Congressional committees held hearings on a wide variety of on health policy issues this month before going on summer recess. Notable hearings include the following:

  • A Senate Finance Committee hearing on ways to improve and reform the Stark Law, particularly in light of the shift from Medicare fee-for-service to alternative payment models. Prior to the hearing, the Committee released a report entitled "Why Stark, Why Now? Suggestions to Improve the Stark Law to Encourage Innovative Payment Models." The Finance Committee also held hearings on implementation of MACRA Medicare physician payment reforms; and the burden of Alzheimer's disease on families and Medicare.
  • The Ways and Means Committee held hearings on health insurance premiums under the ACA and funding for the ACA cost sharing reduction (CSR) program.
  • House Energy and Commerce Committee hearings focused on trauma care; ACA CSR program funding; quality, privacy, and regulatory issues associated with the use of health care apps; and legislation to improve the delivery of care for children with complex medical conditions under Medicaid.
  • The House Oversight Committee examined the viability of the ACA Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) program and other ACA implementation issues.

This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.