CMS to Phase Out Medicaid Continuous Coverage Waivers: On Wednesday, CMS announced the agency will no longer approve Medicaid 1115 waivers that support continuous coverage and will begin communications with states to phase out programs. Continuous coverage allows populations to remain in Medicaid for a certain time beyond the statuary limitations regardless of a change in circumstances, but CMS states the changes will prevent states from further stretching eligibilities that threaten programs’ budgets.

CMS Includes Site Neutrality in 2026 OPPS Rules: This week, CMS released their 2026 Hospital Prospective Payment System proposal for CY2026, highlighted by a proposal to pay doctors who administer Part B drugs at the Medicare physician fee rate. Chris Klomp, Deputy Administrator and Medicare Director at CMS, said the action to “advance site neutrality” will “help make hospital care more predictable, accountable, and affordable.”

Makary Says FDA Will Offer PRV to Lower Cost Drugs: Last Friday, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency will offer PRV vouchers to companies that voluntarily lower their U.S. prices to match those in other wealthy countries. Makary has announced the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program, potentially allowing reviews within 1-2 months following a company’s final drug application submission.

CMS Releases 2026 Physician Pay Proposals: On Monday, CMS released its proposed physician fee schedule that details changes to Medicare pay for 2026. The proposals would bring a major departure to how CMS traditionally reimburses physicians, as the agency proposes to give a 3.83 percent boost to physicians in a payment model, but a 3.62 percent increase for other doctors. The proposal is open for public comment for 60 days.

Senate HELP Holds Hearings with HHS, NLRB Nominee: On Wednesday, the Senate HELP Committee held a hearing with Ms. Crystal Carey and Dr. Brian Christine, being nominated for NLRB General Counsel and Assistant Secretary for HHS, respectively. Dr. Christine was asked to state his views on vaccinations, with Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) saying that HHS leadership has done too little to warn against the risks of forgoing vaccines. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) appeared concerned about Ms. Carey’s stance on defending NLRB precedent, saying that her interpretation of the role is “not reassuring.”

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