly personal needs allowance for institutionalized individuals and couples, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wexton, Jennifer [Rep.-D-VA-10]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.588-A resolution recognizing March 14, 2024, as “Black Midwives Day”; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.590-A resolution designating March 15, 2024, as “Long COVID Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Sanders, Bernard [Sen.-I-VT]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.J.Res.65-A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter”; Sponsor: McConnell, Mitch [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate-Environment and Public Works

 

S.3934-A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project to increase access to biosimilar biological products under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3939-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the way beneficiaries are assigned under the Medicare shared savings program by also basing such assignment on primary care services furnished by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists; Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3949-A bill to amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to ensure protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and their families; Sponsor: Butler, Laphonza R. [Sen.-D-CA]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3950-A bill to provide States with support to establish integrated care programs for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3951-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for adjustments to the Medicare part D cost-sharing reductions for low-income individuals; Sponsor: Casey, Robert P., Jr. [Sen.-D-PA]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3953-A bill to make demonstration grants to eligible local educational agencies or consortia of eligible local educational agencies for the purpose of increasing the numbers of school nurses in public elementary schools and secondary schools; Sponsor: Tester, Jon [Sen.-D-MT]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3958-A bill to require the Interagency Working Group on Toxic Exposure to conduct research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of descendants of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tester, Jon [Sen.-D-MT]; Committees: Senate-Veterans’ Affairs

President Biden Delivers State of the Union Address-President Joe Biden delivered his third State of the Union address on Thursday. During his speech, the President touched on a number of health care issues, focusing particularly on the cost of prescription drugs and reproductive health care. He called on Congress to expand the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare drug price negotiation program and give Medicare the power to increase the number of drugs eligible for negotiation from the current ten drugs to 500 drugs over the next decade. The President argued that this change “will not only save lives, it will save taxpayers another $200 billion.” He also wishes to cap Medicare co-payments and limit annual out-of-pocket prescription drug spending at $2,000 a year for all Americans, even those with private insurance, and to extend the price cap on insulin to the private insurance market. The President called on Congress to pass federal legislation protecting abortion rights and guaranteeing nationwide access to in vitro fertilization. He also asked lawmakers to support $12 billion for women’s health research, highlighting the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research that he launched last November, and also called for continued support on Capitol Hill for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).

 

President Signs Government Funding Package With Medicare Physician Payment Provision-Congress passed a $460 billion appropriations package last week including fiscal year 2024 funding for Agriculture-Food and Drug Administration; Transportation-Housing and Urban Development; Veterans Affairs; Energy; Commerce-Justice; and the Interior. The measure passed the House of Representatives in a 339-85 vote on Wednesday before being approved by the Senate in a 75-22 vote on Friday, thwarting a partial government shutdown set to occur at midnight. The funding agreement includes a provision addressing the Medicare physician cut that went into effect on January 1. The provision leaves in place the full Medicare physician cut of 3.37% (relative to 2023 payments) from January 1-March 8, and then, from March 9 through December 31, 2024, subjects physicians to a 1.77% cut (relative to 2023 payments). This results in physicians receiving a more than 2% cut in Medicare reimbursements in 2024 (annualized) relative to 2023. Lawmakers continue negotiations on an agreement for the remaining six appropriations bills, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Congress has until March 22 to fund those remaining portions of the federal government.

 

CMS Announces Advanced Payments in Response to Clearinghouse Cyberattack-The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has expanded the types of providers eligible to receive advanced payment under Federal health programs to support them in the wake of the Change Healthcare cyberattack. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) had previously announced that it would consider applications for accelerated payments from Medicare Part A providers; on Saturday, CMS expanded their notice to include Part B providers as well. Affected providers can apply to receive 30 days of relief to be repaid at a later date. For more information, please see the CMS Fact Sheet. However, it remains unclear how much money is available for accelerated payments. CMS is also instructing Medicare contractors to accept paper claims and expedite provider requests to switch to a different processing platform, and is encouraging Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans to also make prospective payments to impacted providers, as well as to relax their prior authorization requirements.

 

House Passes Seven Health Bills-The House of Representatives passed a slate of health care related legislation last week under suspension of the rules. The following bills have been sent to the Senate for further consideration.

• The Action for Dental Health Act (H.R.3843) passed 391-32.
• The Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act (H.R.3838) passed 382-12.
• The END FENTANYL Act (S.206) passed by voice vote.
• The Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act (H.R.3821) passed 413-7.
• The Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act, as amended (H.R.3836) passed by voice vote.
• The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act (H.R.3391) passed 384-4.
• The 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R.498) passed by voice vote.

