With a bold finish, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) crossed the finish line of its race to modernize and clarify the regulations interpreting the federal physician self-referral law (Stark) and anti-kickback statute (AKS) through final rules released
CORONAVIRUS WORRIES CONTINUE AFTER EMERGENCY FUNDING BILL
Congressional approval last week of emergency spending to address the coronavirus hasn’t allayed Capitol Hill’s concerns about preparedness and response as the impact of the virus in the United States rapidly escalates.
AZAR TO TESTIFY THIS WEEK BEFORE HOUSE, SENATE COMMITTEES
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar faces a marathon week of testimony, appearing before four congressional committees to discuss his department’s fiscal 2021 budget.
In addition to funding issues, Azar
SURPRISE BILLING PROGRESS DRIVES THE WEEK
Legislation to address surprise medical bills is moving forward this week, as two House committees mark up their own plans to protect patients.
After progress stalled at the end of last year, the House
SURPRISE BILLING FIX REGAINING TRACTION?
Legislation to address unexpected bills for out-of-network medical care appears to be making a comeback, after a committee turf battle stalled its progress at the end of last year.
House leaders want to pass a
CONCERNS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS GROW ON CAPITOL HILL
As coronavirus cases continue to emerge in the United States and worldwide, lawmakers are seeking briefings from federal health officials about the outbreak that originated in China and what steps U.S. health agencies
NEW SENATOR JOINS HEALTH COMMITTEE
Newly sworn-in Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., is the newest member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Loeffler took the oath of office last week, replacing retired Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.
Committee
SPRING DEADLINE DRIVES 2020 HEALTH POLICY AGENDA
Few policy issues consumed more political oxygen on Capitol Hill last year than prescription drug prices and surprise medical bills – but without significant legislative achievement on either.
But Congress is going to
ACA TAXES ON CHOPPING BLOCK IN YEAR-END BUDGET DEAL
Congressional leaders are poised to announce an agreement today that would permanently repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) taxes on medical device manufacturers, insurers and high-cost health plans as part of
YEAR-END LEGISLATIVE OVERDRIVE
This week is crunch time on a host of legislative priorities, and various health-related provisions hang in the balance.
Lawmakers and staff worked all weekend negotiating on legislation to fund the government beyond next Friday’s deadline, when