Budget Bill
A little bit of chaos this week for the end of year package. Congress has until the end of day December 20th to pass a spending bill to avert a government shutdown. The initial bill that many had expected to pass failed at the last minute to pass the House. The result is that its unclear what package may ultimately emerge and if a shutdown can be averted. If not, it’s also unclear how long a shutdown may last given the transition to a new Congress/Administration. Finally, it should be noted that without a bill a number of automatic changes (e.g., PAYGO sequestration, telehealth flexibilities ending, payment extensions not happening, etc.) would go in effect.
Should a new spending bill resemble what almost passed you can find it here
Incoming Administration
Modern Healthcare has a good summary of likely day one regulatory actions of the incoming Administration. In particular, the expectation is that many proposed or final rule not yet in effect will be suspended. This would mean the incoming Administration would have the opportunity to rewrite regulations that are not yet in effect.
National Health Expenditures
OACT published its updated estimates on health care spending in the US. Overall spending increased 7.5% in 2023. This increase was driven by a 10.4% increase in hospital spending. Hospital spending increase steams from increased use of hospital services (for example hospital discharges increased 1.6% in 2023). The increase in hospital spending was the highest since 1990.
ACA DACA Update
The Eight circuit overturned an injunction on the implementation of a rule that would allow DACA recipients access to ACA premium tax credits via the Marketplace.
Thank You
Happy Holidays and thanks for reading the blog this year!
