As a bipartisan group of senators crafts infrastructure legislation, Senate Democrats work to develop a human infrastructure package.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) aims to vote on a bipartisan physical infrastructure bill, as well as a budget resolution to begin the process of advancing a "human infrastructure" package, before the chamber adjourns for its August recess.

On July 1, the House passed a five-year $715 billion surface transportation and water infrastructure bill, fulfilling House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) commitment to clear an infrastructure bill before the July Fourth holiday. The Senate continues work to develop broad infrastructure legislation.

A bipartisan group of senators reached an agreement with the White House on a $1.2 trillion physical infrastructure framework that lists extending the 2 percent Medicare sequester cut as a potential method of funding the package. Lawmakers now must turn the framework into legislation.

Senators continue efforts to build consensus on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan physical infrastructure proposal introduced last week, but Democrats are taking steps to initiate the budget reconciliation process in case those talks ultimately fall short.

The new infrastructure deal comes after months-long negotiations between the Biden administration and Senate Republicans fell apart. It includes roughly $579 billion in new spending. However, lawmakers in both parties expressed skepticism that the plan could secure enough votes to pass the Senate.

A bipartisan infrastructure plan is unlikely to pass the Senate by July. Democrats are likely to explore using budget reconciliation, but a recent parliamentarian ruling indicates they might be unable to attempt the process using the FY 2021 budget resolution.

Republicans offer a $928 billion counterproposal to President Joe Biden's $1.7 trillion infrastructure package. Leaders of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and House Committee on Energy and Commerce seek information on developing a public health insurance option.

The Senate confirmed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Several Senate committees last week examined issues of importance to essential hospitals, including telehealth, hospital consolidation, and the medical supply chain.

The Senate voted to advance the nomination of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator; a full Senate vote could take place this week. America's Essential Hospitals hosted a virtual Capitol Hill briefing in recognition of the association's 40th anniversary.

In a set of letters, America’s Essential Hospitals urges the administration and congressional leaders to address pressing facility needs of essential hospitals and the health care safety net.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with House and Senate lawmakers this week to discuss a bipartisan path forward on infrastructure legislation ahead of his fiscal year 2022 budget proposal. The Senate is expected to confirm Andrea Joan Palm as deputy secretary of health and human services.

President Biden's address to Congress focused on his proposals to rebuild and revamp the nation's infrastructure, including the American Families Plan.

Senate Republicans release a $568 billion infrastructure framework to kickstart negotiations. House Democrats and Republicans reintroduce opposing prescription drug pricing bills. A CMS decision delays advancement of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure's nomination for CMS administrator.

The president met with a group of bipartisan lawmakers to discuss his $2 trillion American Jobs Plan infrastructure proposal; other lawmakers have expressed interest in a less costly, more targeted package. The Senate Committee on Finance is expected to advance two Biden administration nominees.

The House will vote as early as tonight to extend the moratorium on the 2 percent Medicare sequester cut; CMS has held provider claims in anticipation of this bill passing. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue conversations on infrastructure funding and workplace violence prevention.

The Senate advanced legislation extending the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut; however, it is unlikely the House will take up the measure before April 1, when the cut is scheduled to take effect. The association submitted a letter of support for the LIFT America Act.

The House voted to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut, but the bill lacks support from Senate Republicans. The Senate confirms Xavier Becerra. A reintroduced bipartisan bill would ensure 340B hospitals can maintain program eligibility while responding to COVID-19.

If Congress does not take action, providers could face a cumulative 6 percent cut to Medicare payments. Urge your House delegation to vote in favor of H.R. 1868 during the floor vote this week.

The House this week will vote on legislation to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut. House Democrats unveil an infrastructure package that prioritizes funding for construction and modernization activities to bolster public health preparedness and cyberattack prevention.

The association will convene its virtual spring Policy Assembly March 16. Whether or not you join us, these resources are available to encourage your legislators to protect access to care.

The legislation includes $8.5 billion in funding for certain rural providers that serve Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and a a temporary increase in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments.

With a 50–50 party split in the Senate, Democrats must remain united and rely on Vice President Kamala Harris' vote to confirm the nomination of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services.

The $1.9 trillion package temporarily increases Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments to ensure essential hospitals receive the same level of payments as they would have expected absent the pandemic. The package returns to the House for a final vote, expected as early as Tuesday.

The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill would ensure essential hospitals receive the same level of Medicaid DSH payments as they would have absent the pandemic. Xavier Becerra's nomination as secretary of health and human services is expected to reach the Senate floor as early as next week.

Congress races to pass COVID-19 relief through the budget reconciliation process before enhanced unemployment benefits expire March 14. Senate committees hold confirmation hearings for Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services.

The budget reconciliation package now moving through Congress does not include additional funding for hospitals. Members should contact their senators today and urge them to support essential hospital priorities in COVID-19 relief legislation.

The House is expected to vote on a compiled reconciliation bill the week of Feb. 22. The Senate for the second time has acquitted former President Donald Trump of impeachment charges. House members are circulating a bipartisan letter calling for protections to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

House and Senate committees are working on the details of COVID-19 relief under the budget reconciliation process. The impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump is underway; members of both parties have indicated they prefer a short and swift trial.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled a joint budget resolution to advance President Biden's COVID-19 relief priorities through budget reconciliation. Senate leaders have yet to agree on an organizing resolution finalizing operations for the 117th Congress.

The second Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump is expected to begin in early February, with Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT) presiding. House committees with jurisdiction over health care issues add new members to their rosters.

For the second time, the House has impeached Donald Trump — this time, for his role in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack. Law enforcement descends on Washington amid threats of violence surrounding the inauguration. The Biden transition team releases a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan.

Following the uprising at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, lawmakers completed their constitutional duty and certified Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President–elect Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, Democrats swept special elections in Georgia, giving the party 50 Senate seats.

In the first week of the new Congress, lawmakers will focus on certification of Electoral College votes and a Georgia special election that will determine which party controls the Senate. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was re-elected speaker of the House.

