The Senate Finance Committee held a March 14 hearing on President Joe Biden’s Health and Human Services (HHS) budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2025. The hearing, which included testimony from HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, held a keen focus on lowering drug prices with an emphasis on pharmacy benefit manager reforms, telehealth coverage extensions, underscoring benefits of “hospital at home” programs, and rural health care infrastructure. Key issues such as drug shortages and reimbursement reforms were also addressed, pointing to a critical need for innovation and direct congressional action.
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) also highlighted his serious concerns with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) distribution of new Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education positions, pressing Becerra to ensure the process is aligned with the methodology set by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) and to provide a balanced allocation of residency positions nationwide. The AAMC and other invested parties have urged the CMS to modify the current distribution methodology [refer to Washington Highlights, July 1, 2021].
- Washington Highlights