Policy and Legislation

Heated debates over replacing Obamacare and roadblocks erected via industry cash have slowed down lawmakers despite the general agreement with the public on the need for legislation.

Sens. Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy court Maine and Alaska Senators by revising the bill to provide more funding for states that are low in population but have a high healthcare spending.

The AMA dashboard includes the "wins" and "asks" for MACRA's merit-based incentives and alternative payment models.

Bill is seen as a last-ditch effort for Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act by the Sept. 30 deadline for budget reconciliation.

ACO and hospital executives say they want greater flexibility in models for Medicare, Medicaid and dual-eligible patients.

The Graham-Cassidy bill will likely come to a vote before the Congressional Budget Office is able to provide its evaluation of the bill's effects, which means Avalere's estimates will likely be one of the only sources available before its ultimate fate is decided.

Millions would be expected to lose coverage under the bill that would fund individual insurance through block grants to states.

Republicans polled generally oppose the approach, although the opposition has been dwindling.

The Graham-Cassidy proposal would fundamentally restructure the Medicaid program.

Bipartisan bill reduces the amount of federal matching funds included in the Affordable Care Act.