Summary
The House and Senate are both in recess this week for the Republican’s National Convention. Former President Donald Trump will officially be nominated as the Republican candidate for President in 2024. Prior to the convention, the Republican Party released their 2024 Policy Platform. While scant on details, the 16-page document pledges to extend Trump-era tax cuts, reign in wasteful spending, end inflation, secure the borders, and promote “peace through strength.”
On the healthcare front, the platforms pledges to “increase transparency, promote choice and competition, and expand access to new affordable healthcare and prescription drug options.” It further promises to “protect and strengthen Medicare for future generations.”
Other healthcare polices outlined in the platform include: a pledge to increase focus on chronic disease prevention and management, Long-Term Care, and benefit flexibility; expand access to primary care; support policies that help seniors remain in their homes; overturn disincentives that lead to worker shortages; and support unpaid family caregivers through tax credits and “reduced red tape.”
Not mentioned in the policy document is any reference to Medicaid, SNAP or WIC benefits. Further, the only mention of abortion is the pledge that Republicans will continue to oppose late term abortion, while supporting policies that advance prenatal care, access to birth control, and IVF (fertility) treatments.
Regulatory Update
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is currently reviewing the following rules:
Medicare
- Fiscal Year (FY) Payment Updates – The FY 2025 final rules for hospitals and long-term care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, hospice providers, psychiatric facilities (August 2024).
Medicaid
- Drug Rebate Program – The final rule would establishes requirements related to manufacturers’ misclassification of covered outpatient drug products under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP). In addition, it finalizes beneficiary protections, as well as MDRP program integrity and administration changes (June 2024).
Other Topics
- Healthcare System Resiliency and Modernization – The proposed rule would revise and update national emergency preparedness requirements for Medicare- and Medicaid-participating providers and suppliers (was set for December 2023).
- Tobacco Products – The final rule would prohibit the sale of tobacco products to persons younger than 21 years of age (was set for April 2024).
- Retail Pharmacy Standards – The final rule would require pharmacies and vendors to modify the currently adopted National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) standards to the Telecommunications Standard Implementation Guide Version F6 (F6); Batch Standard Implementation Guide version 15; and Batch Standard Subrogation Implementation Guide version 10 (was set for February 2024).