The $2.3 trillion package to fund the government, provide new COVID-19 relief, and stimulate the economy would eliminate a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments and add $3 billion to the Provider Relief Fund, among numerous other changes.

Congress' first actions in the new year include deciding how to conduct business with the continuing COVID-19 threat and certifying the Electoral College votes for U.S. president. In the House, lawmakers will vote to select a speaker.

The continuing resolution delays until Dec. 19 a scheduled $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. Meanwhile, lawmakers introduce a new, two-part $908 billion legislative proposal for COVID-19 relief, as well as a deal on legislation regarding surprise medical bills.

Congress indicates plans to pursue a one-week continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels through Dec. 18. A group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced a framework for a $908 billion COVID-19 relief deal, reinvigorating negotiations between Republicans and Democrats.

Unless Congress acts by December 11, Medicaid DSH funding will be cut by $4 billion—a third of all program funding—while COVID-19 continues to spread and impact patients and communities served by essential hospitals.

Without congressional action, the government on Dec. 12 will enter a shutdown and $4 billion will be cut from Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. Meanwhile, negotiations are deadlocked on additional COVID-19 relief.

In the lame-duck session, Congress will focus on stopping a Medicaid DSH funding cut, averting a government shutdown, and providing COVID-19 relief. The House passed bipartisan bills to enhance research on minority health disparities, address the opioid crisis, and support trauma centers.

Urge your senators and representatives to contact congressional leadership immediately and demand legislation before the end of the year that includes essential hospital priorities. 

Senators re-elect their leadership teams, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); the House will vote on party leadership this week. Senate Republicans introduce $1.4 trillion legislative package to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2021.

Lawmakers will prioritize funding for the federal government and additional COVID-19 relief. Join America's Essential Hospitals for a Nov. 18 webinar analyzing the impact of the elections on essential hospitals and health care policy. Registration open for our postelection Policy Assembly, Dec. 8–9.

In a response to Republican leaders of House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over the 340B Drug Pricing Program, America's Essential Hospitals said the program needs no fundamental reforms and continues to provide vital support to essential hospitals.

With the arrival of Election Day, the next opportunity for a new COVID-19 relief package might not happen until after the new year. America's Essential Hospitals has opened registration for Policy Assembly, a virtual event scheduled for Dec. 8 and 9.

In response to stakeholder and congressional feedback, the Department of Health and Human Services revised reporting requirements for health care providers who receive more than $10,000 total in Provider Relief Fund payments.

Responding to concerns raised by the association and lawmakers, the Department of Health and Human Services has altered detrimental reporting requirements for the Provider Relief Fund, including one regarding lost revenue.

A bipartisan House letter urges the administration to rescind harmful Provider Relief Fund reporting changes. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says an agreement must be reached by Tuesday to pass COVID-19 relief legislation before Election Day; the Senate will vote this week on targeted COVID-19 relief.

A bipartisan letter circulating in the House urges HHS Secretary Alex Azar to rescind a harmful Sept. 19 notice that changed Provider Relief Fund (PRF) reporting requirements, potentially forcing essential hospitals and other providers to return portions of previously dispersed funds.

Congress is no closer to passing further COVID-19 relief after a tumultuous week of negotiations. Senators urge HHS to reconsider recent guidance on Provider Relief Fund payments. The Senate Judiciary Committee begins confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

The House-passed $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief package would increase Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments and the Provider Relief Fund. Meanwhile, Congress now has until Dec. 11 to pass its annual spending bills or agree to another short-term CR.

The Senate this week will consider a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown the day before the fiscal year ends. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asks committee chairs to draft revised COVID-19 legislation as she reopens negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on COVID-19 relief.

In a Sept. 25 letter to Congress, America’s Essential Hospitals urged lawmakers to include policies that bolster the health care safety net as part of legislative efforts to help rectify the unconscionable health inequities among vulnerable populations across the country.

As the nation mourns the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, attention on Capitol Hill is focused who will fill her seat and how soon the confirmation process will begin. Meanwhile, Congress has about a week to pass a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown.

House Democrats released a continuing resolution to maintain government funding through Dec. 11. The legislation would delay a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding and change the recoupment and repayment terms for the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program.

Lawmakers have less than three weeks to fund the federal government through the November election before current funding runs out. The prospect of Congress advancing COVID-19 relief legislation before the election appears unlikely.

Nearly 250 members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar expressing concerns about recent actions by several drug manufacturers to impose policy changes that would undermine the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

We strongly support this letter and oppose the damaging actions by manufacturers to undermine the 340B program for covered entities, including essential hospitals.

The Senate reconvenes and is expected to consider a COVID-19 relief package. The Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing on COVID-19 vaccines. A bipartisan group of House lawmakers circulates a letter to HHS expressing concern about drug manufacturer attacks on 340B contract pharmacies.

Opportunities are dwindling for congressional negotiators to agree on additional COVID-19 relief legislation. During this last week of the August recess, essential hospitals should tell their delegations to urge House and Senate leadership to expeditiously address essential hospital needs.

The Senate officially adjourned for August recess; House lawmakers will return to Washington this weekend to address postal service funding.

Democratic and Republican negotiators failed to reach a deal on the next COVID-19 supplemental package. After negotiations faltered, President Trump issued four executive orders and memoranda related to pandemic relief, but the legality of the executive actions could be challenged.

Republicans and Democrats have yet to make progress in negotiations on the next COVID-19 bill; the association shared essential hospital priorities with congressional leadership. A new House bill would ensure hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program will not lose eligibility during the pandemic.

Republican and Democratic leaders now are negotiating what policies to include in a final version of the fourth COVID-19 legislative package. Now is the time to contact your Senators and Representatives and push for additional COVID-19 relief for essential hospitals.

The highly anticipated bill would add $25 billion to the Provider Relief Fund and extend Medicare telehealth flexibility. It would not block the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation or delay the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cut scheduled for Dec. 1.

Republicans and Democrats remain divided on relief measures to include in a fourth COVID-19 package; the association encourages members to share essential hospital priorities. An association letter to key congressional committees highlights the importance of telehealth during and after the pandemic.

