The House Budget Committee held a hearing with members from both parties and chambers of Congress to discuss legislative proposals that would establish a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal commission with the goal of reducing the federal debt and improving fiscal sustainability. Members from both parties repeatedly emphasized the worsening deficit and interest levels and many highlighted Medicare and Social Security insolvency as one… (McClurg, November 29, 2023) #Budget

The Biden-Harris Administration announced crucial measures aimed at strengthening the nation’s medical supply chain resilience. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) detailed that President Biden plans to issue a Presidential Determination under Title III of the Defense Production Act to expand HHS authorities, allowing investment in domestic manufacturing of essential medicines and medical countermeasures. HHS emphasized the importance… (Colocho, November 29, 2023) #Generic Drugs, #Medical Devices, #Prevention, #Public Health

The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury released Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explaining how the batching requirements of the No Surprises Act (NSA) apply to the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process, in light of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas decision in TMA IV and TMA III. The District Court invalidated the… (Llamas, November 28, 2023) #Hospitals, #Physicians

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule to amend its regulations regarding direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements for prescription drugs presented in television or radio format to ensure that the major statement relating to side effects and contraindications are be presented in a clear, conspicuous, and neutral manner. What is it. The final rule implements a requirement of the… (Slifer, November 27, 2023) #Food and Drug Administration, #Prescription Drugs

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Medicare Part D Manufacturer Program final guidance, pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act, that becomes effective beginning January 1, 2025. CMS also released the Manufacturer Discount Program Manufacturer Agreement, and the Manufacturer Discount Program Third Party Administrator (TPA) Agreement. Additional details from the final guidance follow: What is it. The… (Slifer, November 17, 2023) #Medicare Part D, #Prescription Drugs

The Biden-Harris Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), released several resources aimed at improving health and well-being by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). HHS acknowledged the significant impact of social and economic conditions on an individual’s health outcomes and aims to coordinate efforts among federal agencies, states, local, and tribal governments to bridge… (Colocho, November 17, 2023) #Health Equity, #Public Health, #Social Determinants of Health

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the establishment of the  Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Long COVID to advise on research and innovation in the comprehensive government response to the lasting effects of COVID-19 and invites nominations for the Committee. The committee, as outlined in the National Research Action Plan on Long COVID, aims to provide recommendations and… (Colocho, November 17, 2023) #COVID-19, #Health Equity, #Public Health

Today, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI/Innovation Center) released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the AHEAD Model (IHPP summary). The Innovation Center also hosted a webinar to discuss the new model, which followed a previous webinar in September (IHPP summary). During today’s webinar on the NOFO, the model Co-Leads and a Grants Management Officer went over… (Testa, McClurg, November 16, 2023) #Delivery Reform, #Demonstration Programs, #Health Equity, #Hospitals, #Primary Care

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled a comprehensive Language Access Plan aimed at enhancing access to health care and services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and disabilities. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s executive orders promoting equity and inclusion across federal services, addressing barriers to accessing critical information and care. What it is. The HHS… (Colocho, November 16, 2023) #Health Equity, #Public Health, #Social Determinants of Health

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2025 proposed rule (fact sheet) – a wide-ranging rule affecting Marketplaces and qualified health plans in the individual and small group markets, as well as requirements for agents, brokers, web-brokers, direct enrollment entities, and assisters. The proposed rule also includes proposals impact… (Llamas, McClurg, Marceno, Colocho, November 15, 2023) #Affordable Care Act, #Health Insurance Exchanges, #Insurance Reform