Week in Washington

Legislative Update

Congress faces a January 30, 2026, government funding deadline, with the newly released spending package notably excluding an extension of enhanced advanced premium tax credits. The House is expected to take up the appropriations minibus this week. The main sticking point is around funding for ICE.

PBM Reform

While enhanced subsidy extension is not on the menu at the moment, there’s growing belief that PBM reform could be included in a budget deal. The bill would include transparency measures for PBM and attempt to alter current Part D reimbursement dynamics by tying PBM compensation to fees they charge to clients rather than be affected by rebates. It’s unlikely that a similar provision for Medicaid will be included.

Oversight Activity

The House has scheduled multiple healthcare-related hearings this week, including the Budget Committee holding hearings on rising healthcare costs and their fiscal impact. The Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees will feature health insurance CEOs to discuss their role in rising costs.

GLP-1 Usage

Truveta released a new analysis that GLP-1 prescriptions account for more about 7% of all prescriptions. That said less than half of first-time anti-obesity medications were filled within 60 days.