 

Latest Health Legislation Advanced Out of Committee-The House Ways and Means Committee advanced several pieces of health care related legislation last week. The Protecting America’s Seniors’ Access to Care Act (H.R. 7513) blocks the Biden administration’s proposed nursing home staffing mandate. The bill was advanced in a 26-17 vote, largely along party lines. The Kidney PATIENT Act (H.R.5074) would allow end-stage renal disease patients to access oral-only drugs using Medicare Part D. It was advanced in a 41-1 vote. The Real Time Benefit Tool Implementation Act (H.R.7512) would require CMS to implement a prescriber real-time benefit tool by January 1, 2027. It was advanced in a 42-0 vote.

 

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced legislation last week that would limit contracting with certain Chinese biotech companies in an attempt to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring Americans’ genetic data. The Prohibiting Foreign Access to American Genetic Information Act of 2024(S.3558) would bar biotech companies controlled by a foreign adversary’s government from obtaining federal contracts. It was advanced in an 11-1 vote. Ranking Member Rand Paul (R-KY) voted against the legislation, expressing concerns that it could raise costs for consumers. In related news, Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Mike Gallagher (R-WI) is requesting that Attorney General Merrick Garland review the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s lobbying on behalf of WuXi Apptec in relation to the Foreign Agent Registration Act. WuXi AppTec is a global pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Gallagher suggests that the Attorney General recommend that Congress require trade associations lobbying on behalf of companies posing a national security risk register as foreign agents.

 

Senate Dems Comment on Medicare Advantage Program-A group of Senate Democrats have sent a letter to the Biden administration highlighting challenges and proposed reforms to strengthen the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. The lawmakers urge CMS to:

• Ensure that insurance companies do not prevent older adults and people with disabilities from getting care by putting up obstacles, including onerous prior authorizations, AI algorithms, or limited networks;
• Strengthen provider encounter and patient data collection and transparency to improve public understanding of the effects of insurer-run MA plans on patients and the Medicare program;
• Rein in overpayments to insurers in MA by adjusting benchmarks to compensate for favorable selection and cracking down on deceptive tactics by private insurance companies, including upcoding;
• Address misleading and deceptive marketing practices; and
• Strengthen Medicare for everyone through administrative action, such as by lowering Medicare premiums, and support legislative efforts to expand Medicare benefits, cap out- of-pocket (OOP) costs in TM, and adjust the physician fee schedule to account for increases in provider costs.

HELP Ranking Member Cassidy Cautions NIH Against Use of March-In Rights-Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and sixteen Senate Republicans have sent a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Monica Bertagnolli detailing concerns with the administration’s proposal to exercise march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act to reign in drug prices. “A short-sighted decision to exercise march-in rights would work against your stated goal and jeopardize patient access by discouraging individuals from partnering with NIH to develop new cures and treatments,” the letter states. “Not only will this hurt patients, but it will also diminish the return the public gets on the investments Congress makes in NIH each year-something we should all seek to optimize… Agencies, including NIH, should not abuse their authorities to illegally seize intellectual property, and in the process jeopardize the valuable public-private partnerships that make our biomedical research enterprise the best in the world.” The Senators are also requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) review whether the administration’s proposal meets the definition of a rule under the Congressional Review Act, thus making it possible to be overturned by Congress under a resolution of disapproval.

 

Stakeholder Input Requested on Older Americans Act-Bipartisan leadership of the Senate HELP Committee issued a request for input from stakeholders as they work to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA). Current authority for the OAA expires on September 30, 2024. The committee is seeking responses on several targeted questions to better understand the impact of the flexibilities granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Written responses are due by March 21, 2024 and should be submitted to [email protected].

 

Republicans Seek HHS Briefing on Medicare Catheter Billing Fraud-Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Oversight and Accountability committees were joined by the GOP Doctors Caucus leadership in requesting a briefing from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials regarding the steps that are being taken to address an alleged catheter billing fraud and how to prevent its reoccurrence. The scheme is estimated to have affected over 450,000 Medicare beneficiaries and totaled at least $2 billion. “If public reports about the apparent ease with which this fraud was perpetrated are accurate, they raise questions about the efficacy of current Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the HHS Office of the Inspector General fraud detection and prevention measures,” the letter states. The lawmakers also highlight stakeholder concerns that a similar increase in fraud has occurred in diabetes supplies, which may be evidence of a new fraud against the Medicare program.

 

Barrasso Announces Bid for Senate GOP Whip-Senate GOP Conference Chair John Barrasso, MD (R-WY), an orthopaedic surgeon, has announced that he will run for Senate Republican whip, the number two spot in Senate GOP leadership. Barrasso was one of the “Three Johns” considered potential candidates to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) following his announcement that he would step down as Senate GOP leader at the end of this Congress. Former GOP whip John Cornyn (TX) and current GOP whip John Thune (SD) have each confirmed that they will run for the conference’s top post.

