Bulletin Board
Bulletin Board
Surprise Billing Ban: Now the Hard Part Begins
Congress’s passage of a ban on surprise medical bills came after years of debate on the issue and was still somewhat of a surprise. But in hindsight, passing the ban may end up being the easy part. Now, federal officials need to develop regulations that will flesh out the ban, define terms, establish new processes, and more, and every indication is that this will be no less difficult than developing and passing legislation. According to Politico, lobbying on future regulations has already begun, with providers, consumer advocates, insurers, and even [...]
Federal Health Policy Update for Thursday, April 29
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government as of 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 29. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. The White House COVID-19 The White House has posted a transcript of the April 27 press briefing provided by its COVID-19 response team and public health officials. Health Policy News Speaking before a joint session of Congress, President Biden on Wednesday night formally presented his proposed American Families Plan. In general, the plan defers action on most health care [...]
Federal Health Policy Update for Tuesday, April 27
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government as of 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27. The White House COVID-19 The White House has posted a transcript of the April 23 press briefing provided by its COVID-19 response team and public health officials. Health Policy News The White House has nominated Miriam Delphin-Rittmon to serve as Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in the Department of Health and Human Services. The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation. Congress The New Democrat Coalition is a group [...]
Some Insurers Phasing Out Free COVID-19 Care
Some insurers that waived member costs for treatment for COVID-19 are beginning to reintroduce deductibles, co-payments, and other costs associated with treating the virus. Waiving such costs was always voluntary and not imposed by the federal government. As a result, insurers face no limits on the restoration of their members’ share of care costs. Vaccines and most tests remain available without cost. Learn more about how consumer costs for COVID-19 care came to be waived by insurers and how they are now on path to restoration for those covered by [...]
Has the White House Lost Faith in the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine?
Between the issues that resulted in a brief federal pause in the administration of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and production problems plaguing the company’s production contractor, the Biden administration is not necessarily counting on the vaccine in the future. According to Politico, “…privately, frustrated senior health officials have largely written off the shot, according to seven people with knowledge of the matter.” In addition, “… the chaos has disappointed the Biden team, which once argued that the company’s one-dose vaccine would be central to turning the tide of [...]