Summary
As Democrats seek to shrink their budget reconciliation package, their strategy on how to trim the health care measures is unclear. The question for Democrats remains: include fewer things with longer authorizations or vice versa? The size of the package will also depend on the savings generated from lowering prescription drug prices.
Medicare and Medicaid
We will see the debate over adding dental, hearing, and vision benefits to Medicare or addressing the Medicaid expansion coverage gap play out in the Senate Finance Committee (SFC) this week. SFC will hold a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the “current and future role” of Medicare and Medicaid. The witness panel features experts and advocates from the Urban Institute, The Commonwealth Fund, American Action Forum, and Families USA.
Cures 2.0
Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Fred Upton (R-MI) may formally introduce Cures 2.0 as soon as this week. The duo unveiled a discussion draft in June that addressed the following areas: telehealth access, coverage and reimbursement for new medical products at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), drug regulation at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and public health capacity and pandemic preparedness (WHG summary). Most notably, the bipartisan bill is expected to authorize the creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) as proposed by President Biden. An authorizing provision for ARPA-H has been removed from the budget reconciliation package. Back in July, the House passed appropriations legislation providing $3 billion in startup costs for ARPA-H.
On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee will examine a slate of bipartisan bills (with the exception of one noted below) aimed at advancing scientific research, strengthening public health programs, and improving access to health care services.
- Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 (H.R. 623)
- Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act (H.R. 1193)
- Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2021 (H.R. 1956)
- Children and Media Research Advancement (CAMRA) Act (H.R. 2161)
- Katherine’s Law for Lung Cancer Early Detection and Survival Act of 2021 (H.R. 3749) (Democratic support only)
- Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2021 (H.R. 4555)
- Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screenings (PALS) Act of 2021 (H.R. 4612)
- Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act of 2021 (H.R. 5487)
- Improving the Health of Children Act (H.R. 5551)
- Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (H.R. 5552)
- Prostate Cancer Prevention Act (H.R. 5558)
- Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5561)
COVID-19 Vaccine
Later this week (October 20-21), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet to discuss who specifically should receive the Moderna COVID-19 booster shot. The third shot was unanimously recommended by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC). The FDA’s final decision likely authorizing the booster is expected soon.