INAUGURATION WEEK.
- LAST DAYS OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION. We are now in the last 24 hours of the Trump Administration. What we are watching for is for any last minute policy announcements or changes that can impact the Biden Administration. In the last few days, we have seen the publication of the Benefits and Payment Parameters (BPP) final rule and approval of the Tennessee 1115 Medicaid block grant waiver. The Biden Administration is likely to act quickly to pause the effective date of the BPP final rule, while also looking to revoke the Tennessee 1115 waiver.
- THE START OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION. We are sure to see a flurry of immediate executive actions out of the new Administration as Biden assumes office. This may include rolling back some of the Trump Administration’s executive orders and issuing new executive orders. It has been reported that the first few Biden Administration executive orders will focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and addressing racial inequality.
- WHO’S WHO? Though the Biden transition team has announced many healthcare personnel decisions, we still do not know who will be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. With less than 24 hours to go, we expect these announcements to be made soon. The Biden team made several leadership announcements over the weekend, including Rachel Levine as the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Andrea Palm as the Deputy Secretary of HHS. Both positions require Senate confirmation.
- WORDS MATTER. Tomorrow, the nation will hear President-elect Biden’s message for the future of a divided country. How he can deliver a message of unity, accountability, and decency will have a major impact on the country and our ability to move forward.
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