After a chaotic week, Congress narrowly averted a government shutdown on Friday, March 14, by passing a continuing resolution (CR) to fund federal agencies through Sept. 30. This measure extends key health care provisions championed by America’s Essential Hospitals, including delaying Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts, extending funding for community health centers, and extending telehealth flexibilities and acute hospital at home waivers. These and several other provisions will be financed via a two-month continuation of the two percent Medicare Part A sequester.
With the shutdown averted, lawmakers will return March 24 to focus on the budget reconciliation bill, which aims to advance President Trump’s priorities, including tax cuts and other key issues.
Post-Acute Care Hearing
The House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Tuesday, March 11, to examine access to post-acute care.
Subcommittee Republicans argued that prior authorization requirements and restrictive Medicare Advantage policies are creating unnecessary delays in post-acute care, forcing patients into less appropriate settings or prolonging hospital stays. Additionally, they expressed deep concerns over minimum staffing requirements. Republicans also emphasized the need for streamlined approval processes, sustainable reimbursement policies for home health providers, and increased flexibility in long-term care regulations to prevent facility closures, particularly in rural areas.
Subcommittee Democrats stressed the importance of protecting Medicaid funding and maintaining minimum staffing standards in nursing homes, warning that proposed cuts would lead to widespread facility closures and reduced access to care for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled. They criticized Republicans for potential Medicaid cuts, stating that cuts would destroy access to care nationwide as Medicaid and Medicare work together in providing coverage for many Americans.
Cabinet Confirmations
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions voted Thursday to advance President Trump’s nominee for National Institutes of Health director, Jay Bhattacharya, and Food and Drug Administration director, Martin Makary. Next, a vote by the full Senate will confirm these leaders.
The Senate Committee on Finance held a confirmation hearing to consider the nomination of Mehmet Oz as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. During the hearing, Democrats focused on protecting Medicaid from cuts and ensuring continued access to care for vulnerable populations.
The White House withdrew Dave Weldon as nominee for director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A replacement nominee has not yet been named.
Committee Activity This Week
Both the House and Senate are out of session on recess all week.
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