 

GAO Issues Report on Biomedical Research Duplication-The GAO has released a new report on actions that are needed to address biomedical research duplication at different HHS agencies. It is the first in a series of reports examining research activities at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), NIH, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and Food and Drug Administration. The report was mandated by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. GAO outlines the practices in place to avoid unnecessary research duplication, including reviewing project and funding information provided by applicants, consulting with experts and other agencies, and using databases to identify potentially overlapping research.

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) announced that she will not run for a second term in the U.S. Senate this November. Her retirement from office leaves Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Kari Lake (R) in the race for the Arizona Senate seat. Sinema currently sits on the Appropriations; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Veterans’ Affairs committees.

 

According to recent press reports, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) will not seek reelection this year. Menendez was indicted last week on 12 new felony charges, including bribery and extortion, and has not taken steps to collect the 1,000 petition signatures he needs to get on the ballot ahead of the state’s June 4 Democratic primary. The three-term senator currently serves on the Senate Finance Committee. U.S. Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ-03) and New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy are the frontrunners in the race for Menendez’s seat.

 

A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Buck (R), CO
Trone (D), MD	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Napolitano (D), CA	McHenry (R), NC
Wexton (D), VA	McCarthy (R), CA (effective Dec. 31, 2023)
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Johnson (R), OH (effective Jan. 21, 2024)
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Sarbanes (D), MD	Curtis (R), UT
Blumenauer (D), OR	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Kilmer (D), WA	Lamborn (R), CO
Spanberger (D), VA	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Kildee (D), MI	Pence (R), IN
Phillips (D), MN	Duncan (R), SC
Cardenas (D), CA	Armstrong (R), ND
Eshoo (D), CA	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Manning (D), NC	Gallagher (R), WI
Higgins (D), NY (effective Feb. 2, 2024)
Nickel (D), NC
Ruppersberger (D), MD
Sablan (D), MP

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee markup of 19 legislative proposals to improve the health and wellbeing of patients and caregivers; 10:00 a.m.; March 12

 

House Ways and Means Committee hearing “Enhancing Access to Care at Home in Rural and Underserved Communities;” 11:00 a.m.; March 12

 

Senate Finance Committee hearing to examine the President’s proposed budget request for fiscal year 2025 for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 10:00 a.m.; March 14

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7516-To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to address liability for payment of charges or costs associated with provision of purchased/referred care services, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Johnson, Dusty [Rep.-R-SD-At Large]; Committees: House – Natural Resources; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7515-To amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to delay the inclusion in consumer credit reports and to establish requirements for debt collectors with respect to medical debt information of Native Americans due to inappropriate or delayed billing payments or reimbursements from the Indian Health Service, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Johnson, Dusty [Rep.-R-SD-At Large]; Committees: House – Financial Services

 

H.R.7513-To prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from finalizing a proposed rule regarding minimum staffing for nursing facilities, and to establish an advisory panel on the skilled nursing facility workforce. Sponsor: Fischbach, Michelle [Rep.-R-MN-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7512-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure implementation of real-time benefit tools under part D of the Medicare program. Sponsor: Arrington, Jodey C. [Rep.-R-TX-19]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.Res.1050-Supporting the designation of March 2024 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsor: Payne, Donald M. [Rep.-D-NJ-10]; Committees: House – Oversight and Accountability

 

H.Res.1049-Expressing the need for enhanced public awareness of traumatic brain injury and support for the designation of a National Brain Injury Awareness Month. Sponsor: Pascrell, Bill [Rep.-D-NJ-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1047-Recognizing the need of Congress to prevent, address, and treat obesity as a disease in the United States on this World Obesity Day, March 4, 2024. Sponsor: Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [Rep.-D-FL-20]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3860-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for patient protection by limiting the number of mandatory overtime hours a nurse may be required to work in certain providers of services to which payments are made under the Medicare Program; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3864-A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for congenital Cytomegalovirus screening of newborns; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.7520-To prohibit data brokers from transferring sensitive data of United States individuals to foreign adversaries, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pallone, Frank [Rep.-D-NJ-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7535-To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study and submit a report on price-related compensation and payment structures in the prescription drug supply chain; Sponsor: Caraveo, Yadira [Rep.-D-CO-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7538-To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for the purpose of addressing public health crises, to require the manufacturers of covered products to develop, maintain, and update a plan to mitigate the effects of such products on public health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeSaulnier, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7539-To require the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee BioBonds in order to provide funding for loans to eligible biomedical companies and universities to carry out clinical trials approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [Rep.-R-PA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7542-To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for congenital Cytomegalovirus screening of newborns; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7545-To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to include certified community behavioral health clinic services as a State plan option under the Medicaid program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Matsui, Doris O. [Rep.-D-CA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7546-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for patient protection by limiting the number of mandatory overtime hours a nurse may be required to work in certain providers of services to which payments are made under the Medicare Program; Sponsor: Matsui, Doris O. [Rep.-D-CA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7551-To prohibit any Federal law from making the manufacturer of a COVID-19 vaccine immune from suit or liability, or limiting the liability of such a manufacturer, with respect to claims for loss caused by, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the administration to or the use by an individual of a COVID-19 vaccine, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21]; Committees: House-Judiciary

