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Congress Adjourns Without Healthcare Deal, Faces January Funding Deadline

Congress Adjourns Without Healthcare Deal, Faces January Funding Deadline

Congress has adjourned for the winter break without reaching an agreement on healthcare subsidies or a federal spending plan for fiscal year 2026. The lapse in enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025, is expected to increase out-of-pocket premiums for approximately 20 million Americans. The House has passed a measure to extend these subsidies, but it faces challenges in the Senate. The unresolved issues are set against a backdrop of a looming January 30 deadline to fund the government, following the longest funding lapse in U.S. history.

Congressional Bill Proposes Insurance Coverage for Detransitioners' Medical Care

Congressional Bill Proposes Insurance Coverage for Detransitioners' Medical Care

A new legislative proposal, the TRUTH in Coverage Act, has been introduced in the U.S. Congress by Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee, aiming to mandate insurance coverage for medical treatments required by individuals detransitioning from gender transition procedures. This bill follows a similar law passed in Texas, which requires insurance companies to cover rehabilitative care for those who detransition after undergoing gender transition surgeries and hormone treatments. The proposed federal legislation would require private insurers that cover gender transition procedures to also cover the costs of restorative care, including copayments and deductibles. The bill has a companion in the Senate introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas. If passed, it would amend several acts, including the Public Health Service Act, and take effect for plans starting on or after January 1, 2027.

Trump Administration Faces Lawsuit Over Gender-Affirming Healthcare Coverage Ban

Trump Administration Faces Lawsuit Over Gender-Affirming Healthcare Coverage Ban

The Trump administration is being sued by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the law firm Correia & Puth for blocking insurance coverage of gender-affirming healthcare for federal employees and their families. The lawsuit, filed against the Office of Personnel Management, claims the prohibition violates Title VII, which protects against sex discrimination. The ban affects approximately 39,400 enrollees, forcing many to pay out of pocket for necessary medical care. The lawsuit argues that the exclusion of coverage for gender-affirming care is discriminatory and likens it to denying coverage for other essential treatments like insulin for diabetes.

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Advocates for Site-Neutral Payment Reform Amid Healthcare Cost Concerns

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Advocates for Site-Neutral Payment Reform Amid Healthcare Cost Concerns

Iowa Republican Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks is actively involved in discussions regarding site-neutral payment reform, a significant issue in the healthcare sector. This reform aims to address the disparity in Medicare payments between hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and independent physician offices. Currently, Medicare pays higher rates for services performed in HOPDs compared to those in independent offices, leading to increased healthcare costs. This payment structure incentivizes hospital systems to acquire independent practices, thereby consolidating the healthcare market and driving up costs for patients and Medicare. Miller-Meeks, who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is concerned about the impact of these practices on healthcare costs and is advocating for reforms to ensure equitable payment regardless of the service location.

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Block Department of Education Interagency Transfers

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Block Department of Education Interagency Transfers

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, alongside Senators Tim Kaine, Susan Collins, Maggie Hassan, and Tammy Baldwin, has advanced legislation aimed at preventing the Department of Education from transferring critical offices and programs to other federal agencies. The bill, known as S. 5046, seeks to block the transfer of the Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Postsecondary Education, Elementary and Secondary Education, and Indian Education. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 13 to 9 in favor of the bill. The legislation addresses concerns about the lack of staff and expertise in other agencies to manage these programs effectively, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on children's education, particularly for those with special needs and Native students.

Rep. Bill Huizenga's Record on Social Security and Medicare Sparks Criticism

Rep. Bill Huizenga's Record on Social Security and Medicare Sparks Criticism

Rep. Bill Huizenga, a Republican from Michigan's 4th District, is facing scrutiny for his long-standing record of voting to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. Over his 15-year tenure in Congress, Huizenga has supported measures that would gradually raise the Social Security retirement age and privatize Medicare. He has voted for budget resolutions that could lead to significant reductions in Medicare funding, including a recent bill projected to cut nearly $500 billion from Medicare. Huizenga's stance has drawn criticism from senior advocacy groups and political opponents, who argue that his policies could negatively impact over 330,000 residents in his district who rely on these programs.

Delaware AG Joins Lawsuit Against Federal ACA Changes Impacting Health Costs

Delaware AG Joins Lawsuit Against Federal ACA Changes Impacting Health Costs

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in a lawsuit challenging recent federal changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks to block the 2027 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters rule. This rule, backed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, could increase health insurance costs by broadening eligibility for plans that do not qualify for premium tax credits, potentially leaving patients with higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Senate Finance Committee Explores Biotechnology's Role in Future Healthcare Resilience

Senate Finance Committee Explores Biotechnology's Role in Future Healthcare Resilience

The United States Senate Committee on Finance is holding a hearing titled 'Building a Resilient Health Care Future with Biotechnology.' Scheduled for August 4, 2026, the hearing will take place at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The focus is on exploring how biotechnology can contribute to a more resilient healthcare system. Individuals and organizations are invited to submit statements for the record, which must adhere to specific guidelines, including a maximum length of 10 pages and submission in Word format. These statements will be included in the hearing record if received within two weeks following the hearing.

New Jersey and New York Challenge Trump Administration's Health Insurance Rule Changes

New Jersey and New York Challenge Trump Administration's Health Insurance Rule Changes

The attorneys general of New Jersey and New York have filed a lawsuit to block a new rule from the Trump administration that they argue undermines the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The rule, issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, expands eligibility for 'catastrophic' health plans, which have low premiums but high out-of-pocket costs. The lawsuit, supported by nearly two dozen Democratic-led states, claims the rule will increase premiums for standard plans and reduce overall coverage. The rule also introduces new income-verification requirements and shifts some costs to states. The lawsuit was filed in the federal court for the Northern District of California.

UAMS College of Medicine Prepares Arkansas' Future Doctors Amid Health Challenges

UAMS College of Medicine Prepares Arkansas' Future Doctors Amid Health Challenges

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is at the forefront of training the next generation of doctors in Arkansas, led by Dr. Ron Robertson. As the state's only academic health center, UAMS combines patient care, education, and research to address the region's health needs. Dr. Robertson, a trauma surgeon with decades of experience, has recently been appointed as the dean of the College of Medicine. Under his leadership, UAMS is focusing on interdisciplinary teamwork and advanced technology in medical training. The institution faces challenges such as high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in Arkansas, as well as a shortage of primary care physicians, particularly in rural areas.

Senator Jacky Rosen Advocates for Gold Star Families with New Resolution

Senator Jacky Rosen Advocates for Gold Star Families with New Resolution

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) has successfully co-led a bipartisan Senate resolution to designate August 1st as 'Gold Star Children’s Day'. This resolution aims to honor the children of fallen servicemembers, acknowledging the sacrifices made by their families. Over the past 25 years, nearly 15,000 children have lost a parent in military service. Senator Rosen has been a strong advocate for Gold Star families, having previously co-led a bill to increase death gratuity payments for these families and introduced the CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act. This act would allow children of disabled veterans to remain eligible for VA health care coverage until age 26, aligning with the Affordable Care Act.

Durham Pharmacy: A Rare Business Surviving in Connecticut's Pharmacy Deserts

Durham Pharmacy: A Rare Business Surviving in Connecticut's Pharmacy Deserts

Durham Pharmacy: A Rare Business Surviving in Connecticut's Pharmacy Deserts