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Republican Lawmaker Hosts Discussion on 'No Surprises' Act Amid Rising Arbitration Costs

Republican Lawmaker Hosts Discussion on 'No Surprises' Act Amid Rising Arbitration Costs

The 'No Surprises' Act, intended to protect patients from unexpected out-of-network medical bills, is under scrutiny as its arbitration system has led to a surge in claims and increased payouts to providers. U.S. Representative Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) is organizing a discussion on Capitol Hill to address concerns that the arbitration process is being exploited, resulting in higher healthcare costs. The law's independent dispute resolution (IDR) system has seen providers winning about 88% of payment determinations, often securing payments above typical negotiated rates. Critics argue that the rapid growth in IDR claims is driving up costs for employers and patients, with an estimated $5 billion in additional costs generated during the first three years of the process.
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US House Leaders Launch Bipartisan Initiative to Address Sexual Misconduct in Congress

US House Leaders Launch Bipartisan Initiative to Address Sexual Misconduct in Congress

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have announced a bipartisan initiative aimed at addressing sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill. This effort is spearheaded by the chairs of the Republican and Democratic women's caucuses, Congresswomen Kat Cammack and Teresa Leger Fernández. The initiative seeks to identify reforms and solutions to create a safer work environment for women and all survivors of sexual misconduct. This announcement follows the resignations of two congressmen amid allegations of sexual misconduct, highlighting a broader issue within Congress. The task force will work in coordination with the House administration committee to develop proposed reforms, focusing on making the reporting process faster and more accessible, and increasing education and training resources.
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Bipartisan Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Restrict PBM Ownership of Pharmacies

Bipartisan Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Restrict PBM Ownership of Pharmacies

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has reintroduced the Patients Before Monopolies (PBM) Act, which aims to prevent companies from owning both a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) and retail pharmacies. The bill, led by Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tennessee, and co-sponsored by Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Massachusetts, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, and Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, seeks to dismantle conglomerates that control both sectors. The legislation has been in discussion since 2024, with similar laws already enacted in Arkansas and pending in Tennessee. The bill is part of a broader effort to address corporate practices that lawmakers argue inflate drug costs and limit consumer choice.
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Democratic Candidate Advocates for Universal Healthcare to Address Systemic Inequities

Democratic Candidate Advocates for Universal Healthcare to Address Systemic Inequities

Erin Petrey, a Democratic candidate for Kentucky’s Sixth District in the U.S. House, is advocating for universal healthcare, citing personal experiences with the healthcare system. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 24, Petrey faced significant medical costs and challenges accessing care. She argues that the Affordable Care Act, while a step forward, is insufficient as many still lack adequate coverage. Petrey emphasizes that a single-payer system, such as Medicare for All, would address the systemic issues of profit-driven healthcare, reduce national debt, and improve access, particularly in rural areas. She criticizes the current system for prioritizing corporate profits over patient care and calls for electing representatives who prioritize public health over corporate interests.
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Trump Administration Freezes $1.1 Billion in Medicaid Funds to California Over Fraud Concerns

Trump Administration Freezes $1.1 Billion in Medicaid Funds to California Over Fraud Concerns

The Trump administration has announced a freeze on $1.1 billion in Medicaid funding to California's In-home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, citing concerns over potential fraud. This program assists approximately 900,000 elderly and disabled residents in California, enabling them to remain in their homes rather than moving to institutional settings. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, described this as the largest deferral of funds ever made by the agency. The federal government claims that California's home health spending is growing at twice the rate of other states, prompting the suspension until the state can provide a satisfactory explanation. California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, argue that the program's growth is a success story, attributing it to increased caseloads, higher wages for home health workers, and more hours logged. They maintain that the program is cost-effective compared to nursing facilities and have implemented...
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Congress moves to raise retirement age for Capitol Police as threats against lawmakers mount

Congress moves to raise retirement age for Capitol Police as threats against lawmakers mount

Lawmakers are working to raise the retirement age for U.S. Capitol Police officers
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Supreme Court preserves access to widely used abortion pill, while lawsuit plays out

Supreme Court preserves access to widely used abortion pill, while lawsuit plays out

The Supreme Court has preserved women’s access to a drug used in the most common method of abortion, rejecting lower-court restrictions while a lawsuit continues
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Congressman Carter Introduces Bill to Support Medicaid Coverage Amid New Reporting Requirements

Congressman Carter Introduces Bill to Support Medicaid Coverage Amid New Reporting Requirements

Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) have introduced the Medicaid Outreach and Assistance for Communities Act of 2026. This legislation aims to help Americans maintain their Medicaid coverage in light of new work reporting requirements set to begin in 2027 under H.R. 1. These requirements are expected to complicate the process for staying enrolled in Medicaid, even for those who are eligible. The bill proposes to provide states with a 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Medicaid outreach, application, and enrollment assistance. This enhanced federal support is intended to help states manage the increased administrative burden and ensure that eligible individuals, including those in Medicaid expansion populations, do not lose coverage due to bureaucratic challenges.
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Trump administration freezes new Medicare enrollments for hospice and home health agencies

Trump administration freezes new Medicare enrollments for hospice and home health agencies

The Trump administration is expanding its fraud-busting initiative in federal health programs
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Exclusive-US halting Medicare enrollments for new home healthcare and hospice providers

Exclusive-US halting Medicare enrollments for new home healthcare and hospice providers

By Jody Godoy May 13 (Reuters) - The Trump administration will temporarily block new home health and hospice providers on Wednesday from enrolling in Medicare, a senior administration official said, citing concerns about widespread fraud.
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Bipartisan Efforts Seek Federal Film Tax Incentive to Revitalize U.S. Entertainment Industry

Bipartisan Efforts Seek Federal Film Tax Incentive to Revitalize U.S. Entertainment Industry

Bipartisan Efforts Seek Federal Film Tax Incentive to Revitalize U.S. Entertainment Industry
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PricePro Pharmacy Gains Attention Amid Rising Demand for Affordable Prescriptions

PricePro Pharmacy Gains Attention Amid Rising Demand for Affordable Prescriptions

PricePro Pharmacy Gains Attention Amid Rising Demand for Affordable Prescriptions