The association calls on member hospitals to urge their senators to include essential hospital relief measures in future COVID-19 supplemental legislation. House committees continue work on COVID-19 oversight and fiscal year 2021 spending bills. 

As Senate leaders consider a fourth COVID-19 aid package, the president signs legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program. A bipartisan bill would ensure 340B hospitals maintain eligibility amid COVID-19, regardless of payer mix changes.

The House passed legislation to strengthen the ACA and is expected to pass an infrastructure bill authorizing $10 billion for hospital construction and modernization; the Senate is unlikely to consider the bills. The association responds to a congressional request for lessons learned from COVID-19.

Hearings are slated this week in several committees to examine the COVID-19 pandemic and response. Meanwhile, House Democratic leaders introduced a $1.5 trillion infrastructure investment package that would dedicate $10 billion over five years to hospital construction and modernization.

House and Senate lawmakers are analyzing and reacting to last week's announcement of new Provider Relief Fund allocations for safety-net providers; committees are slated to examine the role of telehealth and disparities as the pandemic has progressed.

In a letter to Senate leaders, America's Essential Hospitals outlines key legislative priorities to assist essential hospitals in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency as Congress considers another supplemental bill.

The letter urges HHS to target COVID-19 provider relief funds toward hospitals serving a disproportionate number of vulnerable patients. The timeline for developing and negotiating the next COVID-19 supplemental legislative package has slipped to July.

The House passed a bipartisan bill on a 417-1 vote to loosen some restrictions on Paycheck Protection Program relief funds and extend the timeline for businesses to use the funding. The House and Senate are in session this week and will conduct committee work related to COVID-19.

Voting by proxy for the first time, the House is slated to decide this week on legislation to amend the Paycheck Protection Program to increase the amount of time small businesses have to spend emergency COVID-19 aid.

The House passed a resolution temporarily permitting proxy voting and remote committee work, as well as a new stimulus package. Meanwhile, more than 90 representatives signed a letter calling for relief payments for providers seeing a disproportionate number of Medicaid and low-income patients.

The House approved the HEROES Act by a narrow margin. While the bill will not become law, it contains a number of provisions important to essential hospitals and for which the association will advocate in any final COVID-19 supplemental legislation.

House Democratic leaders released a comprehensive COVID-19 legislative package. The association is calling on member hospitals to ask their representatives to sign a bipartisan letter on targeting COVID-19 emergency funds toward essential providers.

The Senate returns to Washington this week, with the House expected to return May 11. Congressional hearings this week will focus on COVID-19 response efforts, including testing. Meanwhile, several association webinars will focus on health care workforce issues related to the pandemic.

The House and Senate passed legislation to provide an additional $484 billion in relief for small businesses and health care entities impacted by COVID-19. A new bipartisan House task force will examine how to adapt legislative business and voting procedures to social distancing practices.

The bipartisan legislation provides $484 billion in resources across the Department of Health and Human Services and the Small Business Administration, including an additional $75 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for providers.

Negotiations continue on a final agreement, which is expected to include funding for small businesses, hospitals, and coronavirus testing. America's Essential Hospitals urges members to contact their members of Congress and ask them to support the association's COVID-19 priorities.

As Congress considers a potential fourth COVID-19 legislative package, contact your House and Senate lawmakers immediately and urge them to support essential hospitals’ priorities.

Congress should increase emergency funding for hospitals on the front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic, target hospitals in greatest need, adjust Medicaid to help essential hospitals, and provide other financial and regulatory relief.

Senate lawmakers continue to negotiate the next round of legislation to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, America's Essential Hospitals, in a letter to congressional leadership, shared its priorities for the next COVID-19 supplemental bill.

House Democratic leaders seek to bolster economic aid and unemployment benefits, extend community health center funding, and increase workplace protections for health care workers and first responders.

House Democratic leaders are developing a fourth COVID-19 supplemental funding bill on the heels of a $2 trillion aid package the president signed last week. This fourth legislative package could include measures to enhance protections for health care workers.

President Trump has signed a $2 trillion package of COVID-19 aid that provides $100 billion to hospitals and other providers, averts cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, suspends Medicare sequester cuts, and includes numerous other relief measures.

The $2 trillion bill includes $100 billion for a Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to reimburse eligible health care providers for health care–related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19.

As the Senate continues work on a third legislative package to address public health and economic needs during the COVID-19 crisis, House Democrats introduced an alternative that includes provisions important to essential hospitals and key changes absent in the Senate bill.

After two failed votes, senators continue negotiations on a $1.6 trillion funding package to boost the economy and improve access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, House Democratic leadership unveiled competing legislation to provide relief.

A third major legislative response to COVID-19 would provide $75 billion in emergency funding for hospitals and health care providers, delay until fiscal year 2022 a planned $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, and authorize other support.

The law increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage to states, allows states to extend Medicaid eligibility, and requires diagnostic test coverage.

The association sent House and Senate leaders a letter detailing the needs of essential hospitals as they face the COVID-19 outbreak. Members of America's Essential Hospitals should urge lawmakers to support the priorities in our letter.

This second supplemental legislative package to address the new coronavirus would increase the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to states, require insurance coverage of COVID-19 diagnostic tests and visits, extend paid leave, and more.

President Trump has signed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $8.3 billion in funding to several federal agencies for COVID-19 response.

As the impeachment trial ends, House and Senate leaders will transition back to their legislative priorities, including reducing out-of-pocket health care costs.

America’s Essential Hospitals encourages members to submit by Feb. 1 comments to CMS detailing the devastating impact of the MFAR’s proposed provisions and to urge House and Senate members to weigh in with the administration.

The proposed Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation would sharply curtail flexibility states now have to finance and structure Medicaid to serve vulnerable people. Congress must step in immediately and demand that CMS withdraw this damaging rule in its entirety.

The Senate trial begins this week on two articles of impeachment against President Trump, for obstruction of Congress and abuse of power.

America's Essential Hospitals this week is closely following congressional health care committee efforts to develop a robust legislative package to stop impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding and extend funding for several expiring health care programs.

