Ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration, Capitol Hill remains busy as congressional leadership finalizes committee rosters for the 119th Congress.
Reconciliation
Republicans are actively debating their strategy for the budget reconciliation process, including whether to target President-elect Trump’s legislative priorities through multiple targeted bills or a single, comprehensive package.
While specific policies remain under discussion, potential changes to Medicare and Medicaid are gaining attention. Among these, in the Medicare space, is the consideration of site-neutral payment cuts to hospitals, which would disproportionately affect hospitals serving a safety net role in their communities. On the Medicaid side, congressional Republicans are considering changes to per capita caps, the federal medical assistance percentage, provider taxes, state directed payments, and work requirements.
Senate Committee Report on Private Equity
Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) on Jan. 7 released a bipartisan Senate Committee on the Budget staff report highlighting negative effects of private equity investments on health care, focusing on two private equity firms and their associated hospital operators. The investigation argues that private equity ownership prioritizes profits over quality care for patients and proper support of providers.
To target these systemic issues, the report proposed increased accountability and transparency as critical steps toward improving outcomes and ensuring quality care.
Committee Activity This Week
The House and Senate are in session Monday through Thursday, with the latter also convening Friday.
The House Committee on Ways and Means will hold an organizational meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 10 am ET.
Senate confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees will begin Tuesday.
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