Both houses of Congress are in this week as we approach December 20, the deadline by which Congress must pass a continuing resolution (CR) that will fund the government moving forward.
Negotiations started last week, with both Republicans and Democrats trading offers on potential packages to include in the CR. Both sides included potential healthcare policies that are problematic for one another. Republicans suggested paying for most provisions by repealing the minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities (nursing home staffing) rule, and Democrats included a one-year extension of the enhanced premium tax credits for those with health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. While there will be some compromise on both sides, Republicans likely will not agree to a one-year extension of the enhanced premium tax credits because the next expiration would fall during 2026 midterm elections. It is also almost certain that repealing the nursing home staffing rule will be used to pay for Republican priorities at some point.
It still appears that the CR will be short-term, likely into March 2025, and there seems to be progress on priorities other than healthcare, including extending the farm bill and the disaster relief package. The House is scheduled to take up the National Defense Authorization Act Monday evening, which is another “must do” policy.
President-elect Trump has continued to indicate his incoming cabinet picks, and names are being floated for others in potential support roles (e.g., deputies, chiefs of staff). So far, Trump has announced the following people for health-related roles:
In this week’s Healthcare Preview podcast, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the ongoing congressional negotiations for a healthcare package before the end of the lame duck session.