After delaying Medicaid DSH cuts and extending funding for other health care programs by five additional months, congressional leaders are expected to leverage the new May 22 expiration date to advance bills to lower drug prices and protect patients from surprise medical bills.

Congress approved and the president signed a fiscal year 2020 spending package that delays through May 22, 2020, a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

Congressional leaders have delayed for five months a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments under comprehensive legislation to fund federal operations for the remainder of fiscal year 2020, which started Oct. 1.

Lawmakers have three weeks to agree on funding for the federal government and various health care programs, including Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. The House resumes its impeachment investigation with a Judiciary Committee hearing.

The latest continuing resolution, which funds the government through Dec. 20, will give Congress more time to negotiate a longer-term agreement on government spending and relief from impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

The House is scheduled to vote on a continuing resolution that would extend federal funding through Dec. 20 and further delay a scheduled $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments; House impeachment hearings continue.

While lawmakers continue negotiations on fiscal year 2020 spending bills and prescription drug pricing legislation, committees will hold hearings on electronic cigarette use, state efforts to undermine reproductive health care, and the presidential impeachment inquiry.

Twelve spending bills must advance through Congress and be signed by the president by Nov. 21 to fully fund the federal government for fiscal year 2020.

A House vote on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, scheduled for this week, has been postponed to allot more time for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to score the bill.

Essential hospital leaders will meet with lawmakers this week at our fall Policy Assembly amid government funding talks and drug pricing negotiations.

Essential hospitals tackle social determinants of health while operating with limited means. Congress must act to preserve the federal support essential hospitals rely on to fulfill their mission of care for all and keep communities healthy.

Negotiations continue on funding the federal government — and averting Medicaid DSH cuts — while House committees hold hearings and markups on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.

Congress will focus on the looming deadline to fund the federal government and address the $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding.

President Trump signed a short-term continuing resolution delaying disproportionate share hospital funding cuts to Nov. 22; House Speaker Pelosi launched an impeachment inquiry.

A continuing resolution to fund the federal government, including the disproportionate share hospital program, through Nov. 21 heads to the Senate; House Speaker Pelosi introduces a drug pricing bill.

DSH cuts will start Oct. 1 without congressional action; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is expected to introduce a drug pricing proposal; the House considers a stopgap government funding measure.

Lawmakers must act before Oct. 1 to stop the $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, extend expiring health care programs, and fund government operations for fiscal year 2020.

The bipartisan deal averts a $125 billion cut to federal discretionary spending, raises spending caps by $324 billion, and partially offsets costs by extending a 2 percent cut to Medicare provider payments,

A House panel marked up legislation to eliminate $16 billion in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts, mitigate surprise bills, and fund expiring health care programs.

As Congress returns from the July Fourth recess, lawmakers focus on legislation to reduce surprise medical bills and prescription drug costs, as well as extend short-term funding for community behavioral health clinics.

Also last week, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions advanced the bipartisan Lower Health Care Costs Act and the House Committee on Ways and Means marked up five Medicare-focused bills.

A House-passed bill to extend funding for Medicaid programs heads to the Senate; the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions introduced the Lower Health Care Costs Act.

House and Senate committees this month remain focused on legislation to reduce surprise billing and health care costs. The House last week began deliberations on a $987 million spending package to fund many federal agencies for FY 2020.

The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovations Act would provide $385 million annually for the Hospital Preparedness Program. Congress stacks its agenda ahead of the July Fourth recess, focusing on health care funding, surprise billing, single-payer proposals, and drug pricing.

A House subcommittee hearing features testimony from an essential hospital on the importance of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding. The House is expected to approve a bill providing $385 million in annual funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.

A draft plan from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee aims to end surprise medical bills for out-of-network emergency services, reduce prescription drug prices, and improve transparency in health care costs, among other priorities.

In a May 17 Capitol Hill briefing, leaders from NYC Health + Hospitals, East Alabama Medical Center, and Eskenazi Health shared how disproportionate share hospital funding sustains their hospitals.

The Senate last week passed a new version of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019. House and Senate panels continue work to address balance billing and drug pricing ahead of next week's recess.

Hearings focused on rising drug costs and pricing transparency. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) reintroduced a measure to bolster consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act. Both chambers will return to legislative business on April 29.

Seven pharmaceutical company executives will testify in a Senate Committee on Finance hearing about prescription drug pricing practices.

The president signs a multibillion-dollar funding package and declares a national emergency, which now faces multiple court challenges. Two House Democrats announce plans to introduce Medicare-for-all legislation.

Congressional committees requested information from providers and health plans on balance billing practices and invited several pharmaceutical companies to testify in a hearing on drug pricing; congressional negotiators strike a tentative deal to avoid another federal shutdown.

As the president prepares to deliver his State of the Union address this week, Congressional committees remain focused on health care costs and threats to the Affordable Care Act.

The Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019 heads to President Trump for approval. Meanwhile, a new bill would limit the use of Medicaid to care for undocumented immigrants.

The 116th session of Congress convenes as leaders seek a deal to end a partial government shutdown, while health care legislation hangs in the balance.

House and Senate Democratic leaders vowed to pursue legislation to intervene after a judge ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional; negotiations continue on a spending package to fund portions of the federal government before current funding expires on Dec. 21.

A new association tracker lists grants and demonstration projects available under H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, that will be available to essential hospitals.

Ahead of the holiday recess, the Senate needs to approve the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovations Act, while both chambers work to finalize a year-end spending bill to avoid a partial government shutdown.

Recent policy changes have drained vital funding and threaten a financial crisis at essential hospitals. Without action by Congress, communities nationwide will lose access to care and vital support services.

President Trump has agreed to sign a short-term extension of government funding for many federal agencies to avoid a partial government shutdown; House Democratic Caucus last week elected leadership for the next session of Congress.

The House Democratic Caucus on Wednesday will hold closed-door votes to elect its leadership team for the next session of Congress; Congress faces several deadlines as lawmakers return from the holiday weekend.

Senators of both parties and House Republicans last week began elections for leadership positions in the 116th session of Congress; after the Thanksgiving holiday, lawmakers will continue work to approve a spending bill by Dec. 7.

