Parliamentarian Strikes Reconciliation Health Provisions: On Thursday, Senate Democrats reported the Senate Parliamentarian, tasked with determining which provisions of a reconciliation bill fall within the allowed scope of the legislative vehicle, deemed proposed provider tax drawdowns, blocking of certain ACA payment for plans that cover abortion, and FMAP cuts for states providing Medicaid for undocumented patients unsuitable for reconciliation. Senate Democrats claim the Parliamentarian’s cuts would drop $250 billion in savings measures, while Republicans hope technical changes to the language may allow the measures to pass via a simple majority vote.  

HHS Releases Final ACA Rule: On Friday, CMS released its final rule tightening certain Obamacare eligibility standards and shortening the open enrollment period. Changes include reducing the enrollment period for plans by two weeks, adding paperwork requirements for some enrollees, and repealing a special enrollment period for households earning less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level. CMS estimates a million people will lose coverage as a result, but the agency will save $12 billion annually.

Supreme Court Allows States to Remove Planned Parenthood from Medicaid: On Thursday, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that federal law does not grant a legal right to sue if a state denies Medicaid access to certain providers. The decision comes after South Carolina pulled Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program, including non-abortion care; the majority opinion did suggest that the Federal government could penalize states from blocking certain providers.

Senate HELP Holds CDC Director Hearing: On Wednesday, President Trump’s CDC Director nominee Susan Monarez appeared before the Senate HELP Committee. Monarez, the current acting director, said vaccines “absolutely save lives” and that she would prioritize their availability. She said she has played no part in reduction in force efforts at the agency.  

HHS Sec. Kennedy Jr. Questioned on FY26 HHS Budget: On Tuesday, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the House Energy & Commerce Committee regarding the requested HHS budget. Subcommittee on Health Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO) criticized Kennedy after a federal judge’s blistering opinion overturned the Department’s termination of NIH research grants. Kennedy Jr. also claimed he was unaware of reported DOJ investigations into for-profit insurers overcharging Medicare and Medicaid plans when asked by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Kennedy Jr. did say the current Administration plans to continue IRA-passed CMS direct drug price negotiations.

House Appropriations Passes FDA Funding Bill: On Monday, the House Appropriations Committee passed a spending bill for FDA and the Department of Agriculture on party lines. The bill would cut about 11.5% in FDA budget and increase user-fee spending by 4%. Also included are requirements for the agency to increase unannounced inspections of overseas drug or device manufacturers and provide a report detailing food and color additives FDA is reviewing or prioritizing for future review.

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