Health Care Checkup
January 6, 2023
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House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), as of this writing, appears poised to become the next Speaker of the U.S. House. After a historic number of House votes this week, 15 of the 21 Republicans who had opposed McCarthy during 12 previous votes flipped to support him on ballot number 13. The House has adjourned until about 10 PM this evening, so that McCarthy can continue negotiations with the few outstanding members he needs to make him the next Speaker.
Support from McCarthy’s opponents began growing after he introduced a deal to bring up the 12 appropriations spending bills individually. He also offered more discretion and resources for the “Weaponization of Government” subcommittee, and votes on specific pieces of legislation such as term limits, as well as seats on “A” committees (Appropriations, etc.) for Freedom Caucus members. Until the House comes to a consensus, members cannot be sworn in. Additionally, the House will not be able to pass a rules package.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) sent state Medicaid directors a letter, detailing an opportunity for states to address health-related social needs for Medicaid enrollees through the use of “in lieu of services and settings” in Medicaid managed care.
The Biden Administration announced that Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace enrollment grew by 18%, as of December 15, 2022, compared to the same time the year prior. CMS said that four out of five HealthCare.gov enrollees will be able to find a plan for $10 or less after Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released its 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which shows how people around the country reported about their experience with mental health conditions and substance use. Key findings of the report include: 21% of people aged 12 or older used illicit drugs, 94% of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive treatment, and nearly 25% of adults 18 and older had a mental illness.
On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Leqembi through its Accelerated Approval pathway for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi works to reduce amyloid beta plaque, which is a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Results from a Phase 3 randomized, controlled clinical trial to affirm the drug's clinical benefit have recently been reported and the FDA anticipates it will receive the data soon. The agency approved the drug for patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. Additional information can be found here.
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What to Expect Next Week: Once a Speaker of the House is elected the chamber will need time to negotiate committee ratios, complete the process of electing Chairs and Ranking Members, and populate committees and subcommittees. In the meantime, we can expect House Republicans to move forward on a number of bills House Majority Leader-elect Steve Scalise (R-LA) announced last Friday. The Senate stands adjourned until Monday, January 23.
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McCarthy Picks up Momentum Toward Speaker-bid, Becomes Increasingly Likely He Will Become Next Speaker of the House
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), as of this writing, appears poised to become the next Speaker of the U.S. House. After a historic number of House votes this week, 15 of the 21 Republicans who had opposed McCarthy during 12 previous votes flipped to support him on ballot number 13. The House has adjourned until about 10 PM this evening, so that McCarthy can continue negotiations with the few outstanding members he needs to make him the next Speaker.
Support from McCarthy’s opponents began growing after he introduced a deal to bring up the 12 appropriations spending bills individually. He also offered more discretion and resources for the “Weaponization of Government” subcommittee, and votes on specific pieces of legislation such as term limits, as well as seats on “A” committees (Appropriations, etc.) for Freedom Caucus members. Until the House comes to a consensus, members cannot be sworn in. Additionally, the House will not be able to pass a rules package.
FDA Approves Second Medication Aimed at Treating Alzheimer’s
On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Leqembi through its Accelerated Approval pathway for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi works to reduce amyloid beta plaque, which is a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Results from a Phase 3 randomized, controlled clinical trial to affirm the drug's clinical benefit have recently been reported and the FDA anticipates it will receive the data soon. The agency approved the drug for patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. Additional information can be found here.
CMS Releases Guidance to Help States Better Address the Needs of Medicaid Enrollees
CMS sent state Medicaid directors a letter, detailing an opportunity for states to address health-related social needs for Medicaid enrollees through the use of “in lieu of services and settings” in Medicaid managed care. The option will allow states to offer alternative benefits aimed at addressing health-related social needs, such as nutrition insecurity and housing instability, to help improve health outcomes. Additional information can be found here.
ACA Marketplace Enrollment Sees 18% Increase Compared to Same Time Year Prior
The Biden Administration announced that Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace enrollment grew by 18%, as of December 15, 2022, compared to the same time the year prior. CMS said that four out of five HealthCare.gov enrollees will be able to find a plan for $10 or less after Inflation Reduction Act tax credits. Consumers can enroll in plans on the HealthCare.gov Marketplace until January 15, 2023. More can be found here.
SAMHSA Releases 2021 Results of National Survey on Drug Use and Health
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released its 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which shows how people around the country reported about their experience with mental health conditions and substance use. Key findings of the report include: 21% of people aged 12 or older used illicit drugs, 94% of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive treatment, and nearly 25% of adults 18 and older had a mental illness. More on these findings can be found here.
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ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCEMENTS |
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Food and Drug Administration
Guidance Documents from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institutes of Health
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