Next steps for both parties include choosing leadership for the next Congress and, for Republicans, accomplishing remaining legislative priorities while they still control all levers of the federal government.

The new law, which represents the federal government’s first comprehensive policy response to the nation’s opioid crisis, aims to advance treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention, protect communities, and bolster efforts to fight deadly illicit synthetic drugs.

Senators left Washington earlier than expected to campaign for midterm elections after confirming 15 federal judicial nominees and failing to overturn a regulation expanding short-term insurance plans.

As midterm elections loom, Congress sent to the president the federal government's first comprehensive policy response to the nation's opioid crisis; a bipartisan House letter questions outpatient payment cuts; and New Hampshire senators introduced surprise billing legislation.

The discussion draft addresses several patient care scenarios that could lead to surprise billing; Congress is expected to vote this week on reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, government funding for fiscal year 2019, and a bipartisan opioid package.

Two senators lead a letter-signing campaign to stop the expansion of hospital outpatient department cuts; in a 99-1 vote, the Senate approves legislation to combat the opioid crisis and is poised to vote on a spending bill for fiscal year 2019.

The Senate is expected to vote this week on a bipartisan legislative package to combat the opioid crisis. The House considers legislation to roll back Affordable Care Act provisions.

Before starting the final campaign stretch, Congress returns to Washington to consider Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination and to fund the federal government for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.

Leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions expressed concern that the Health Resources and Services Administration is not using its existing authority to ensure proper management of the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

The Senate passed a funding package for the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments and now must reconcile its version with House-passed legislation.

Senate leaders hope to pass by Labor Day legislation to appropriate funds for the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments; a Senate committee will examine Medicaid fraud.

Congress is expected to consider legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, fund the Department of Health and Human Services, and enable federal response to pandemic threats.

Senate action on opioid legislation has been delayed by the debate over the Supreme Court nomination and what to include in the final package; Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said senators likely will consider opioid legislation after the August recess.

Bills to repeal the medical device tax and expand health savings accounts go to a House floor vote; a House committee advanced legislation that would fund the Hospital Preparedness Program at about $265 billion annually.

A Government Accountability Office witness and several 340B Drug Pricing Program stakeholders testified last week at a House committee hearing; another House committee marked up several consumer-driven health care bills.

The July 11 hearing will focus on contract pharmacies and a slate of 15 bills and discussion drafts related to the program; two essential hospital leaders will testify.

A new bill by Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) would impose a user fee for hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program; a House subcommittee marked up hospital preparedness and graduate medical education bills.

The legislation, containing more than 50 bills to combat the opioid crisis, now heads to the Senate; it is unclear whether senators will pass the package or consider their own legislation.

Modeled on a program developed at essential hospital St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, in Paterson, N.J., the Alternatives to Opioids bill is one of 25 opioid-related bills the House passed last week.

The House aims to complete voting by the July Fourth recess, but Senate work on opioid legislation likely will continue into August amid a shortened recess.

Lawmakers previously aimed to pass an opioid package by Memorial Day; Committee hearings focus on the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the president's blueprint to lower drug prices.

The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, which includes $385 million annually for the Hospital Preparedness Program, has been cleared for consideration on the Senate floor; Congress aims to vote on opioid package before the July Fourth recess.

Senate Democrats sharply questioned the repeated delays of a final rule on drug ceiling prices and manufacturer civil monetary penalties; The House continues to focus on passing an opioid package.

House leadership remains focused on passing a bipartisan opioid-related legislative package by Memorial Day, but recently indicated a June vote might be more likely.

Four House hearings this week examine the opioid crisis, as lawmakers work to craft bipartisan legislation; A Senate hearing focuses on oversight reports on the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

House and Senate lawmakers last week reviewed more than 60 opioid-related bills before heading into a week-long recess.

House and Senate committees this week will mark up legislation to combat the opioid epidemic with the hope of passing a bipartisan bill by Memorial Day.

Senate and House panels hold hearings on opioid and substance use disorder treatment among Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and how distributors might contribute to the crisis.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold hearings this week on measures to combat the opioid epidemic.

When Congress returns next week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will consider more than a dozen bills during its third and final hearing on the opioid crisis.

The final package, passed last week, included $4 billion for combating the opioid crisis and a $10 billion increase in HHS funding, but left out measures to stabilize the insurance marketplace.

The House of Representatives approved a $1.3 trillion fiscal year 2018 omnibus spending bill that includes nearly $4 billion to combat the opioid crisis and increased funding for the National Institutes of Health.

Negotiations on the bill have stalled amid disagreements on certain provisions, such as including language barring abortion access as part of a package to stabilize the Affordable Care Act's insurance marketplace.

In its annual report to Congress, the commission also recommends curbing Medicare Advantage plan consolidation and evaluating telehealth services before including them in coverage.

House Republicans this week hope to bring to the floor a bill to fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year; America's Essential Hospitals CEO asked to testify during Senate committee hearing on 340B Drug Pricing Program.

Congress this week is focused on negotiating legislation to stabilize the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace and efforts to fight the opioid crisis.

House hearings will review legislation on enforcement measures to combat the opioid crisis; a new Senate bill would provide funding for prevention and treatment programs.

"Site-neutral” payment policy jeopardizes access to care by making clinic expansion into our most underserved communities financially unsustainable.

Republicans from both chambers work on a marketplace stabilization package; Senate Finance Committee Republicans plan to review the Internal Revenue Service's process for designating nonprofit hospitals.

The budget plan for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 proposes changes to the distribution of 340B Drug Pricing Program savings and increased funding to fight the opioid crisis.

America’s Essential Hospitals thanks its member hospitals and congressional champions for their hard work and advocacy during the lengthy process to finalize a two-year delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding cuts.

The measure, which updates a continuing resolution set to expire on Feb. 8, delays cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

The association continues to work with congressional leadership and staff to ensure a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts is included in the next funding measure; Senate confirms new Health and Human Services Secretary.

The measure passed by Congress and signed by President Trump Monday funds the government through Feb. 8 and extends the Children's Health Insurance Program six years, but leaves unresolved a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts.

