Policy and Legislation
"The virus is receding," the president said of COVID-19 during a news conference on Monday.
The department will distribute $15 billion from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund to providers that didn't receive funding in the first round.
HHS estimated in 2018 that the 28.5% cut to drug reimbursement rates would save Medicare $1.6 billion.
The voice vote approves the Foster-Kelly Amendment, which removes language that prohibits federal funding for the adoption of a unique patient ID.
HHS Assistant Secretary Admiral Brett Giroir says the media is incorrectly reporting how long it takes for tests to be returned.
The proposals, made during a global pandemic, will likely have little political support and may stifle innovation, experts say.
A new report by HHS Secretary Alex Azar is calling for congressional action to combat surprise billing and to promote price transparency.
Among other provisions, the bill extends the 5% advanced APM bonus for an additional six years and modifies thresholds to achieve the bonus.
The order reinstates a previously withdrawn rule mandating PBMs to give the rebate savings to consumers, rather than health plans.
Industry groups said the funds are necessary to ensure that hospitals can continue to effectively respond to the pandemic.