 

S.Res.574-A resolution expressing support for starting and growing a family through in vitro fertilization; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.575-A resolution declaring racism a public health crisis; Sponsor: Brown, Sherrod [Sen.-D-OH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3882-A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide States with resources to support efforts to integrate or coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits for individuals that are eligible for both programs; Sponsor: Casey, Robert P., Jr. [Sen.-D-PA]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3885-A bill to expand medical, employment, and other benefits for individuals serving as family caregivers for certain veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sinema, Kyrsten [Sen.-I-AZ]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.Res.1060-Expressing support for starting and growing families through in vitro fertilization; Sponsor: Cammack, Kat [Rep.-R-FL-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1062-Declaring racism a public health crisis; Sponsor: Hayes, Jahana [Rep.-D-CT-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.7563-To strengthen compliance with the FDA Food Traceability Rule, to enhance the FDA foodborne illness outbreak investigation process, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Franklin, C. Scott [Rep.-R-FL-18]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7573-To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to repeal the requirement that States establish a Medicaid Estate Recovery Program and to limit the circumstances in which a State may place a lien on a Medicaid beneficiary’s property; Sponsor: Schakowsky, Janice D. [Rep.-D-IL-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3892-A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to increase access to community health workers under the Medicare and Medicaid programs; Sponsor: Casey, Robert P., Jr. [Sen.-D-PA]; Committees: Senate-Finance

Congress Extends Government Funding-Congress averted the threat of a partial government shutdown and passed the fourth interim spending measure of fiscal year 2024 on Thursday. The latest stopgap spending bill (H.R. 7463) maintains a laddered approach to government funding-extending appropriations for some departments through March 8 and others through March 22. The bill passed the House of Representatives in a 320-99 vote on Thursday and was approved by the Senate hours later in a 77-13 vote. President Biden signed the legislation into law on Friday.

 

 

Congress Reaches Deal on Six Appropriations Bills and Health Provisions-Lawmakers have reached agreement on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which includes funding for several appropriations measures (Agriculture-Food and Drug Administration; Transportation-Housing and Urban Development; Veterans Affairs; Energy; Commerce-Justice; Interior) through September 30, the end of the fiscal year. Leadership hopes to finalize and pass the deal, which accounts for approximately 27% of federal agency spending, first in the House and then in the Senate this week-ahead of the March 8 deadline. In the coming days, an agreement is expected to be released for the remaining six appropriations bills, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Congress has until March 22 to fund those remaining portions of the federal government.

 

 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 to be considered by Congress this week includes provisions related to Public Health, Medicaid, and Medicare (Division G, Title I). Notably, the agreement includes a provision related to Medicare physician payment. However, the agreement leaves in place the full Medicare physician cut of 3.37% (relative to 2023 payments) from January 1 to March 8, and then, from March 9 through December 31, 2024, subjects them to a cut of 1.69% (relative to 2023 payments).

 

 

The package does not include reauthorizations of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) or the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act. Other health programs and policies not addressed in the package include the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms advanced by the Senate Finance Committee earlier this Congress, and extension of telehealth flexibilities which expire on December 31, 2024.

 

 

The full list of health provisions included in the agreement follows:

Subtitle A-Public Health Extenders

• 101-Extension for Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers that Operate GME Programs (p. 899)
• 102-Extension of Special Diabetes Programs (p. 902)
• 103-National Health Security Extensions (p. 903)