The Senate needs 60 votes to avoid a filibuster and pass the continuing resolution. There are only 51 Republicans in the Senate, and several have said they won’t vote for the bill in its current form.

As Congress focuses on Jan. 19 funding deadline, America's Essential Hospitals continues pressure to delay Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts. The Trump administration releases guidance on work requirements for Medicaid recipients.

The association launched an advocacy and media campaign calling on Congress to delay Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts as part of a long-term government funding measure.

Congress returns from recess to focus on long-term solutions after passing a short-term bill to fund the government through Jan. 19; lawmakers push for delay of 340B Drug Pricing Program cuts.

America’s Essential Hospitals will continue its fight to stop the onset of these cuts, and have assurances that lawmakers are committed to a two-year delay. We urge Congress to act swiftly to delay the Medicaid DSH cuts when lawmakers return in January.

The final tax deal includes the repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate, Advance Refunding Bonds and Private Activity Bonds.

Republican leaders hope to introduce the final tax reform bill early next week; a bill to stop cuts to the 340B Drug Pricing Program has 130 cosponsors.

The legislative priorities include a health care extenders package, tax reform, and a long-term funding bill. Also, bipartisan House legislation to halt 340B payment cuts now has more than 50 cosponsors.

The House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; the Senate version of the tax reform bill includes a repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate.

The Finance Committee's "chairman's mark" is similar to a House bill, but forgoes many House provisions of particular concern to essential hospitals.

Both the House and Senate versions of the bill contain several provisions of concern to essential hospitals. This Action Update details the status of these issues in both versions.

The bill delays disproportionate share hospital payment cuts for two years; House Republicans consider repealing the individual mandate through tax reform.

The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act extends Children's Health Insurance Program funding for five years and delays cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments for two years.

A bipartisan Senate bill would fund cost-sharing reduction payments; Congress has yet to renew funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Senate and House bills to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program are similar, but the House version includes a one-year delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts.

The federal fiscal year came to a close Sept. 30, ending a nearly yearlong congressional effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and bringing tax reform efforts and other health care priorities to the forefront in Congress.

Reductions to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act, went into effect on Oct. 1. A total of $2 billion will be cut from Medicaid DSH funding in fiscal year 2018 alone.

America's Essential Hospitals continues to advance our opposition to the Senate's Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson proposal.

By cutting reimbursement rates for Part B drugs to 340B hospitals, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would harm essential hospitals, which care for the nation’s poorest, most complex, and costliest patients.

Lawmakers return from the August recess to consider legislation and policy related to the Children’s Health Insurance Program, market stabilization, and cost-sharing reductions.

Substantial cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments are set to begin on Oct. 1; strong and immediate input from essential hospitals is vital to successfully secure another delay.

America's Essential Hospitals asks Congress to postpone Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts until they can reach a sustainable solution.

Senate committees will focus on market stabilization legislation and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) reauthorization; the association seeks to attach to the CHIP bill a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts.

After Affordable Care Act repeal efforts collapsed in the Senate, the administration began considering options on cost-sharing reduction payments, but some lawmakers remain focused on repeal.

The Senate approved a motion to proceed, which is needed to open floor debate of a repeal bill; it remains unclear how the Senate will proceed.

Senate Majority Leader McConnell said he would bring up a repeal-only bill that includes a two-year transition period for replacing the Affordable Care Act, but three Republican senators oppose the plan.

Senate Republican leadership continues negotiations with Republican holdouts; a vote on the bill is expected before the month-long August recess.

As the Senate considers the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) of 2017, America’s Essential Hospitals and its more than 300 members urge lawmakers to protect low-income and other Americans who face financial challenges—and the hospitals on which they rely.

A revised draft of the Senate bill was released to address some Republicans' concerns, but it made no meaningful changes to the bill’s Medicaid provisions.

The brief projects Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment reductions under the Affordable Care Act and the House-passed American Health Care Act.

A group of Republican and Democratic governors sent a letter to Senate leadership encouraging a bipartisan approach to repealing the Affordable Care Act.

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's annual report examines various issues in the Medicare payment system and offers recommendations to Congress.

Senate Republican leaders aim to submit a draft bill to the Congressional Budget Office early this week and vote on the bill before the July Fourth recess.

The committee’s intentions remain unclear; we recommend essential hospitals prepare to publicly describe what auditors found and corrective actions taken.

Senate Republican leadership recently indicated the possibility of a vote by the end of July, before the month-long August recess.

A white paper calls for a stop to impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments and recommends modernizing existing DSH policy.

The plan would reduce funding for social and entitlement programs for low-income Americans by $1.7 trillion, including a $610 billion cut to Medicaid.

Senate Republicans stay focused on a strategy to repeal and replace the ACA; committees hold hearings on public health, Medicare, and chronic conditions.

A 13-member Senate working group made up of conservative and moderate Republicans now begins to craft its own version of the legislation.

Three new amendments garnered enough Republican support to pass the bill in a 217-213 vote; CBO has not scored the bill since the amendments were added.

Rep. MacArthur (R-NJ) proposed an amendment to the AHCA that would have allowed states to opt out of several important insurance regulations.

A vote on the bipartisan bill could come Wednesday in the House, followed by Senate consideration before continuing resolution appropriations expire Friday.

Lawmakers face an extensive agenda of legislative priorities, including health care and tax reform, and most urgent, a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown.

When lawmakers return, they could attempt to make additional changes to pass the American Health Care Act, legislation to repeal and replace the ACA.

Talks of a deal to resurrect the American Health Care Act — legislation to repeal and replace the ACA that was pulled in March — are underway.

House GOP leadership pulled the bill due to inadequate support; the association now resumes its focus on other hospital-related issues, including DSH cuts.

The American Health Care Act's Medicaid cuts would fall heavily on low-income states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Samuel Ross, CEO of Bon Secours Baltimore Health System, testified at an event held by House Democrats on the Republican-proposed bill to repeal the ACA.

The replacement plan would make steep cuts to Medicaid and leave an estimated 24 million more people uninsured, compared with current law under the ACA.

