Summary
Congress is back in session and begins its work on drafting the budget reconciliation package. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is aiming for the House to pass its side of the bill by Memorial Day, with Johnson eyeing the week of May 19th for a floor vote, however this is still an ambitious timeline. Tomorrow, the House Education and Workforce Committee, House Armed Services Committee, the House Homeland Security Committee will markup their drafts of the budget reconciliation package, and on Wednesday, the House Oversight and Reform Committee and the House Financial Services Committee will hold their markups.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has yet to notice their markup, but it is being reported that it could be scheduled for May 7th. Regarding the $880 billion directive to the Committee, it remains unclear which Medicaid options will be pursued, but moderate Republicans continue to express opposition to policies that would reduce Medicaid benefits. Additionally, it is being reported that the White House is now cautioning against large Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts, which is under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Agriculture.
First 100 Days
President Trump is approaching 100 days in office and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released his Dear Colleague letter on Sunday outlining the president’s “disastrous” start and Democrats’ strategies to thwart the president’s agenda. Later this week, Impact Health Policy Partners will release a memo recapping the Trump Administration’s health-related actions during the first 100 days and what policies could possibly be next.
Regulatory Update
The Office of Management and Budget is reviewing the following:
- Proposed CY 2026 payment updates for physicians, hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers, home health agencies, and end-stage renal disease facilities. These proposed rules are typically published in June or July.
- A proposed rule titled, “Preserving Medicaid Funding for Vulnerable Populations – Closing a Health Care-Related Tax Loophole.” The proposed rule could impact provider taxes, such as those in California and New York.