FINALLY IT IS REALLY INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK.
Text of the bipartisan infrastructure package has been released. Late last night, Sunday, the bipartisan group of Senators working on the infrastructure released text of the infrastructure package. The package will cost approximately $550 billion over the next five years (which also has been characterized as a $1 trillion package because it is utilizing previously approved funding), and focuses on infrastructure issues, including transportation, highways, railways, and broadband. The bill does not focus on health care issues, but does include limited health care pay fors. The health care payfors include a three year delay of the Medicare pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) rebate rule, reducing Medicare spending on discarded medications from single-dose drug vials, and rescinding certain COVID-19 related funding. Of note, the remaining Provider Relief Fund (PRF) will not be included in the package as a payfor, which is an initial victory for providers interested in saving the remaining funds. The Senate is aiming to pass the bill this week, but this could slip into the weekend.
After that the Senate will focus on the budget resolution, which is the starting point for the $3.5 trillion partisan reconciliation package. Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY) aims to wrap up both packages by the end of next week. Speaker Pelosi has noted that the bipartisan infrastructure bill will not be brought to the House floor for a vote until the Senate passes the partisan reconciliation package. This is a good reminder that we are only at the beginning of a much longer process.
Inpatient Medicare Payment Rule Coming Soon. The Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals; the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System; and FY 2022 Rates final rule has cleared Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review. This means it is expected to be published very soon. Be sure to check back with McDermottPlus for our insights and review of the rule once it is released!
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