The American Health Care Act moves next to the House Committee on the Budget, which is scheduled to mark up the legislation on Thursday.

The committees on Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means passed ACA repeal and replacement bills that could affect coverage and essential hospital funding.

The House committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means this week released their long-awaited legislation to repeal and replace the ACA.

Draft GOP text for legislation to repeal and replace the ACA leaks; a Senate committee is poised to vote on the administration's CMS administrator nominee.

Whether you join us or support the fight from home, urge lawmakers to ensure continued coverage access and stable, equitable, sustainable Medicaid funding.

A leaked House GOP plan to repeal & replace the ACA raises concerns for essential hospitals. A Senate committee considered nominee Seema Verma to lead CMS.

Former Rep. Tom Price was confirmed as secretary of HHS; the Senate Committee on Finance will consider the nomination of Seema Verma as CMS administrator.

A House subcommittee marked up two bills focused on income eligibility for Medicaid. The association weighed in on a hearing about the individual mandate.

No agreements have been reached about a repeal/replacement plan for the ACA and it appears Republicans in both chambers are far from making final decisions.

The second confirmation hearing was held for Rep. Price as HHS secretary and a House subcommittee held a hearing on the individual mandate's effectiveness.

With House and Senate passage of budget resolutions, efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act now move to committees and toward a Jan. 27 deadline for repeal legislation.

Debate and amendment votes in the Senate are expected though the weekend. The Senate measure then will go to the House for consideration.

Essential hospitals can expect the new Congress' Republican leaders to follow through quickly with their pledge to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The association is urging policymakers to pair any repeal of the Affordable Care Act with simultaneous passage of a comprehensive replacement.

President Obama signs the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes the historic risk adjustment provision and also provides partial relief to hospitals from cuts to off-campus outpatient department payments.

Lawmakers approve funding for the federal government through April 28, 2017, and pass legislation that includes two key advocacy wins for essential hospitals: socioeconomic risk adjustment and partial relief from outpatient department payment cuts.

Essential hospitals should be equipped with key information to understand this procedural tool that likely will be used early next year to begin the process of dismantling the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Congress plans to vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government running past Dec. 9. The Senate is expected to pass 21st Century Cures legislation.

Congress is poised to pass legislation that would include socioeconomic risk adjustment for the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and some relief from payment cuts for new hospital outpatient departments.

Lawmakers are closing in on negotiations for 21st Century Cures legislation and also working to complete a short-term continuing resolution to fund the federal government through March 2017.

The impending full control of government by Republicans is expected to kick start discussions about repealing the Affordable Care Act and passing entitlement reform.

On Sept. 27, the Senate failed to invoke cloture, which would have allowed it to move to final passage of the continuing resolution.

At stake is funding to combat the Zika virus, among several other policy issues that have kept the measure from moving forward.

While details are still being finalized, a continuing resolution to fund the government through early December likely will include funding to combat Zika.

Congress seems likely to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government beyond Sept. 30. Lawmakers also are expected to approve funding to combat Zika.

A webinar and new election toolkit from America's Essential Hospitals can help to make sure hospitals' voices are heard this congressional election season.

When Congress resumes, it will race to pass legislation to keep the government running beyond Sept. 30.

This week, the Senate votes on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. Last week, the House passed a mental health bill in a bipartisan vote.

To avoid a government shutdown, Congress might have to pass an omnibus appropriations measure if lawmakers fail to reach spending agreements by Sept. 30.

The Senate rejected a $1.1 billion Zika funding package, and Patrick Conway, with CMS, testified about the proposed Medicare Part B demonstration project.

Senate appropriators pass HHS spending bill that includes 340B Drug Pricing Program user fee and instructions to HRSA to consider stakeholder input in final mega-guidance.

The legislation would incorporate risk adjustment for socioeconomic status into Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.

Lawmakers are expected to have a busy June that also could include agreement among House and Senate leaders on funding to combat Zika.

Panel approves bill that would add socioeconomic risk adjustment to Medicare's readmissions reduction program and avert some cuts to hospital outpatient departments.

The House and Senate are expected to vote on Zika spending. In other activity, opioid measure are set to go to conference and committees review Part B payment model and tax-related health proposals.

The House is expected to vote on several opioid-related measures, and 19 House Democrats sent CMS a letter of support for the Medicare Part B demonstration to reduce drug costs.

Lawmakers are in recess this week following failure of the House to pass a bipartisan budget resolution. Last week, House and Senate committees tackled opioids, disparities, and mental health.

Lawmakers continue negotiations to respond to the president’s request for $1.9 billion in emergency funding. Also this week, an expert from association member The University of Chicago Medicine will participate in a Capitol Hill forum on minority health disparities.

Lawmakers say star ratings fail to consider patients' socioeconomic status and could mislead consumers. House, Senate also work on appropriations legislation, Zika, Flint water crisis, and health tax.

HELP Committee finishes work on package of 19 bills, designed to complement the House-passed 21st Century Cures measure. The House is in recess this week.

House Republicans might not have the votes to pass their budget resolution before a two-week congressional recess. House committees take up opioids and medical liability and the Senate HELP committee continues work on its 21st Century Cures companion legislation.

House Committee on Energy and Commerce approves legislation that would cut provider taxes, repeal enhanced FMAP for prisoners and CHIP, and end ACA Prevention and Public Health Fund.

FDA official notes "urgent need” to accelerate development of medical products to combat the virus and says the agency will “leverage its authorities" to aid that process.

Proposed regulations would dramatically narrow access to 340B, harming vulnerable patients and putting entire communities at risk of losing vital services.

Nonpartisan PAC would support congressional candidates who champion policies that improve access to the high-quality health care essential hospitals provide.

Association responds to House lawmakers' request for comment on Medicare's new payment policy for off-campus hospital outpatient departments. Congress works on FY 2017 budget, holds hearings on Zika virus and opiod abuse.

Partisan politics follow Scalia death; House speaker to table entitlement reform until next year; congressional panels to hold hearings on HHS budget, opiod abuse, Zika virus.