Subtitle B-Medicaid

• 201-Requirement for State Medicaid Plans to Provide Coverage for Medication-Assisted Treatment (p. 904)
• 202-Collection and Reporting of Comprehensive Data for Specified Populations Enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP (p. 905)
• 203-Monitoring Prescribing of Antipsychotic Medications (p. 916)
• 204-Extension of State Option to Provide Medical Assistance for Certain Individuals in Institutions for Mental Diseases (p. 917)
• 205-Prohibition on Termination of Enrollment Due to Incarceration (p. 922)
• 206-Addressing Operational Barriers to Promote Continuity of Care for Medicaid and CHIP Beneficiaries Following Incarceration (p. 925)
• 207-Guidance Relating to Improving the Behavioral Health Workforce and Integration of Care Under Medicaid and CHIP (p. 936)
• 208-Funding for Implementation and Operations (p. 941)
• 209-Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Services Under Medicaid (p. 942)
• 210-Eliminating Certain Disproportionate Share Hospital Payment Cuts (p. 945)
• 211-Promoting Value in Medicaid Managed Care (p. 946)
• 212-Medicaid Improvement Fund (p. 946)

Subtitle C-Medicare

• 301-Extension of Funding for Quality Measure Endorsement, Input, and Selection (p. 946)
• 302-Extension of Funding Outreach and Assistance for Low-Income Programs (p. 947)
• 303-Extension of the Work Geographic Index Floor Under the Medicare Program (p. 950)
• 304-Extending Incentive Payments for Participation in Eligible Alternative Payment Models (p. 950)
• 305-Temporary Payment Increase Under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to Account for Exceptional Circumstances and Atypical Timing of Enactment (p. 951)
• 306-Extension of Increased Inpatient Hospital Payment Adjustment for Certain Low-Volume Hospitals (p. 952)
• 307-Extension of the Medicare-Dependent Hospital (MDH) Program (p. 954)
• 308-Extension of Adjustment to Calculation of Hospice Cap Amount Under Medicare (p. 955)
• 309-Medicare Improvement Fund (p. 955)

 

House to Vote on Health Bills This Week-The House of Representatives plans to consider several health care related bills on the floor this week under suspension of the rules. The chamber is scheduled to vote on:

• S. 206-END FENTANYL Act;
• R. 3838-Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act;
• R. 3821-Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act;
• R. 3836-Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act, as amended;
• R. 3843-Action for Dental Health Act;
• R. 3391-Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act; and
• R. 498 – 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act of 2023, as amended.

 

Mitch McConnell to Step Down from Senate Leadership-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has announced his intention to step down as Republican leader at the end of his two-year term, which concludes at the start of the next Congress in January. He does not plan to retire from the Senate entirely, and is not up for reelection until 2026. With a 17-year tenure as Republican leader, McConnell, 82, is the chamber’s longest serving party leader in history. Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and GOP Conference Chair John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) are widely viewed as McConnell’s most likely potential successors. An election for McConnell’s replacement will take place in November.

 

Lawmakers Respond to Alabama Embryo Ruling-Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith (R-Miss.) blocked consideration of legislation on the Senate floor last week that would have provided federal protections for in vitro fertilization. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) sought unanimous consent to pass her Access to Family Building Act (S. 3612), which would establish a statutory right to access IVF and other fertility treatments for all Americans. Hyde-Smith argued that the bill’s definition of assisted reproductive technology was too expansive and could legalize cloning and the creation of human-animal chimeras; other Republicans have argued that state legislatures should lead in protecting access to fertility treatments. Duckworth stated that she plans to request a roll call vote on the bill to force members to take a stand on the issue. In the wake of its Supreme Court ruling on frozen embryos, the Alabama state legislature passed measures last week to protect in vitro fertilization patients and providers from criminal or civil liability if embryos they create are subsequently damaged or destroyed. The bills must be reconciled between the state House and Senate before being sent to Gov. Kay Ivey (R), who is expected to sign the bill into law. In related news, Sen. Hyde-Smith, alongside Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), led an amicus brief signed by nearly 150 other Republican members of Congress and submitted last week urging the Supreme Court to maintain a lower court’s restrictions around the medication abortion drug mifepristone. Democrats submitted their own amicus brief in January, arguing that the court should not curtail access to the medication.

 

Grassley Releases Updates on FTC’s PBM Investigation-The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has informed lawmakers on Capitol Hill that none of the six pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) contacted as part of the agency’s investigation into PBMs have fully responded to the agency’s orders. “We expect to have all the materials very soon. If, however, some of the companies fail to fully comply with the orders or engage in any actionable delaying tactics, the FTC can take them to court to compel compliance,” FTC Chair Lina Khan stated. The agency’s letter was released by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who was part of the bipartisan group of senators that initially called for the administration to investigate PBM industry practices. The FTC launched its investigation in June 2022, and expanded it in May and June 2023. Grassley expressed concerns with the FTC’s latest response, highlighting that PBMs had been provided with 90 days to submit requested materials. He called for a “concrete status update” from the FTC and noted his intention to continue to push for “swift and thorough results.”

