In the Update this week: The president released his proposed FY 2021 budget. It proposes significant cuts to Medicaid and some other health programs, but is considered “dead on arrival” in Congress. A House committee approved another version of legislation to address...

There are two big healthcare news items this week, both generated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): CMS issued its long-expected Medicaid “block grant” guidance, outlining how states can obtain waivers to gain greater flexibility in their...

There are two big news items in the health policy world this week: The Supreme Court lifted an injunction that had been stopping implementation of the administration’s “public charge” rule, but only while appeals are pending. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid...

The big news in the health policy world this week was the announcement by the Supreme Court that it will not take up, on an expedited basis, the case challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. The Court has not yet decided whether to hear the case...

BREAKING NEWS: A federal court of appeals has ruled on the case challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Texas v. United States. Key protections of the law remain in place pending further court action. See “ACA” section in this week's...

This week Members of Congress unveiled several bills that could affect families of children and youth with special health care needs. A conference agreement on the defense authorization bill would provide paid parental leave to all federal employees. This bill is...

Congress is struggling to agree on funding for the federal government beyond December 20, when the temporary funding measure expires. It is unclear whether there will be resolution on legislation to address the thorny issues of surprise medical billing and...

Congress is still working away on FY 2020 appropriations, and legislation to address surprise medical billing and prescription drug prices. Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has been very busy. The agency released a significant proposed...

Not all cooperation between the political parties has ceased in DC. During recent days, the House passed five health bills applauded by both Democrats and Republicans. These bills address the pediatric health care workforce, the nursing workforce, and palliative care....