Week in Washington is brought to you by Michael Cohen, PhD. Tune in each week to read the latest on healthcare policy and get a glimpse of what’s on the horizon.
Week in Washington
06/08/2023
Generally, it’s been a quiet week on the health policy front as everyone is recovering from the recent debt ceiling negotiations.
Here are a few items to keep track of.
Merck Lawsuit against Drug Price Negotiations
Merck filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the drug price negotiation provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. The lawsuit attempts to stop the government from implementing the drug price negotiations. Even if the lawsuit is ultimately unsuccessful it could delay the implementation start date.
Telehealth
The House Ways and Means committee advanced a bill that would have high deductible health plans to cover certain telehealth services before consumer’s hit their deductible. Currently, HDHP plans can cover certain telehealth services as part of the recent omnibus appropriations bill. However, this provision expires at the end of 2024, without Congressional action. The proposed bill would make the current provisions permanent.
Preventative Services
As a reminder, preventative service requirements case is still winding its way through the court system. Judges from the 5th Circuit heard oral arguments this week to see if the nationwide injunction should go back into force. No ruling is expected in the immediate term.
Previous editions:
06/01/2023: Week in Washington
05/25/2023: Week in Washington
05/18/2023: Week in Washington
05/11/2023: Week in Washington
05/04/2023: Week in Washington
04/27/2023: Week in Washington
04/20/2023: Week in Washington
04/13/2023: Week in Washington