Budget plan would improve Medicaid access and coverage and tackle drug pricing, but make damaging Medicare cuts; lawmakers examine Medicaid housing coverage, FMAP, 21st Century Cures, mental health.

House, Senate panels to examine rising cost of drugs, lack of transparency in the drug price negotiation process, and barriers to generic drug applications.

Senate Judiciary examines heroin and prescription drug abuse; Winter Storm Jonas delays scheduled House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on Medicaid FMAP

America's Essential Hospitals and two members systems host congressional staff for round-table discussions about how proposed 340B Drug Pricing Program guidance threatens vulnerable patients and essential hospitals.

March 8 to 9 event, in Washington, DC, offers opportunities to meet with your congressional delegation and network with other hospital leaders; book a room by Feb. 12 for special conference rate.

Obama touts ACA successes in final address, calls for ongoing support of Medicare, Social Security. House Speaker Ryan prepares ACA replacement plan as GOP continues repeal efforts; Califf wins Senate HELP vote.

House returns from recess for largely symbolic vote on Senate-passed reconciliation bill that would repeal many ACA provisions, including Medicaid expansion; Senate remains out.

House and Senate lawmakers negotiate omnibus appropriations bill and two-year extension of tax cuts, but fail to provide relief on new Medicare site-neutral payment policy for hospital outpatient departments.

Congress returns from Thanksgiving recess to must-pass bills on highway funding and appropriations; Senate leaders work on reconciliation package ahead of Dec. 11 appropriations vote.

Congressional staff continue negotiating omnibus appropriations package, which is expected to go to a vote by Dec. 11; Sen. Wyden asks HHS for update on progress of state 1332 waivers.

Letter from Senate Finance Committee leaders asks America's Essential Hospitals, other stakeholders, for comment on Medicaid transparency, quality, accountability

Senate plans to expand House reconciliation bill with full ACA repeal; Rep. Brady named Ways and Means chair; Republicans establish Medicaid task force.

President signs budget deal that reduces payment to new hospital outpatient facilities; Ryan becomes House speaker; Energy and Commerce Committee considers Medicaid supplemental payment oversight bills

The House proposes a budget deal with potentially damaging changes for essential hospitals - the association is fighting these. Paul Ryan expected to be the next speaker of the House. The Senate HELP committee examines mental health.

Letter to congressional leaders, signed by more than 100 hospital executives, calls for passage of bills to adjust Medicare readmissions program for socioeconomic status

House Budget Committee clears reconciliation bill that would defund Planned Parenthood for one year and make substantial changes to the Affordable Care Act. Outlook remains unclear for choice of next House speaker.

The House Republican vote for speaker will be held on Thursday, other leadership races postponed until later this month. Full House vote for speaker expected in Nov. Budget reconciliation efforts continue.

Congress will vote to pass legislation to avoid a government shutdown. Meanwhile, House committees are also working to pass budget reconciliation measures that would defund Planned Parenthood and make major changes to the Affordable Care Act.

The briefing included a panel of four experts serving different Medicaid populations who spoke about continuing to strengthen the program and the role of Medicaid expansion in increasing access to care.

This week congressional action is slow as lawmakers prepare for the papal visit. With a government shutdown only days away, lawmakers work to reach funding negotiations amid Planned Parenthood debate.

Planned Parenthood controversy continues to influence federal funding negotiations. Health insurer and hospital mergers are reviewed. Plus, committees consider abortion, Medicaid, HIT, and biosimilar drugs.

Planned Parenthood remains an issue in government funding. Congress considers hospital bills, Medicare Part B premiums, medical innovation, health care competition, and Medicaid fraud and abuse, vows to focus on mental health.

The hospital-related NOTICE Act was sent to the president last week. An ACA repeal vote remains likely for fall along with the potential for a government shutdown.

Nearly 200, including America's Essential Hospitals, sign Partnership for Medicaid letter to the president and Congress praising Medicaid on the program's 50th anniversary.

Panelists from across the membership asked Congress to ensure the sustainability of telehealth through payment parity for telehealth services.

The Senate fails to repeal the ACA but will keep trying. Committees discuss HHS priorities and health care bills, including a bundle of hospital-related bills.

Sen. Grassley requested a hearing on recent 340B GAO report. House calls and clinical trials for Medicare patients each pass one chamber. Committees review Medicare hospital payments, HIT, and marketplaces.

Last week the House passed 21st Century Cures legislation with strong bipartisan support. Congressional committees are reviewing Medicare Part D, deadly diseases and HealthCare.gov.

GOP will weigh procedural tactics to repeal the ACA or propose tax reform; House vote on Cures bill expected.

Republicans will also continue to develop a strategy for undoing the ACA in light of the Supreme Court's ruling upholding the law last week.

The House will vote to repeal two major ACA provisions this week - medical device tax and the IPAB - and consider four Medicare Advantage bills. Health committees are reviewing mental health and HIT.

A total of $3.3 billion is marked for CMS, which is about $344 million below current funding. The subcommittee will consider the bill tomorrow.

The House could vote on 21st Century Cures legislation as early as next week, health committees focus on 9/11 compensation and health information exchange.

Parts of the Cures package will now likely go to other House committees for review. The Senate will discuss NSA surveillance after recess.

We are pleased to see that this amendment was not included in the Cures package and look forward to working with lawmakers to strengthen the 340B program in the future.

It remains unclear what 340B Drug Pricing Program provisions could be included in the legislation.

The Energy and Commerce Committee is scheduled to vote on 21st Century Cures Wednesday, possibly including an amendment that would make changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

America's Essential Hospitals is pleased that the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is working collaboratively with stakeholders on the proposal.

House votes on defense and late-term abortions, while the Senate votes on the trade bill, faces pharma pressure on biologics. Health committees review 21st Century Cures and Medicare patients' chronic conditions.

The Senate takes up the House-passed budget resolution. Both the House and Senate are focused on medical innovation as the next major health push.

Congress plans for a final vote on a FY 2016 budget resolution, and House and Senate committees will review medical innovation initiatives.

The law also delays Medicaid DSH payment cuts for an additional year - until fiscal year 2018 - and extends CHIP funding for two years.