On Monday November 2, 2015, ML Strategies released another edition of its Health Care Update. This publication provides timely information on implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Congressional initiatives affecting the health care industry, and federal and state health regulatory developments. This week's update focuses on the opening for chair of the Ways & Means Committee and the potential impact of this decision.
The only contenders for Speaker Ryan's vacated seat are Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) or Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), and both have taken a strong interest in health policy. For example, Rep. Brady has taken an interest in post-acute care services and introduced legislation this summer reforming how Medicare would pay for such services. As for Rep. Tiberi, he has supported clarifying issues around the orphan drug exception, and is an original cosponsor of the TELE-MED Act of 2015. With either of these Representatives moving into the chairman role, there will likely be a focus on health care.
This week's update also details a number of issues impacting health care, including a discussion on the two-year budget deal recently passed which increased the debt limit and diverted potential increases in Medicare Part B premiums. It also provides updates on numerous ACA fixes and other regulatory updates. There are a busy couple of weeks ahead, and ML Strategies will be covering everything from open enrollment season, the recent payment rules, and telemedicine updates. Past and future Health Care Updates can be found here.
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