On October 16, 2013, the House and Senate approved H.R. 2775, the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2014. Under the resolution, the federal government was reopened, after being closed since October 1, 2013. The resolution also funds government operations through January 15, 2014 and suspends the debt limit through February 7, 2014. In the only health care policy provision, HHS is directed to verify the income of individuals applying for premium tax credits under the ACA. As part of the agreement, the House and Senate also agreed to go to conference on a budget resolution to establish the Congressional budget for FY 2014, which started October 1, 2013, and to set budget levels for FY 2015. Conferees are directed to present a budget agreement to Congress by December 13, 2013. As part of the conference deliberations, lawmakers are expected to address Medicare funding to some extent, particularly as lawmakers seek to avert an upcoming steep reduction in Medicare physician fee schedule payments and to extend certain Medicare provisions that expire at the end of the year. Any increases in Medicare program spending are typically offset by other health program cuts, so a wide range of Medicare policies could still be in play this year.
This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
