The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a study addressing ongoing drug shortages in the United States, which have been significantly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the types of drugs in shortage remain consistent with pre-pandemic patterns, the report underscores how the pandemic deepened existing supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly in essential areas like oncology and injectable drugs. While the number… (Eisen, April 9, 2025) #Drug Pricing, #Food and Drug Administration

The House Ways and Means (W&M) Health Subcommittee convened a hearing on the health of the biosimilar market and how increased access to such products can lower prescription drug costs for patients. The following witnesses spoke to the market distortions that impact the biosimilar market, including the tendency for insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to provide preferential formulary placement… (Slifer, April 8, 2025) #Biosimilars, #Prescription Drugs

the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies (Rate Announcement) (press release and fact sheet) and the Final CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions (fact sheet). What it is. The Rate Announcement addresses a wide array of MA and Part… (Slifer, April 7, 2025) #Demonstration Programs, #Medicare Advantage, #Medicare Part D, #Prescription Drugs, #Risk Adjustment

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Contract Year (CY) 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage (MA) program and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program (Part D), Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) final rule (fact sheet). What it is. The final rule includes policies aimed at meeting… (Slifer, April 4, 2025) #Dual Eligibles, #Medicare Advantage, #Medicare Part D, #Prescription Drugs, #Risk Adjustment

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a set of steps that it will take to bring states into compliance with timeliness requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application processing. USDA issued a letter to state agencies demanding that they take immediate action to address delays in processing applications and recertification. 33 state agencies are out of compliance with timeliness requirements for… (McClurg, April 3, 2025) #Nutrition, #Program Integrity

The House Education and Workforce, Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee convened a hearing focused on expanding access and affordability in employer-sponsored health care. With rising health care costs, lawmakers debated policies aimed at reducing costs, increasing flexibility, and ensuring access to health insurance for employees. Opening Statements: Chair Rick Allen (R-GA) (opening statement) discussed the challenges businesses, particularly small employers,… (Eisen, April 2, 2025) #Association Health Plans

25 Democratic and Independent Senators, led by Ranking Member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), sent a letter to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) inquiring about reports that previously approved funding in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) was cancelled.TEFAP provides assistance to food banks and other emergency food providers by helping purchase food deliveries. The senators… (McClurg, March 28, 2025) #Nutrition

Nationwide efforts in opposition to Medicaid cuts continue as Senators and Representatives return to Washington with three weeks of session planned before recessing again. While members continue to hear from concerned citizens and groups about potential cuts, Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie recently stated that he is confident House Republicans can make significant spending cuts without impacting Medicaid benefits…. (Marceno, March 27, 2025) #Affordable Care Act, #Insurance Reform, #Primary Care, #Public Health

The Department of Justice (DOJ) launched the Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force within its Antitrust Division to identify and advocate for the elimination of state and federal regulations that hinder free market competition. The initiative aims to remove regulatory barriers that unnecessarily burden businesses, increase costs for consumers, and limit market entry for new competitors. This aligns with President Trump’s Executive… (Colocho, March 27, 2025) #Hospitals, #Physicians, #Quality

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced plans for a reduction in force (RIF) that it says will save $1.8 billion per year. The department is reducing its workforce by about 10,000 full-time employees, which totals 20,000 when combined with other efforts by the administration, including early retirement and buyout offers. HHS will go from 82,000 workers… (Testa, March 27, 2025) #Grants, #National Institutes of Health, #Pediatrics, #Prevention, #Primary Care, #Program Integrity, #Public Health, #Quality, #Women’s Health, #Workforce