Week in Washington: New and Notes of Note

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.

May 30, 2019:  New and Notes of Note

Transparency: There are growing reports around the Trump Administration’s interest if increased price transparency is indeed serious. The Washington Post announced that an executive order, expected by mid-June, would require that the Executive branch create regulations that would require hospitals and insurers to release the discounted rates they negotiate for services.

HDHP and HSA: The IRS released the contribution limits for HSAs for 2020. For individuals the limits will be $3,550 under an HDHP. HDHP deductibles must fall between $1,400 and $6,900 for individuals.

Part D Cap Proposal:  Politico reported that draft legislation was released in the House that would cap out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Under the proposed bill the cap would be set on the current catastrophic threshold. The sponsors are waiting for comments until June 6th before considering next steps.

CT Public Option in Trouble: After intense lobbying, it appears that the Connecticut plan to establish a public option will not pass.  State officials noted that strong industry opposition resulted in the public option portion of the bill. Initially the state had proposed a government sponsored option that would be available to individual and small group consumers. It is unclear if the state will move ahead with its reinsurance proposal.

California HIV ProposalCalifornia is seriously considering a bill that allow people to receive 30 days of PrEp (an HIV-prevention drug commonly known as Truvada) without a doctor’s prescription. The bill is designed to reduce the spread of HIV infection but faces opposition from the California Medical Association. The bill passed the California Senate and heads to the California House. 

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Previous editions: 

05/23/2019:  Potential Healthcare Legislation Unveiled 

05/17/2019:  Surprise Billing-Proposed Laws

05/09/2019: Balanced Billing, New Regs & More

05/02/2019:  Medicare for All, CBO Scores & More

04/25/2019:  Demonstrations

4/11/2019:    New Medicare Demo Announced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

04/01/2019:  Legislation Updates

03/29/2019:  ACA Litigation, Work Requirements, & More

03/14/2019:  President's Budget

03/07/2019:  Regulations, Staff Changes, & News of Note

02/28/2019:  Hearings, Hill Bills, and ACA Repair Plans

02/22/2019:  Medicaid Expansion, MA Termination & More

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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