 

 

AI Work Group Considers Role of Medicare/Medicaid Investments-The Senate’s bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Working Group is recommending that the Senate Finance Committee consider how the Medicare and Medicaid programs can be used to fund AI innovations in health care, according to Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). Rounds, along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), form the chamber’s bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Working Group, which organized a series of “AI Insight Forums” last year. According to Rounds, the working group plans to issue a report by the end of this month containing ideas and guidelines to inform AI legislation.

 

 

Warner, Rubio Push Commerce Department to Better Protect Biotech Sector-Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner (R-Va.) and Ranking Member Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have sent a letter to the Department of Commerce urging Secretary Gina Raimondo to more sufficiently use its existing authorities to prevent adversary access to U.S. technology, capital, data, and talent in critical technology sectors, including the biotechnology sector. Warner and Rubio argue that China has continuously attempted to “leverage the lack of U.S. controls surrounding access to American innovation, data, and talent to undermine U.S. superiority in critical sectors and related supply chains.” The lawmakers specifically suggest that the Department of Commerce implement an export-control regime targeting the biotechnology sector-as undertaken with the semiconductor industry-and impose controls on the sharing of American data.

 

Health Sector Coordinating Council Releases Cybersecurity Strategic Plan Amid Fallout From Cyberattack on Major Clearinghouse-The Health Sector Coordinating Council Cybersecurity Working Group published its Five-Year Health Industry Cybersecurity Strategic Plan last week. The document aims to guide C-suite executives, information technology and security leaders, and other relevant stakeholders toward investment and implementation of strategic cybersecurity principles that will measurably reduce risks to patient safety, data privacy, and care operations. The plan was released in the midst of fallout from a cyberattack on UnitedHealth’s Change Healthcare, which has resulted in widespread disruptions for both patients and health care providers. UnitedHealth Group is directing providers facing a liquidity crisis due to the outage to a Temporary Funding Assistance Program administered by its subsidiary Optum Financial Services, though some providers have taken to social media to highlight that the amounts made available fall short of what’s needed to maintain their operations. The White House National Security Council reportedly is considering administrative options to provide short-term financial relief from federal health programs for hospitals impacted by the cyberattack.

 

 

CDC Releases New Respiratory Virus Guidance-The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines related to respiratory viruses last week. The agency’s recommendations aim to provide a unified approach to a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Under the latest guidance, individuals whose COVID-19 symptoms are improving and who have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication no longer need to isolate for a prolonged period. If individuals do choose to return to public places, however, they should take steps such as masking and keeping their distance from others for five days. The CDC’s guidance includes additional recommendations for people who are pregnant, immunocompromised, have disabilities, or are over the age of 65.

 

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, has reversed his decision to retire from Congress this year. Green will run for reelection to represent the Tennessee’s 7^th congressional district in November. “While my strong desire was to leave Congress at the end of this year, since my announcement, I have received countless calls from constituents, colleagues, and President Trump urging me to reconsider,” he said in a statement.

 

A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Buck (R), CO
Trone (D), MD	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Napolitano (D), CA	McHenry (R), NC
Wexton (D), VA	McCarthy (R), CA (effective Dec. 31, 2023)
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Johnson (R), OH (effective Jan. 21, 2024)
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Sarbanes (D), MD	Curtis (R), UT
Blumenauer (D), OR	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Kilmer (D), WA	Lamborn (R), CO
Spanberger (D), VA	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Kildee (D), MI	Pence (R), IN
Phillips (D), MN	Duncan (R), SC
Cardenas (D), CA	Armstrong (R), ND
Eshoo (D), CA	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Manning (D), NC	Gallagher (R), WI
Higgins (D), NY (effective Feb. 2, 2024)
Nickel (D), NC
Ruppersberger (D), MD
Sablan (D), MP

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee continuation of January 31 markup of legislation, including, S. 3558, a bill to prohibit contracting with certain biotechnology providers; 9:30 a.m.; March 6

 

Senate Budget Committee hearing to examine how primary care improves health care efficiency; 10:00 a.m.; March 6

 

House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing “Examining the White House’s Role in Pandemic Preparedness and Response;” 10:00 a.m.; March 6

 

House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party hearing “Growing Stakes: The Bioeconomy and American National Security;” 9:00 a.m.; March 7

 

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing “The Older Americans Act: Supporting Efforts to Meet the Needs of Seniors;” 11:00 a.m.; March 7

