With Congress at a stalemate on spending legislation, lawmakers are considering a narrower scope of issues to address in near-term health care legislation.
According to published reports, scheduled cuts in Medicaid disproportionate share allotments to states (Medicaid DSH), already delayed several times, could be delayed once again.
In addition, a proposal to require Medicare to pay for outpatient services on a site-neutral basis, rather than paying higher rates to hospital-based outpatient departments higher rates, might not be included.
Also under consideration: restoring some cuts in Medicare’s payments to physicians and additional funding for community health centers.
Also in jeopardy at the moment: action to reduce prescription drug costs and more stringent requirements for provider price transparency.
Learn more about the latest possible twists in health policy legislation from the Roll Call article “Health package talks break down amid broader spending feud.”