Policy and Legislation

Lawmakers want CMS to maintain the stability of the program, pointing to growing enrollment numbers during the pandemic.

CMS credited the American Rescue Plan with lowering average monthly premiums for HealthCare.gov consumers by 23%.

Some of the policies in the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters may limit innovation and competition, AHIP said.

This week's top stories include SCOTUS blocking a vaccine mandate for employees of large companies, yet upholding another one for facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid funding, and digital medicine platform Akili plans to go public through merging with SPAC Social Capital Suvretta.

Bamlanivimab and etesevimab, which are administered in tandem, and REGEN-COV are not effective against Omicron, the FDA said.

AGS believes it's premature for CMS to issue a coverage determination for other antibodies in the pipeline that don't yet have FDA approval.

The AHA is also urging the Federal Trade Commission to investigate reports of anticompetitive pricing by nurse-staffing agencies. 

The agency is not, however, withdrawing the emergency temporary standard as a proposed rule, saying it will work on a permanent standard.

The senators framed the widespread availability of free tests - along with vaccination - as a means of eventually ending the pandemic.

Uncertainty over when the waiver will end may create barriers to entry for new participants, the groups say.