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7442-To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to assess the feasibility and financial effects of expanding coverage under the Medicare program to items and services furnished in the Philippines. Sponsor: Moylan, James C. [Del.-R-GU-At Large]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7436-To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to prepare a report on Federal efforts to address antimicrobial resistance. Sponsor: Griffith, H. Morgan [Rep.-R-VA-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7434-To ensure that only licensed health care professionals furnish disability examinations under a certain Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Finstad, Brad [Rep.-R-MN-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.7432-To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to enable State Medicaid programs to provide comprehensive, coordinated care through a health home to individuals with sickle cell disease. Sponsor: Burgess, Michael C. [Rep.-R-TX-26]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1029-Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a Permanent Select Committee on Aging. Sponsor: Magaziner, Seth [Rep.-D-RI-2]; Committees: House-Rules

 

S.Res.566-A resolution designating September 2024 as “National Cholesterol Education Month” and September 30, 2024, as “LDL-C Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Hyde-Smith, Cindy [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.3803-A bill to make price gouging unlawful, to expand the ability of the Federal Trade Commission to seek permanent injunctions and equitable relief, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.3805-A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to prohibit health plans from imposing fees on health care providers for electronic funds transfers and health care payment and remittance advice transactions, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.Res.567-A resolution recognizing the seriousness of widespread health care worker burnout in the United States and the need to strengthen health workforce well-being, and expressing support for the designation of March 18, 2024, as the inaugural “Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness”; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3821-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the payment method for oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, to increase beneficiary access to oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

H.R.7464-To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for access standards with respect to the provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs of hospital care, medical services, or extended care services that are applicable to certain veterans with mental disorders; Sponsor: Yakym, Rudy [Rep.-R-IN-2]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3832-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate access to non-opioid pain management drugs under part D of the Medicare program; Sponsor: Tillis, Thomas [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.3834-A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans may obtain a physical copy of a form for reimbursement of certain travel expenses by mail or at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rubio, Marco [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3841-A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report on the impact of a proposed rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on access of veterans to long-term care facilities; Sponsor: King, Angus S., Jr. [Sen.-I-ME]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3847-A bill to authorize the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out a Social Determinants of Health Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Tina [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3849-A bill to promote United States leadership in technical standards by directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Department of State to take certain actions to encourage and enable United States participation in developing standards and specifications for artificial intelligence and other critical and emerging technologies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.3850-A bill to provide for research and improvement of cardiovascular health among the South Asian population of the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.1036-Expressing support for the designation of February 29, 2024, as “Rare Disease Day”; Sponsor: Carson, Andre [Rep.-D-IN-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1037-Providing the sense of the House of Representatives that In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is necessary for women who cannot conceive naturally, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Chavez-DeRemer, Lori [Rep.-R-OR-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1039-Recognizing the significance of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and the need for robust funding of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health; Sponsor: Gottheimer, Josh [Rep.-D-NJ-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1042-Recognizing the historical contributions and value of the Freedom House Ambulance Service; Sponsor: Lee, Summer L. [Rep.-D-PA-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1043-Expressing support for continued access to fertility care and assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization, in light of the Supreme Court of Alabama’s ruling that has jeopardized access to in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technology; Sponsor: Mace, Nancy [Rep.-R-SC-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1045-Expressing support for the designation of March 3, 2024, as “National Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Day”; Sponsor: Morelle, Joseph D. [Rep.-D-NY-25]; Committees: House – Oversight and Accountability

 

H.R.7481-To authorize the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out a Social Determinants of Health Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barragan, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7482-To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the WISEWOMAN program; Sponsor: Beatty, Joyce [Rep.-D-OH-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7489-To increase the recruitment and retention of school-based mental health services providers by low-income local educational agencies; Sponsor: Chu, Judy [Rep.-D-CA-28]; Committees: House – Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.7503-To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide health equity for people with disabilities; Sponsor: Payne, Donald M. [Rep.-D-NJ-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

Agencies Prepare for Partial Shutdown as March 1 Deadline Approaches-The House of Representatives will vote on four separate appropriations bills this week to avert a partial government shutdown as Congress’ first funding deadline approaches on March 1. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) acknowledged on a call with the GOP conference Friday night that another stopgap spending bill may be necessary to provide lawmakers with additional time to pass the Agriculture-Food and Drug Administration, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Energy-Water, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development spending bills. House members are not scheduled to return to session until Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) sent a letter to lawmakers on Sunday reporting that “intense discussions” continue. Although appropriators continue to work toward a compromise on the spending bills, many note that partisan policy riders are presenting hurdles. The federal government once again formally initiated the process of preparing for a partial shutdown, with the Office of Management and Budget instructing agencies to review and update their shutdown plans and providing templates for notifying employees of the status of appropriations. Lawmakers face a March 8 deadline for the remaining eight appropriations bills, including funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

Leadership Announces New Bipartisan AI Task Force-House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have launched a new task force on artificial intelligence. The 24-member task force will be chaired by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and co-chaired by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.). Membership includes several lawmakers active in the health care policy space, including Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Neal Dunn, MD (R-Fla.), Michelle Steel (R-Calif.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Ami Bera, MD (D-Calif.), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Rich McCormick, MD (R-Ga.), and Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.). The group plans to release a report outlining bipartisan proposals for regulating AI technology and spurring investment in AI later this year.

