Over the weekend, Congressional leadership released a continuing resolution (CR) that extends government funding at the same level as the previous fiscal year, through September 30. Congress must extend government funding by March 14 to avoid a government shutdown. The CR reauthorizes several health care programs that allow greater flexibility for telehealth services, promote public health, and enhance payments to certain providers. However, the CR does not include other key components of a bipartisan health package negotiated last year – most notably pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. The bill would also continue a 2% reduction in Medicare provider payments that kicked in at the end of last year under budget sequestration rules.
The CR reauthorizes several programs that promote public health through the end of September. The bill provides funding for graduate medical education programs at Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, and Teaching Health Centers. The National Institutes of Health and Indian Health Service will receive authorization to fund grant programs targeting diabetes treatment and prevention. Lastly, the CR extends public health emergency preparedness and response authorities that are included in the Public Health Service Act.
The CR extends certain telehealth flexibilities that were initially created during the COVID-19 public health emergency through September 30. The CR also continues programs that provide additional payments to certain providers, including the increased payment adjustment for low-volume hospitals and the Medicare-Dependent Hospital program. While the CR does not provide broader relief to physicians who are facing a 2% pay cut, it does maintain a minimum work geographic index that protects providers in low-cost-of-living areas from lower reimbursement rates. The bill also reauthorizes Part D coverage of oral antiviral drugs and continues funding for programs that develop quality measures.
The CR extends the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program through September 30. Under the DSH program, state Medicaid programs provide add-on payments to hospitals that serve large numbers of people who are enrolled in Medicaid or are uninsured.
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