 

Coons, Tillis Spearhead Letters on March-In Rights, IP Protection-Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) are urging the Biden administration to reconsider its proposal to exercise march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act as a means to reduce the price of prescription drugs. The letter, which was signed by more than two dozen lawmakers, highlights the potential unintended consequences of including “reasonable pricing” as a factor in the draft framework for initiating the use of march-in rights. “Entrepreneurial startups and small companies across industries-from green technology and precision agriculture to advanced computing and semiconductors-would be subject to march-in petitions challenging their pricing decisions by rival businesses and even our foreign competitors and adversaries, who could use this tool to cast a cloud over the companies that drive our economy,” the lawmakers warn. They also outline the possible impact of the draft march-in framework on U.S. academic research institutions and efforts to revitalize American manufacturing and technological innovation.

 

The letter concerning the Bayh-Dole Act follows a letter sent by Sens. Coons and Tillis, along with Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and James Lankford (R-Okla.), to National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan regarding the proposed global accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response currently being negotiated by members of the World Health Organization. The lawmakers express concerns that the proposed agreement could undermine intellectual property (IP) laws “based on a faulty premise that IP rights impeded the global response to the COVID-19 crisis.” The letter asserts that many factors other than IP were responsible for barriers to treatment access, and that IP protection is “at the core of successful pandemic preparedness.”

 

Cassidy Releases White Paper on Health Data Privacy Protections-Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) released a new report last week outlining proposals to improve Americans’ health data privacy. The paper reviews the existing health privacy framework and discusses health data in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) “gray area” as well as data that falls outside of HIPAA. The white paper follows a request for information issued by Cassidy last year on how to enhance health data privacy protections covered under HIPAA as well as protections for new sources of data. Cassidy argues that Congress “needs to create guardrails around how health data not covered by HIPAA is shared to ensure interoperability does not sacrifice patient privacy” and should “create a more sustainable framework for future information sharing.”

 

Alabama Supreme Court Issues Ruling on Frozen Embryos-The Alabama Supreme Court ruled last week that couples who lost frozen embryos in an accident at a storage facility can sue under the state’s wrongful death law. The decision reverses a lower court ruling which dismissed the wrongful death claim on the grounds that the embryos were not a person or child. Since the decision, at least three of the state’s in vitro fertilization clinics have announced that they were pausing IVF services as they work to determine the legal implications of the ruling.

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Buck (R), CO
Trone (D), MD	Burgess (R), TX
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	Wenstrup (R), OH
Napolitano (D), CA	McHenry (R), NC
Wexton (D), VA	McCarthy (R), CA (effective Dec. 31, 2023)
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Johnson (R), OH (effective Jan. 21, 2024)
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Ferguson (R), GA
Sarbanes (D), MD	Curtis (R), UT
Blumenauer (D), OR	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Kilmer (D), WA	Lamborn (R), CO
Spanberger (D), VA	Bucshon (R), IN
Kildee (D), MI	Pence (R), IN
Phillips (D), MN	Duncan (R), SC
Cardenas (D), CA	Armstrong (R), ND
Eshoo (D), CA	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Manning (D), NC	Gallagher (R), WI
Higgins (D), NY (effective Feb. 2, 2024)	Green (R), TN
Nickel (D), NC
Ruppersberger (D), MD
Sablan (D), MP

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Budget Committee hearing “No Rights to Speak of: The Economic Harms of Restricting Reproductive Freedom;” 10:00 a.m.; February 28

 

 

Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel hearing to receive testimony on traumatic brain injury and blast exposure care; 3:00 p.m.; February 28

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Legislative Proposals to Support Patients with Rare Diseases;” 10:00 a.m.; February 29

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7406-To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a program of research, training, and investigation related to Down syndrome, and for other purposes. Sponsor: McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [Rep.-R-WA-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7405-To amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit the exclusion of an individual from assignment to a medical personnel position of the Armed Forces on the basis of the amputation of the individual, and for other purposes. Sponsor: McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [Rep.-R-WA-5]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.Res.1025-Expressing support for the designation of April 5, 2024, as “Barth Syndrome Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Tonko, Paul [Rep.-D-NY-20]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7418-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income certain compensation to clinical trial participants; Sponsor: Kelly, Mike [Rep.-R-PA-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means